The objective of the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services program is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students to pursue a rewarding career in a wide variety of helping professions.* Students are taught to develop their talents, assess clients’ needs, identify community resources, and problem solve and advocate for their client—all with the goal of making a difference in the lives of those unable to help themselves.

Through the curriculum’s blending of theory and practice, students study how to critically evaluate the public and private policies that drive the day-to-day operations of human service agencies in this country and how they can best intervene on behalf of the clients they will serve.

The curriculum emphasizes:

• Applying critical thinking to real-world situations
• Demonstrating knowledge of the theoretical bases, best practices, and historical and current trends related to the human services profession
• Understanding the application of theory and skills to identify, plan, and utilize resources to improve client situations
• Behaving professionally, ethically, and legally in the workplace
• Utilizing information and systems to appropriately manage and support human services delivery
• Understanding the importance of culture, gender, diversity, and global perspectives when working with clients

Core Major Open Elective Total Program Requirements

Courses Credits Communication Course 5 Mathematics Course 5 Communication Course 5 Courses Credits Academic Strategies for Human Services Professionals 5 Introduction to Human Services 5 Human Behavior and the Environment 5 Survey of Social Problems 5 Applied Skills for Human Services 5 Prevention and Crisis Intervention 5 Psychology 5 Associate’s Capstone for Human Services 5 Courses Credits Open Electives 35 Total Program Requirements 90

The Associate of Applied Science in Human Services program is designed to prepare graduates with a solid foundation in human services principles that can be applied in many areas including mental health, social services, education, rehabilitation, group and community work, nursing homes, court systems, and public policy. Positions may include, but are not limited to, life skills instructor, social service assistant, child advocate, adult day care worker, and case management aide.* 

*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.