Human Services Degrees & Programs: Associate's Degree Program in Human Services

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.

| Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Program Highlights

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

What Are the Career Opportunities?

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.*

Curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services

Course #	Course Title	Credits
100/200-level	100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
	100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE
	200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE

Course #	Course Title	Credits
CM 206	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS	5 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS This course introduces students to the principles of interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management, and effective communication strategies.
HN 115	HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM AND PROFESSION	5 HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM AND PROFESSION The course introduces students to the human services field and the Kaplan University human services degree programs. The field of study, skill sets, and the various human service agencies and diverse populations encountered in the field will be discussed. Students will research the human services degree and course offerings along with their professional and personal goals in order to map out their specific degree plan and career goals.
HN 144	HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE ENVIRONMENT	5 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE ENVIRONMENT Working as a human service professional demands an understanding of the differences and similarities in human behavior. This course will focus on the basic systems or influences that help to define, identity, and explain behavior. Students will examine how family structures, institutions, organizations, and communities contribute to the complex issues facing diverse populations in the twenty-first century. Students will examine ways to incorporate these theories to help them develop practical intervention skills.
HN 200	SURVEY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS	5 SURVEY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS The course exposes students to a broad array of social problems that affect the lives of many Americans. Students will gain insight and tools to analyze social problems, potential solutions, and the effects of these problems on individuals and society. Students will also reflect on their role as change agents for the clients with whom they work.
HN 205	APPLIED SKILLS FOR HUMAN SERVICES	5 APPLIED SKILLS FOR HUMAN SERVICES Students will gain an understanding of the basic interviewing skills and documentation techniques required of a human service worker. Students will learn how to respond to a variety of situations involving clients with different needs and backgrounds; ask probing questions to elicit the required information; and document the client's needs correctly, considering confidentiality, legal, and ethical implications. The course also addresses a number of other issues critical in human services such as problem solving, avoiding self-disclosure, and cultural sensitivity in verbal and nonverbal communications.
HN 220	PREVENTION AND CRISIS INTERVENTION	5 PREVENTION AND CRISIS INTERVENTION Students will learn appropriate and ethical prevention and intervention strategies. Using case studies and scenarios, students will identify risk factors that contribute to crisis situations and distinguish between intervention and prevention strategies. Particular attention is given to crisis situations involving youth, families, and the elderly in a variety of settings.
PS 124	INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY	5 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology, one of the social sciences. Students will be introduced to a range of topics that offer insight into human thought and actions, including what motivate us to study human behavior, ethical decisions, problem solving, and theories on memory, learning, intelligence, and personality. This course will highlight the use of critical thinking and the application of the concepts. In addition, it will draw on practical psychological concepts related to students' personal and professional relationships.
HN 299	ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR HUMAN SERVICES	5 ASSOCIATE'S CAPSTONE FOR HUMAN SERVICES This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses students have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in an original comprehensive project, and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree program.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	OPEN ELECTIVES	35 OPEN ELECTIVES

Students who do not possess prior learning credit comparable to IT 133: Software Applications must either take the course as an elective or pass the IST assessment before their first term or upon completion of foundational coursework.

Total Program Requirements	90 Total Program Requirements

Core Requirements
Major
Open Elective
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$371.00
Total program requirements Associate of Applied Science in Human Services	90
Total cost of tuition	$33,390.00
This program requires a $100 technology fee per term (online students only). A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships.

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*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, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services

College of Arts and Sciences