2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in Human Services

Purdue Global is a public institution with a 100% admission rate and a 27% graduation rate. Purdue Global offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and two years to complete. There is also a required Comprehensive Capstone project. Students acquire an understanding of human services, including the basics, client interventions, delivery of services, best practices, and diversity in the delivery of services.

At Purdue Global, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Coursework includes Applied Skills for Human Services, Prevention & Crisis Intervention, and Human Behavior & The Environment. The required online classes fulfill the educational requirements for the HS-BCP exam. Graduates may work as community and social services specialists, adult services workers, and family support workers.

Rasmussen University Online (RU) is a small, private institution that offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services, which requires 90 credit hours. Students can complete this online degree in 18 months. Students may take as many as three self-directed assessments to receive course credit without taking the course. This program provides students with the knowledge, human services skills, confidence and communication skills to succeed as human services workers. RU has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 45%.

At RU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students attend live sessions with faculty and staff, as well as complete assignments and communication with peers. Courses include Evolving Populations in Human Services, Perspectives on Human Behavior, and Working with Clients, among others. Graduates may work as Child and Youth Services Workers, Adult Services Workers, Family Support Workers, and Human Services Administrators.

The Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a private, predominantly Black institution, with a 100% acceptance rate and a 56% graduation rate. UMA offers an online Associate of Science Health & Human Services, which is typically completed in 18 months and requires 64 credit hours. This online associate program provides students with the skills necessary to secure community resources, provide assistance and referrals, recognize advocacy needs, acknowledge vulnerable populations, and support those seeking public and private services.

At UMA, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Social Welfare, Medical Terminology, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment, among others. Graduates may work with nonprofit organizations, foundations or civic groups, government health agencies, public health departments, and behavioral health facilities.

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 48%. TESU offers an online Associate in Arts in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. Prospective students must complete 800 hours (six months) of work experience before applying to the online associate program.

At TESU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses cover areas such as theoretical foundation, intervention, and client populations; provide students with the skills to define key concepts; identify theories of professional practice; and help students understand the specific techniques, agencies, and skills to serve clients. Ideally students will also be able to explain cultural diversity in the field. Students must also complete a capstone course to graduate.

Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU) is a private, Christian university with a 100% acceptance rate and a 54% graduation rate. IWU offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes 2-3 years to complete. Students in this online associate program learn to promote personal growth in themselves and others, serve individuals and groups through crisis intervention, understand the criminal justice system, and integrate faith into their careers and learning.

At IWU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is fully online. Courses include Principles of Sociology, Crisis Intervention, and Addictions Theory, among others. Graduates work as Human Resource Specialists, Administrative Support Associates, Case Managers, and Employee Relations Associates.

Prospective students should note that IWU is not an LGBT-friendly institution.

Columbia College (CC) is a small, public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 28% graduation rate. CC offers an online Associate in Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. Students gain knowledge about counseling theories, case management, social psychology, social gerontology, and mental health.

At CC, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Minority Cultures & Relations, American Social Policy, and Working with Families, among others. Graduates work in fields, such as community health, social services advocacy, care coordination, and recovery support.

Bryant & Stratton College Online (BSC) is a private, two-year institution that offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Human and Social Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes at least two years to complete. Students learn to interact affectively with supervisors, peers, and the public while performing diverse administrative responsibilities and applying ethical and legal standards to human and social services. BSC has a 100% acceptance rate and a 16% graduation rate.

At BSC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Family Theory & Services, Crisis Intervention, and Cultural Competence in the Human Services, among others. Graduates work in crisis intervention, case management, and social and human services.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of General Studies - Human Services (Sociology), which requires 60 credit hours. The 60 credits required in this program includes 12 hours in courses specific to human services. Students generally take around two years to finish their degree online. FHSU’s acceptance rate for new students is 91% and the graduation rate is 57%.

At FHSU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Sociology of Death & Dying, Family Communication, and Sociology of Gender Roles. Graduates will have acquired critical-thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and math and communication skills that can be beneficial in the workforce.

SUNY Empire State College (ESU) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 47% graduation rate. ESU offers an online Associate of Arts/Science Community and Human Services, which requires 64 credit hours and two years to complete. Students acquire the skills to implement diverse, equitable and inclusive programs, recognize dynamics of power and privilege in most areas of health and human services, and promote equality and social justice.

At ESU, students use Moodle to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Interpersonal Violence, Stress & Resilience in Families, and Community Health, among others. Graduates may work in health and human services, health and human services management, and substance abuse services.

Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is a public institution with an open admission policy and a graduation rate of 42%. EFSC offers an online Associate in Science in Social and Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and a specialization in either Aging Services or Domestic Violence Services. Students gain the skills to demonstrate knowledge of human services delivery systems, articulate the importance of legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities, and model effective crisis intervention skills.

At EFSC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Case Management in Human Services, Developmental Psychology, and Fundamentals of Speech Communication. Students must also 2 practicum courses. Graduates work with people in family settings, group settings, and as individuals under the supervision of a social worker, psychologist or other trained professional.

Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a public institution that offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services. This associate degree requires 60 credit hours and takes about two years to complete on a full-time schedule. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in agencies that provide social, educational, advocacy, substance abuse, and mental health services.

At JCTC, students use Blackboard to access their course work, which is almost entirely online. Students are required to complete 120 internship hours. Courses include Values of Human Services in a Contemporary Society, Foundational Skills in Para-Professional Practice, and Group Dynamics for Human Services. Graduates work in a variety of institutions, including mental health settings, chemical dependency settings, hospitals, educational institutions, and others.

Great Basin College (GBC) is a small, public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 31% graduation rate. GBC offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 61 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. Students acquire the skills to apply evidence-based behavioral health interventions and transformational change processes.

At GBC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses — like Substance Abuse Fundamentals, Psychology of Human Relations, and Ethics in Human Services — help prepare students to work at social service agencies, mental health centers, correctional institutions, substance abuse treatment facilities, community health education organizations. A Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training and a Certificate of Achievement in Human Services can also be completed during this degree program.

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a public, two-year institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a graduation rate of 18%. CCBC offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Counseling, which requires 60 credit hours and at least a two-year commitment. The program provides students with the knowledge to utilize counseling skills and abilities, apply therapeutic techniques, and develop plans to address clients’ presenting problems. Students can specialize in behavioral health counseling or human services generalist.

At CCBC, students use the software Brightspace to access their 100% online coursework. Courses include Developing Cultural Proficiency in a Diverse World, Supporting Clients Experiencing Psychopathology, and Crisis Intervention. There's also a required internship. Graduates work in a variety of helping professions, including child and youth care, elder care, and alcohol and drug counseling.

Cerro Coso Community College (CC) is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution that has an acceptance rate of 100% and a graduation rate of 18%. CC offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. Students gain the skills to conduct interviews, write incident reports, assess situations for appropriate responses, and analyze the cultural components of human services situations to recommend interventions.

At CC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is 100% online and may be either synchronous (via Zoom) or asynchronous, depending on the course. Courses include Cultural Competence in Human Services, Psychology of Substance Abuse, and Lifespan Development, to name a few. Graduates often find work as human services technicians, case workers, recovery specialists, and independent living specialists.

Tulsa Community College (TCC) is a public institution that offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services. The associate program requires 60 credit hours, an internship, and two years to complete. Students acquire the skills to integrate human services principles into their work, understand the role of diversity in meeting needs, and document the practice of professional skills in the field.

At TCC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is all online. Courses include Principles of Human Services, Lifespan Development, and Human Services Applications/Case Management. TCC’s program prepares students to work as case managers, social work assistants, peer recovery specialists, community outreach workers, life skills coaches, and crisis intervention workers.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is a public institution with an open admissions policy and a 24% graduation rate. BCTC hosts an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. This program prepares online students for entry-level positions in agencies that provide social, educational, advocacy, substance abuse, and mental health services.

At BCTC, students use the digital platform Blackboard to access their coursework, which is almost entirely online. Students are also required to complete 120 internship hours. Courses include Values of Human Services in a Contemporary Society, Cultural diversity in Human Services, and Clinical Practices in Human Services. Graduates work in a variety of institutions, including mental health settings, chemical dependency settings, hospitals, and educational institutions.

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of Science in Mental Health and Human Services, which requires 61 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. The acceptance rate at UMA is 100%, and the graduation rate is 30%. Students gain the knowledge and skills to handle crises, manage caseloads, represent others through advocacy, provide psychosocial rehabilitation, and counsel clients.

At UMA, students use the learning management system Blackboard to access their coursework, which is mostly online. Some examples of the classes they offer include Community Mental Health, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Trauma Recognition & Intervention. This program also requires an intensive writing course. Graduates may work as residential substance use counselors, discharge planners, mental health specialists, homeless shelter coordinators, and care coordinators.

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 56% graduation rate. NTC offers an online Associate in Human Services, which requires 66 credit hours (including 4 credit hours of field experience). This two-year program empowers students to to cultivate professional relationships, apply human services interventions, utilize community resources, and uphold ethical standards and values for human service professionals.

At NTC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Some potential courses in this associate degree program include Boundaries & Ethics - Helping Professions, Understanding Substance Use, and Family Systems. Graduates often work as youth behavior specialists, direct support professionals, youth and adult workers, and mental health support workers.

Stanly Community College (SCC) is a small, public institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a 28% graduation rate. SCC offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology, which requires 70 credit hours and takes about two years to complete with a full-time schedule. This online program helps students develop proper documentation skills, apply counseling skills to client experiences, describe various treatment modalities, and develop therapeutic communication techniques.

At SCC, students use the popular platform Canvas to access and submit their coursework digitally. Courses include Developmental Psychology, Children & Adolescents in Crisis, and Working With Diversity. Alums of this program work in a variety of fields, including mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies.

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of Arts in Human Services, which requires 64 credit hours and two years to complete. With a 100% acceptance rate and an 18% graduation rate, MCCC provides students with the skills to work in direct service delivery in human service programs, apply appropriate skill for a micro/macro perspective, and assess necessary intervention techniques.

At MCCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Courses include Social Policy & Ethics in Human Services, Assessment & Documentation in Human services, and a Human Services Practicum. Graduates of the human services associate program may work in positions that handle intake work, crisis intervention, consumer advocacy, residential counseling, and more.

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, Baptist institution with an 85% acceptance rate and a 57% graduation rate. UC offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services, which requires 61 credit hours. Students generally finish this degree in around two years if they maintain a full-time schedule. It is designed to help them gain the knowledge and skills to conduct ethical practice, establish appropriate boundaries, and apply their skills within professional environments.

At UC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Case Management, Human Diversity & Ethics, and Group Dynamics. Graduates of this program may pursue careers in human service workers, case work aides, family service assistants, public health educators, life skills instructors, and intake interviewers.

Students should note that The University of the Cumberlands is not an LGBT-friendly university.

The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies (UNH CPS) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of Science in Behavioral Science - Human Services. This program requires 60 credit hours and prepares students for a smooth transition to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. Students gain the tools to evaluate ethical principles of the behavioral sciences; prepare for seamless transition to a Bachelor of Science; and attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry.

At UNH CPS, students use the software Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Managing Conflict, Human Services & the Helping Process, and Dynamics of Family Relationships. Graduates can directly apply all 60 credit hours to UNH CPS’ 120-hour Bachelor of Science program. UNH CPS has an 87% acceptance rate and a 77% graduation rate.

Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) is a public, two-year institution with a 100% acceptance rate and an 18% graduation rate. VPCC offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 66 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. This program teaches students skills related to basic counseling, problem-solving, substance abuse, psychology, and sociology.

At VPCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Communication Skills for Human Services Professionals, Developmental Psychology, and Sociology of the Family. There is also a required internship in human services. Graduates may work as drug and alcohol rehabilitation technicians, nursing home aides, childcare workers, mental health counselors, teacher assistants, and case management aides.

The Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private, Protestant institution in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition that offers an online Associate of Arts in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. Students develop the knowledge and skills to identify foundational theories, demonstrate interpersonal skills, implement client interventions and integrate a Christian Worldview into the human services field. OCU has a 100% acceptance rate and a 27% graduation rate.

At OCU, students use the Brightspace platform to access their asynchronous coursework online. Some examples of classes required for this degree are Case Management, Applied Skills for Helping Professions, and Public & Private Services. Overall, this curriculum helps prepares students to advance to a baccalaureate program in fields such as criminal justice, psychology, social work, and ministry.

Bismarck State College (BSC) is a public, two-year institution with an open admissions policy and a 50% graduation rate. BSC offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and takes two years to complete with a full-time schedule. Students become proficient in basic helping skills and the overview of service delivery and program administration.

At BSC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Development of Social Welfare, and Developmental Psychology. Graduates of this program work with county social welfare agencies, mental health and social service agencies, group home settings, community organizations, day care centers, and nursery schools.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) is a small, public institution with an open admissions policy and a 26% graduation rate. BSCTC hosts an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, which requires 60 credit hours and typically takes two years to complete. This associate degree prepares students for entry-level positions in agencies and institutions that provide basic needs as well as social, community, educational, and mental health services.

At BSCTC, students use Blackboard to access their course work, which is almost entirely online. Students are required to complete 120 internship hours. Courses include Values of Human Services in a Contemporary Society, Cultural diversity in Human Services, and Clinical Practices in Human Services. Graduates work in a variety of institutions, including public welfare agencies and facilities for mentally disabled and developmentally challenged individuals.

Nash Community College (NCC) is a small, public institution with an open admission policy and a 23% graduation rate. NCC offers an online Associate in Human Services Technology, which requires 65 credit hours and can be completed in two years with a full-time schedule. Students develop the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in human services.

At NCC, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Human Services Issues, Developmental Psychology, and Case Management, among others. Graduates are prepared to work in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies.

Randolph Community College (RCC) is a small, public institution that offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology. This program requires 67 credit hours, field experience, and two years to complete. This curriculum is designed to empower students to identify different communication styles within group settings; promote understanding of self, others, and overall personal growth; and understand the different roles of human services workers and the best practices.

At RCC, students use Moodle, a popular learning platform, to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Some of the online classes are Substance Abuse Counseling, Human Services Issues, and Crisis Intervention. Graduates work in fields like mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies.

Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) is a small, public institution with an open admissions policy and a 66% graduation rate. ATCC offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health & Human Services, which requires 64 credit hours. This program provides students with knowledge in human development and behavior, common conditions & disabilities, and the impact of environmental stressors and positive support.

At ATCC, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Courses include Facilitating Positive Behavior, Person-Centered Planning, and Direct Service Professionalism. Graduates of this program are prepared to address supervisory or middle management tasks across a variety of settings such as residential, clinics, schools, and other community support agencies.

The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Catholic institution with an acceptance rate of 89% and a graduation rate of 44%. SAGU offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services requiring 61 credit hours and a core Bible course each semester. Students learn to discuss theories of criminal justice; demonstrate a psychological understanding of a diverse population from a Christian perspective; and understand philosophy, historical development, concepts, and methods in relation to social welfare.

At SAGU, students use Blackboard to access their classes online, which include Ethics in Criminal Justice, Counseling Families Through the Life Cycle, and Cultural Issues in the Helping Professions. Graduates work in a variety of locations, including mental health facilities, social service organizations, group homes, nonprofit and faith-based facilities, government agencies or private companies.

Students should note that SAGU is not LGBT-friendly. It lists homosexuality as an expellable offense.