Associate in Arts in Human Services

Program Overview

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The Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Human Services is a 60-credit program designed for adults working in the human services field. To be admitted to the program and to complete the Capstone course, students must have current work experience in the field of human services. Students must have a minimum of six months/800 hours of current work experience. Students must submit a current resume at the time of application. The degree is designed to provide seamless transfer to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Human Services.

Associate-Level Capstone Course Requirements

The Associate-Level Capstone Course is an in-depth, student-centered experience that requires the integration of theory and practical experience. Students will demonstrate an understanding of their knowledge by applying it to a specific project. Students must have significant current experience within the last five years in the field of their area of study to complete the degree program. This experience must be documented and approved as soon as possible after enrolling. While this experience is usually full-time paid employment, the requirement may also be satisfied through documentation of part-time or volunteer experience according to the following standards.

  • Six months relevant, full-time documented employment
  • Part-time relevant documented employment that consists of at least 800 hours total experience.
  • Relevant documented volunteer service, at the appropriate level, that consists of a minimum of 800 hours total experience.
  • Currency requirements may be waived at the discretion of the dean.
  • To enroll in the Associate Level Capstone course, students must have completed:
  • 6 credits of English Composition
  • 6 credits in Social Science
  • 15 credits of required courses

Credit Distribution

I. General Education Featured Courses (45 Credits)

TESU Featured Courses are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas and can be viewed on our website under General Education Courses.  For more information see About Our General Education Program.  To plan your program please contact an academic advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (15 Credits)

ENC-1010Writing for Success

3

ENC-1020Writing for Success II

3

COM-2090Public Speaking

3

MAT-1050Applied Liberal Arts Mathematics

3

SOS-1100Fact, Fiction, or Fake? Information Literacy Today

3

For all TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Intellectual and Practical Skills.

B. Civic and Global Leadership (9 Credits)

SOC-3220Cultural Diversity in the United States

3

ETH-2200Leading the Way: A Path Towards Ethical Leadership

3

POS-1100American Government

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Civic and Global Leadership.

C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (15 Credits)

PSY-1010Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC-1010Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology

3

PSY-1010 and SOC-1010 are required.
Select three featured courses:
ANT-1010Introduction to Anthropology

3

HIS-2100American Civil Rights Movement

3

SOC-2100Marriage and the Family

3

SOC-2420Juvenile Delinquency

3

SOC-2910Criminology

3

D. Scientific Knowledge (6 Credits)

EAS-1010General Earth Science

3

BIO-2080The Science of Nutrition

3

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Scientific Knowledge.

II. Areas of Study Requirements (12 Credits)

Theoretical Foundation Courses (3 Credits)

Theoretical Foundation courses include those pertaining to theory, knowledge, and skills of the human services profession.

Intervention Courses (3 Credits)

Intervention courses include those that emphasize theory and knowledge bases for interventions and criteria for selection of appropriate interventions.

Client Population Courses (3 Credits)

Client Population courses include those which emphasize the range of populations served and needs addressed by human services professionals. 

Associate Capstone (3 Credits)

HUS-2950Associate-Level Human Services Capstone

3

III. Electives (3 Credits)

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. View information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Human Services will have the ability to:

  • define key concepts in the area of study;
  • identify theories of professional practice;
  • explain the specific skills, techniques, and agencies necessary to serve client populations; and
  • explain cultural diversity as it relates to the field of human services.