Why This Matters

  • 18% OF WORKERS HAVE AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE

    Throughout the U.S., 18% of social and human services workers have obtained an associate degree, while 16% have no degree and 39% have a bachelor’s degree.

  • 17% MORE HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS NEEDED BY 2029

    This profession is growing much faster than average, with a 17% increase in the need for social and human service assistants anticipated by 2029.

  • EARN AS MUCH AS $56,080 ANNUALLY

    The median pay for social and human service assistants throughout the country is $35,960, with the top 10% of earners making over $56,080.

Our Research

This list includes associate degree programs in human services from a variety of institutions. Programs may be available online or via blended learning, which combines online learning with a traditional classroom.

The Council for Standards in Human Services Education accredits many programs in this field of study. Additionally, some programs listed here are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, as well as regional organizations that oversee post-secondary education. Degrees from regionally and nationally accredited schools are important, as credits from these programs can more easily be transferred to other institutions across the country.

  • 80 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 168 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Associate in Human Services Programs

Best Online Associate in Human Services Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Brescia University
01
Most Affordable
Herkimer College
01
Best Private Institution
Columbia College
01
Best Christian Institution
Cornerstone University
01
Best for International Students
Northcentral Technical College
01
Best for Veterans
University of the Cumberlands
01
Best Job Placement Services
Madisonville Community College
01
Best in the Northeast
Ocean County College
01
Best in the Southwest
Great Basin College
01
Best Public Institution
Niagara County Community College
01
Best for Continuing Education
Franklin Pierce University
01
Best Alumni Network
Minot State University
01
Best Asynchronous Program
Western New Mexico University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Thomas Edison State University
01
Most Flexible Online Program
Bryant & Stratton College
01
Best in the West
Coastline College
01
Best Library
Hagerstown Community College
01
Best Student Services
Iowa Central Community College
01
Most Flexible Start Terms
New England College
01
Most Flexible Admissions
Central Maine Community College
01
Best Full-Time Program
Union County College
01
Best Electives
Genesee Community College
01
Best Scholarships
Montgomery County Community College
01
Best in the South
Wake Technical Community College
01
Best in the Midwest
Bismarck State College
01
Best Fieldwork Experience
Monroe Community College
01
Best Community Outreach
Alexandria Technical & Community College
01
Best for Working Students
Purdue University Global
01
Best for Micro-Credentials
Elizabethtown College
01
Best Liberal Arts Institution
Camden County College
01
Most Flexible Course Choices
Ohio Christian University
01
Best Related Certifications
Waukesha County Technical College
01
Best Degree Variety
Ivy Tech Community College
01
Best Student Satisfaction
Madison Area Technical College
01
Most Customizable Program
Middlesex Community College
01
Best Faith-Based Institution
Grace Christian University
01
Best Faculty
Finger Lakes Community College
01
Best Internship Program
Monroe College
01
Best Accelerated Program
Tompkins Cortland Community College
01
Fastest Completion Time
Rasmussen University
01
Best for Transfer Students
SUNY Broome Community College
01
Best in the Southeast
Shorter University
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
01
Best Counseling Curriculum
Stanly Community College
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
Eastern Florida State College
01
Most Related Certifications
Quinsigamond Community College
01
Best Networking
Westmoreland County Community College
01
Most Recognized Faculty
Penn State World Campus

What You Should Know About This Degree

Human services degrees are focused on teaching students how to provide advocacy and intervention help to families and individuals. While this degree has a relatively broad focus when it comes to crises, there are similar degrees that prepare students to provide more specialized services. This includes degrees in addiction studies or substance abuse counseling, as well as degrees in child development and psychology.

When selecting your degree program, it’s important to consider your career goals, as well as your learning style. Use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to ensure that your chosen program is properly accredited and that credits are transferable to other institutions should you move or decide to upgrade your education.

After graduation, you may have several rewarding job opportunities to choose from. Those who complete this degree may work as probation and parole agents, social workers, benefits managers, adult daycare workers, or youth workers.

If you choose a career that involves working with private information or vulnerable individuals, it’s worth noting that background checks are usually required by employers. Additionally, some professions in this field, including social worker, may require you to obtain licensing from your state.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in human services programs:

  • What licensing and certifications are required? If you choose to work with at-risk youth or individuals, you may need to become a licensed social worker. This involves passing an examination with your state board and keeping your licensing up to date as per state regulations. Additionally, many careers in human services require workers to pass regular background checks.
  • Am I eligible for this program? Online associate degree programs all differ, as do their prerequisites. While some colleges offer open enrollment for human services programs, meaning there are no prerequisites, others may require students to have minimum scores on SAT or ACT tests.

While researching available programs, be sure to keep track of important details about each program that appeals to you. That includes taking note of deadlines and application requirements, as well as costs. If you require financial aid or decide to apply for scholarships or grants, be sure to submit applications on time.