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Associate Degree in Human Services Technology
Associate Degree in Human Services Technology
Becoming a human service assistant may interest you if you want a career helping others, and can be achieved by completing an associate's degree program. Read on to learn about the associate's degree curriculum, courses to expect, and salary statistics for human service assistants.
What Is an Associate's Degree Human Services Technology?
Associate's degree programs in human services technology are 2-year programs designed to teach the skills needed to work in a variety of helping and counseling positions, such as social work, substance abuse counseling or support services for the mentally or physically disabled. While this degree program is mainly offered at community colleges, it may also be found at some 4-year institutions. Some schools may even offer a number of their courses online. Additionally, these programs may be offered as transfer programs that allow students to earn an associate's degree on route to a bachelor's degree in human services or social work. Most associate's degree programs in human services technology result in an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Associate's Degree Curriculum</b></td><td> Two year program that teaches necessary skill set to work in counseling positions from substance abuse counseling to social work.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Social science, family studies, stress management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b></td><td> $33,750 for Social and Human Service Assistants (2018)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>Human services technology programs focus on teaching you how to help people with developmental, emotional, physical or social disabilities. Courses you may take include social science, family studies, psychology, counseling, stress management, human development and client advocacy. Additionally, because of the personal and hands-on nature of human services, you may have to complete internships to successfully complete the program.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>You'll be qualified to work in a variety of settings within the field of human services, such as a senior center, mental health center, child or family welfare center or nursing home. You may also choose to focus on working with specific populations, including people who are homeless, mentally ill or victims of domestic violence. Some degree programs may prepare you specifically for positions that are offered in your state, such as social work assistant or substance abuse counselor. In 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted faster than average growth in the field of human services, with more than 63,900 jobs expected to be added from 2016-2026 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Social and human service assistants earned a median salary of $33,750 in 2018.</p>
