Associate in Arts in Human Services

Program Overview

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The Associate in Arts Human Services (AAHS) degree 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 6 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 in Human Services degree.

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 5 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 Advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (15 Credits)

ENC-101English Composition I

3

ENC-102English Composition II

3

COM-209Public Speaking

3

MAT-105Applied Liberal Arts Mathematics

3

SOS-110Critical Information Literacy

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-322Cultural Diversity in the United States

3

ETH-230Ethics in the Digital Age

3

POS-110American 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-101Introduction to Psychology

3

SOC-101Our Changing World An Introduction to Sociology

3

Select three featured courses from the list below
ANT-101Introduction to Anthropology

3

HIS-210American Civil Rights Movement

3

SOC-210Marriage and the Family

3

SOC-242Juvenile Delinquency

3

SOC-291Criminology

3

D. Scientific Knowledge (6 Credits)

EAS-101General Earth Science

3

BIO-208The 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 which 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-295Associate-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 in Human Services degree 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.