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Associate Degree

Health and Human Services
Associate of Science

Program Length

24 Mo.

Credits

60

Format

Online

Tuition cost per credit

$430
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NEXT START May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Program highlights

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Format100% online classes
Degree pathwaysEarn a 2-year degree and transfer credit into a BS-HHS, or pursue related bachelor's degree majors in allied health, nursing, business, or others
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

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Classes start: May 5th
Satisfaction rate

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Associate of Science in Health and Human Services

The Associate of Science in Health and Human Services is a 60-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a wide variety of potential career pathways in community health.

The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in human resource management, behavioral health in communities, social problems and policy, human development across the lifespan, and much more.

Human Services Community Worker Discussing Local Issues

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Program classes & curriculum details

All didactic (lecture-style) classes are delivered online, and there is no field work, practicum, or internship included as part of the program. You can personalize your education by utilizing 10 open elective credit hours.

ProgramMonths iCredits
Associate of Science in Health and Human Services2560

i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time

Required Courses in Behavioral Health

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course introduces the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the behavioral health sector.  Students will examine the topics of diversity and difference in the areas of gender, political views, physical abilities, race, class, culture, sexual orientation, religion, age, and mental health. This course will provide the tools to improve equity and inclusion within the behavioral health sector through engagement with others, identifying and addressing unconscious bias, understanding the concept of social stratification, examining microaggressions, fostering an inclusive climate, discussing oppression and suppression, and privilege. Students will demonstrate how to effectively engage with clients, recognize the dignity and worth of all people, and demonstrate self-awareness and cultural humility.

This course examines the ethical, legal, and professional issues facing behavioral health professionals.  It is designed to introduce critical ethical issues, problem-solving, ethical decision-making models, theory, the intersection of law, values, and ethics, HIPPA, client rights, mandated reporting laws, ethical conduct, and conflicting values. This course will also explore ethical principles such as informed consent, self-determination, conflict of interest, dual relationships, transference and countertransference, boundaries, professionalism, privacy, and confidentiality.

This course examines the way in which communities and individuals interact. The processes involved with social change, diversity, and citizen participation will be considered. Topics will also include how to plan, assess, and evaluate tools in working with the community, apply knowledge and theory of human systems, and explore community issues and solutions.

Required Courses in Business and Human Resources

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is designed for students aiming to ascend to new heights in their careers and master the art of business leadership. This course offers a blend of personal growth strategies and business acumen, tailored to equip students with the insights, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of marketing in organizations. Topics include the marketing process and strategic planning, the global marketing environment, developing marketing opportunities and strategies, developing the marketing mix through product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, promotion techniques, managing marketing through customer relationships, social responsibility, and marketing ethics.

Students in this course explore contemporary concepts and techniques essential to managing corporate human resources. Topics include resource planning, staffing, and rewards as well as developing and maintaining positions and people.

Required Courses in Health and Human Services

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course introduces you to the field of health and human services. You will explore how the field of human services has evolved throughout history and how this has shaped current programs, services, populations served, and policy. Topics include the role and function of health and human service professionals, a foundation of assessment skills to examine present conditions in our society, and societal barriers that contribute to the need for health and human services. You will examine the roles and opportunities within the health and human services field.

This course examines human development theories and life stages. Students will acquire an understanding of basic human development theories including sociocultural, biopsychosocial, and social change. Students will apply these theories to developmental stages from infancy through aging. In addition, this course will explore developmental milestones, challenges, common interventions for each stage in life, and an understanding of the capacities, limitations, and resiliency of human systems.

This course provides a study of social problems and the policies that address them. Topics include identification of how current legislation impacts human services delivery, how public and private values impact legislation and interpretation of policy, how sociopolitical issues impact service delivery and the development of the profession, identification of resources to address and impact policy, and introduction to laws that govern the profession.

This course explores the key components of case management and crisis intervention. Topics include case management techniques, tools, and challenges, application of assessment, planning, and evaluation tools in working with individuals, how to identify resources and conduct referrals, assessment, and analysis of needs of clients through observation, interviewing, active listening, consultation, and research, and how to engage in conflict.  Students will obtain the skills to conduct crisis and suicide prevention, assessment, and interventions, discuss how to recognize the dignity and self-worth of others, demonstrate self-awareness, professional use of self and empathy, develop skills congruent with the code of ethics, clients right to self-determination and the least restrictive environment, an understanding of resilience, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

This course explores how to apply knowledge, theory, and skills in working with families and groups within Health and Human Services. Students will acquire skills and knowledge to work with families and groups: including the application of theory, assessment, planning, and evaluation.   Topics will also include:  how to identify resources and conduct referrals, discuss how to recognize the dignity and self-worth of others, demonstrate self-awareness, professional use of self and empathy, develop skills congruent with the code of ethics, group facilitation skills, family systems, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

Open Elective Courses

A minimum of 7.00 semester credit hours is required.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 18.00 semester credit hours. 

This course introduces the principles and practices of effective written communication. Topics include writing for various audiences and purposes, using the writing process to develop and maintain unity and coherence, and incorporating research into written work. Critical thinking in the writing and reading processes will also be covered and may include addressing assumptions underlying an argument, using sound logic in support of claims, including evidence relevant to the purpose and position of the document, refuting counterarguments, analyzing information, and synthesizing information from multiple sources.

This course introduces students to the process of conducting research, integrating research into written work, and understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon.  The research process involves assessing the rhetorical situation, engaging in preliminary research, developing research questions, taking stock of current knowledge, identifying gaps in current knowledge, using appropriate search tools and strategies, critically reading and evaluating information, and refining search strategies as necessary.  Integrating sources into written work involves understanding why, when, and how to use and document sources.  Microsoft Word will be used to format documents according to APA standards. Understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon involves identifying barriers to entering scholarly conversations and examining the way various cultures view information as a commodity, means of education, means to influence, and a means of negotiating and understanding the world. 

This course will explore the construction, evolution, and application of categories and stereotypes related to the concept of the "other."  Students will study discrimination, or "othering," and how it operates in our contemporary culture among members of marginalized groups, including the categories of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and inclusivity.  In addition, students will explore cultural diversity in a global context. In order to understand what it means to be human, students will analyze relevant historical and contemporary cultural texts through the lens of the Humanities to examine the importance of embracing cultural difference.  Cultural texts may include: works of literature, drama, and poetry; music; theatre; film; advertisement; visual art; architecture; and more.

This course covers topics of algebra including linear functions, equations, inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, quadratic equations, and rational and radical equations.

This course will introduce a psychological analysis of human behavior. Students will learn to apply a variety of theoretical perspectives in interpreting human behavior. Topics may include: psychological research methods; stages of human development; learning theories; personality; and abnormal psychology.

Environmental literacy is the study of how individuals and society act successfully in daily life to relate to each other and to natural systems, and how they might do so sustainably.    This course will examine how scientific principles are applied to environmental issues. 

Courses transferred from other accredited colleges may also be used to meet these requirements.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Associate of Science in Health and Human Services program is $430 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find My Estimate 

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

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Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Health and Human Services associate degree program include:

  • Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
  • Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

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Degree Pathways

Find your educational pathway with Herzing University

We are proud to offer many degree pathways across all undergraduate and graduate levels.

Earning an associate degree in Health and Human Services can build a foundation for you to pursue all sorts of different educational opportunities.

Undergraduate degrees

After earning an associate degree in HHS, you can potentially transfer credit into an HHS bachelor's degree program—or choose related bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, allied health, nursing, or business.

Graduate degrees

Pursue a bachelor’s degree in HHS in the future and you can potentially earn dual credit towards a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)—or explore healthcare administration or nursing.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

Classes Start: May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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Careers

What can I do with an associate degree in health and human services?

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An associate degree curriculum provides you with foundational skills and knowledge to pursue many different types of entry-level positions in health and human services.

You’ll also take a selection of general education and elective courses, which can better tailor your education to the type of job you’re looking for after graduating.

Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:

  • Case Work Aide
  • Family Service Assistant
  • Daycare Assistant
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Human Service Worker
  • Prevention Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Social Services in Nursing Homes
  • Addictions Counselor

Salary potential & job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average salary of $44,240 per year ($21.27 per hour).*

Employment of Social and Human Service Assistants is expected to rise 9% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The range of jobs you can potentially apply for with an associate degree in health and human services can make this number difficult to identify.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides figures for the occupational grouping Social and Human Service Assistants, containing some of the most common types of professions in human services you can qualify for with an associate degree education.

According to the BLS, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $44,240 per year ($21.27 per hour).* Pay can vary based on your education, experience level, and state of employment.

There is some overlap when it comes to careers in human services and social work. In both career fields you’ll be helping individuals and/or communities solve problems and find better social outcomes. Degree programs typically cover introductory behavioral health and global topics relevant to both career pathways.

However, jobs in human services typically focus on the health of communities at large, while social workers tend to place more focus on helping individuals and their families. Human service workers apply interdisciplinary skills to solve many types of problems in communities, while social workers help those in need to secure access to important social resources.

For instance, our Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services curriculum includes study of nonprofit organization management, grant writing and fundraising, program planning and development, and volunteer, board, and community development.

On the social work side, our Master of Social Work curriculum zooms in on social services primarily for individuals and families, including clinical social work theory and practice, social policy and services, clinical social work interventions, and more.

How long it takes depends on several factors, including your prior college education and the degree path you choose.

We offer three different entry points into the field of human services:

All program length estimates are averages based on full-time enrollment.

The highest degree level we offer in health and human services is the undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.

If you want to advance your education to the master’s degree level in the future, we have many potential pathways you may consider. You can potentially earn dual credit towards a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)—or choose to pursue more healthcare-focused options in healthcare administration or nursing.

Yes, earning a degree in human services is worth it!

You’ll earn a good educational foundation to pursue jobs making real, impactful change for individuals and their communities. You can become a difference maker, and advancing your education is an important first step towards success in your new career path.

Get your start in human services with a university dedicated to your success. We are your lifelong learning partner devoted to making your rewarding career possible.

Yes, but it may be more appropriate to say psychology is an important element in the delivery of human services—among other fields.

Psychology represents a discipline that is a crucial component in human services, though a degree in psychology can be applied in jobs outside of the generally accepted category of “human services” jobs.

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The Student Experience at Herzing

I was inspired to enroll at Herzing University after my second child was born and I was still working in a factory and earning minimum wage. I wanted to get an education so that I could earn a higher wage and make a better life for myself and my family.

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Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. Certification in this program is not a state requirement.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Classes Start: May 5th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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