Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services Online
Program at a Glance
- Learn to help others and make a difference in their lives.
- Coursework fulfills requirements to sit for the HS-BCP™ exam.*
- AAS in Human Services credits count toward a Purdue Global bachelor’s.†
- Program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and adheres to their curriculum standards.
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Overview
Gain the skills and knowledge to assess the situations of society’s most vulnerable and provide services to meet their needs. Learn to critically evaluate policies driving human service agencies, and decide the best ways to intervene on behalf of the clients you serve.
Graduate with a solid foundation in human services principles that can be applied in areas such as mental health, social services, education, rehabilitation, group and community work, and workplaces such as nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.
Human services degree courses prepare you to:
- Understand human-services basics, including theory, best practices, and trends.
- Learn to identify and manage client interventions and delivery of services.
- Explore professional, ethical, and legal values, standards, and practices.
- Apply information and skills to serve individuals in the community.
- Examine the importance of individuality, diversity, and global perspectives in the delivery of human services.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
The program culminates with an original capstone project that demonstrates your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Member of CSHSE
This program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and adheres to their curriculum standards.
The CSHSE can be contacted at Council for Standards in Human Service Education, 3337 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
-
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
-
Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
-
Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
-
Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
-
Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career
Career Opportunities
With your associate’s in human services, you’ll be prepared to pursue a number of careers within the field, or in a related one. (Advanced skills and educational requirements may be a factor when you are considered for placement, promotion, or advancement.)‡
Potential job titles include:
- Community and social service specialist
- Adult services worker
- Family support worker
Potential employers include:
- Department of human services and social services
- Nonprofit organizations
- Department of children and families
- Public welfare services
Courses fulfill the requirements to sit for the Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) exam. (You must meet post-degree experience requirements in order to earn this credential.)*
Transfer your associate’s degree in human services credits into Purdue Global’s online bachelor’s in human services in youth/family services and administration.†
What Courses Will I Take?
The AAS in Human Services prepares you to meet complex twenty-first century challenges in human services, drawing from a number of areas, including health services, psychology, sociology, law, and criminal justice.
See All Human Services Courses- Human Services Program and Profession
- Human Behavior and the Environment
- Survey of Social Problems
- Applied Skills for Human Services
- Prevention and Crisis Intervention
Program Requirements
- Core Credits15
- Major Credits40
- Elective Credits35
- Total Credits90
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Human Services Faculty Directory



Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
*Human Services Programs Licensure: The coursework in this program fulfills the academic requirements to sit for the exam to become a Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™). Please note that you must meet post-degree experience requirements in order to earn the HS-BCP credential. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams.
This program was not designed to lead to certification or licensure as a social worker or counselor in any specific state, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.
†Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
‡Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.