An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate degree program that allows students to gain basic knowledge of a specific discipline and apply for entry-level jobs. Many candidates interested in social work and human services pursue an associate degree. Learning about the human services associate degree can help you decide if this is the right career option for you. In this article, we define an associate degree in human services, discuss if pursuing this degree is worth it and provide a few common career paths that candidates with human services associate degrees can follow.
What is an associate degree in human services?
An associate degree in human services is an undergraduate course that candidates interested in developing a career in human services can pursue. By pursuing this degree, you can learn the fundamentals of social work, psychology and ethics. After the completion of your degree, you can apply for roles in counselling, social work and community management. This course can help you prepare to effectively work with communities and individuals in different human services settings. Depending on the subject you select, a human services associate degree can help you understand the concept of addictions, family services, domestic abuse and child abuse. Many candidates pursue a bachelor’s degree in human services after completing their associate degree.
Is a human services associate degree worth the investment?
Pursuing a human services associate degree can provide you with several future-earning opportunities. There are many job roles that require candidates to have a human services associate degree. Having this degree can show employers that you have the knowledge and understanding of human services. Many employers prefer hiring candidates with foundational knowledge in a specific area. By pursuing a human services associate degree, you can also start your career much sooner. It can also help in understanding how things work in the workplace. In general, earning an associate degree is more affordable than a bachelor’s degree in human services.
Is an associate degree different from a bachelor’s degree in human services?
Here are some basic differences between an associate and a bachelor’s degree in human services:
Time requirements
The time duration to complete a bachelor’s degree in human services is usually longer than an associate degree. The duration of a bachelor’s degree may vary depending on the discipline. For example, pursuing a bachelor’s in computer science and engineering takes four years while pursuing a bachelor’s in zoology requires three years. In contrast, pursuing an associate degree in most of the streams only requires two years. If you are planning to start a career in human services in less time then earning a human services associate degree can be a good option for you.
Career options
An associate degree can help you prepare for entry-level job opportunities. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree can help you secure advanced roles in human services. Including a bachelor’s degree in your resume can make your application more competitive for job opportunities. Many candidates with an associate degree apply for internship roles and gain experience for further opportunities. A bachelor’s degree can also make you eligible for similar roles as a human services associate degree.
Financial requirements
Earning a bachelor’s degree in human services may cost you more than an associate degree. The cost of a degree may also depend on various factors such as type of college, location and discipline. In many colleges, associate degrees involve lower tuition rates while a bachelor’s degree involves larger financial investment. Students of both bachelor’s and associate degrees can also apply for loans or scholarships and finance their education.
Comprehensiveness
Associate and bachelor’s degrees in human services may differ in the levels of comprehensiveness. A human services associate degree usually focuses on introducing students to basic topics of human services. You can learn about principles of sociology, legal practices, psychology, social issues and human behaviour. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree in human services can help you get in-depth knowledge about these topics. Students can select a subject for their degree courses depending on their preferences. Pursuing a bachelor’s in human services can help you understand both the fundamentals and application of a specific topic related to social work and community management.
What are common career paths for an associate degree in human services?
Here are some common career paths for candidates with a human services associate degree:
National average salary: ₹26,203 per month
Primary duties: A home health aide is responsible for helping sick, elderly or disabled individuals. They may work at an individual’s home or at human services settings like an old age home. Many candidates interested in becoming a home health aide pursue a human services associate degree. Home health aides may assist individuals in completing their daily tasks such as bathing and grooming. They may also monitor blood pressure, keep track of medications and prepare meals. Aside from a degree, candidates may also require several skills such as patience, time management and organisation to become a home health aide.
National average salary: ₹17,280 per month
Primary duties: A social worker is a professional who helps people by providing support and necessary resources. They may also work with a community and help them fulfil their economic and social requirements. Social workers are responsible for assessing various circumstances and devising plans for improvement. They may offer health care, education or financial support to people in need. Evaluating the progress of developmental plans and setting further goals are also daily responsibilities of a social worker. Many candidates pursue an associate degree in public administration, human development or any relevant area to become a social worker.
National average salary: ₹12,985 per month
Primary duties: Outreach workers are professionals who may work for non-profit organisations or government agencies. They often interact with children, youth, families, elderly or disabled people who require support. Outreach workers are responsible for helping organisations engage with the community. Their day-to-day duties include preparing marketing materials, organising events, recruiting volunteers and educating the public about initiatives. They may also develop initiatives to help individuals suffering from mental illness or addiction. Their main responsibility is to support and empower vulnerable people in the community. An outreach worker may work at youth centres, hospitals, rehabilitation or detoxification centres.
National average salary: ₹14,941 per month
Primary duties: The day-to-day job of a human resource (HR) assistant includes assisting with administrative tasks, hiring process, employee onboarding and management. They may answer phone calls, organise files and schedule appointments at an organisation. HR assistants may also prepare data on health and wellness in the workplace. They also assist HR managers in employee relations and employee benefits. HR assistants can help in solving queries related to the human resource department. They are also responsible for supporting training programmes and workshops.
National average salary: ₹28,456 per month
Primary duties: A volunteer coordinator is a professional who oversees and handles volunteering activities at an organisation. They may organise training events and workshops to find suitable volunteers for the organisation. The day-to-day job of a volunteer coordinator includes informing people about volunteer opportunities, delegating tasks according to the abilities of volunteers and fundraising. They may also handle budgeting for various events and plan how to pay for resources. Volunteer coordinators are mainly responsible for training volunteers and handling logistical arrangements.
