Human Services

The Human Services program is an interdisciplinary, competency-based program. The program offers students the opportunity to become a Human Services worker with degrees and certifications including the Associate of Science degree and the Associate of Applied Science degree. Program objectives include training the entry-level worker as well as providing development and enhancement of skills for those currently in the field. Throughout the program students examine their values and attitudes which reflect in their interactions with others. All students are trained in ethical and theoretical principles, practical skills, and experience the profession through Internship placement. In addition to general skills, specialty training allows a student to explore working with a population such as youth, the elderly, those with intellectual disability or those struggling with addiction.

As Human Services professionals, graduates reach out to individuals, to families, and to communities. The Human Services program provides the broad understanding to help others meet their psychological, social, and environmental needs. Students who get a degree in Human Services may find employment in a variety of settings such as community centers, group homes, substance abuse centers, nursing homes, etc. Students who pursue the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Human Services have the option to transfer their complete degree toward a bachelor's degree. Articulation agreements exist with various institutions across the state.

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SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD
Youth Care Worker, Residential Counselor, Residential Specialist, Assistant Case Manager, Houseparent, Direct Care Worker, Behavioral Management, Aide, Addictions Care Tech, Adult Day Services Worker, Client Advocate, Social Service Assistant, Activities Assistant, Therapeutic Assistant, Probation Case Monitor, Gerontology Assistant, Court Liaison, Home Health Aide, Crisis Intervention, Mental Health Aide, Intake Interviewer, Community Outreach Worker, Halfway House Worker, Rehabilitation Case Worker

DEGREES AVAILABLE
Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Applied Science via Ivy Tech Online, Technical Certificate, and short-term Certificate. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.

HUMAN SERVICES CERTIFICATES

Short-term certificates are sequences of technical and professional courses that are industry focused and designed for workforce preparation. They provide access to targeted, short-term training in a discipline, and completers may sit for specific certification exams. Courses in certificate programs also apply toward technical certificates and associate degree programs in the subject area.

Certificates currently offered in this field are:

Addiction Studies
(15 credits)
Program and Employment Information

Elder Care Professional
(21 credits)
Program and Employment Information

Indiana Youth Development Professional
(18 credits)
Program and Employment Information

HUMAN SERVICES TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES

The Technical Certificate in Human Services can be earned on the way to acquiring the Associate of Applied Science degree. Many available jobs require advanced education beyond the high school diploma. Technical Certificate programs provide education in conceptual and technical skills for specific occupations. The program content is designed to develop competency in the comprehension of general and technical skills. Certificate programs require mastery of basic reading, writing, mathematical and quantitative skills. Program and Employment Information

Technical Certificates currently offered in this field are:

Addiction Studies
(Minimum of 31 credits hours)
Program and Employment Information

Indiana Youth Development Professional
(Minimum of 31 credit hours)
Program and Employment Information

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Human Services will give you the knowledge and skills for career entry or advancement in a current job. Associate of Applied Science degree programs are two-year programs that prepare students for careers, career changes and career advancement. Students who need to take longer to complete the degree because of job or family obligations can take the program over a longer period of time. AAS programs may also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. These programs offer education in recognized technical areas and specialties with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The program content, which is approximately 30% general education and 70% professional/technical, provides depth and breadth in conceptual and professional/technical skills. The general education courses equip students with the problem solving, communications, scientific and mathematical skills to compete successfully in the job market. Professional/technical courses equip students with the skills to obtain employment and to advance in the workforce.

This degree is also available online. See below for more information.

Areas of Study currently offered in this field are:

Addiction Studies
(Minimum of 60 credits hours)

Direct Support Professional
(Minimum of 62 credits hours)

Indiana Youth Development Professional
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

The Associate of Science degree prepares you for transfer to a university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The Associate of Science degree in Human Services transfers to some Indiana public and private colleges and universities. Graduates will also earn the Transfer General Education Certificate.

To find out information about your transfer options to public and private universities, contact your academic advisor or the transfer office of your local Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the institution and consult the current catalog and web page of the institution to which you wish to transfer.

This degree is also available online. See below for more information.

Areas of Study currently offered in this field are:

Indiana Youth Development Professional
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

IVY TECH ONLINE DEGREE OPTIONS

You also have the option to earn an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science via distance education options. This option provides students with the same content and knowledge as our traditional program, but is delivered at least partially through our distance education delivery systems. Some on campus classes, internships, or other on site requirements exist specifically for this program.  Please discuss these with your advisor to be sure you understand the specific requirements of the degree and course offerings available through your region.

• Associate of Applied Science in Human Services via
  Ivy Tech Online (Minimum of 60 credit hours)

• Associate of Science in Human Services via Ivy Tech Online
  (Minimum of 60 credit hours)