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Human Services A.A.S.
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Human Services A.A.S.
Empower others to improve their overall quality of life in one of the fastest growing fields in the country. UAA’s A.A.S. in human services and B.H.S. are the only accredited degree programs of their kind in Alaska.
Explore the human services associate degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Emphasizing competency and community, UAA’s accredited A.A.S. in human services prepares
you to work in a high-demand field, where you’ll use an interdisciplinary knowledge
base to prevent and remediate problems, and to improve the quality of life for people
coping with life-changing social issues.
Scholarships and financial aid
You may qualify for private, university or departmental scholarships, such as the
Molly Redman-Ahren Scholarship. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at UAA.
An accredited degree program
The A.A.S. program’s accreditation by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education
means that it meets national standards for academic quality.
Options to attend classes closer to home
Complete the A.A.S. in human services degree in person at UAA’s Anchorage campus or at the Mat-Su College campus, or complete the degree entirely online. You can also take introductory human services courses online or in-person at the Kenai Peninsula College to help you decide if the degree is right for you.
Did you know..
After completing the A.A.S. you can easily transition into UAA’s accredited Bachelor of Human Services degree program, which opens additional opportunities for jobs and career advancement.
What can you do with a human services degree from UAA?
UAA human services alumni choose diverse pathways to success. They have the knowledge
and skills to provide direct support through prevention, remediation and necessary
care management for a wide range of service populations.
Human services advanced program options
- Bachelor of Human Services
Human services degree jobs
From case managers and program coordinators to policymakers and educators, UAA alumni
have found impactful roles in urban and rural settings such as:
- Group homes, halfway houses and other residential care facilities
- Developmental disability, correctional and community mental health centers
- Family, child and youth service agencies
- Government and nonprofit programs for substance use disorders, alcoholism, domestic violence and aging
By the numbers..
70-80%
UAA human services alumni residing in Alaska who are employed in the field within
one year of earning their degree.
UAA Human Services Department
11.5%
Projected growth in human services jobs in Alaska.
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Human services associate degree program highlights
The A.A.S. in Human Services blends classroom instruction with experiential learning to prepare you for entry-level employment as a human services generalist — a position in high demand across Alaska.
- Gain hands-on training through a practicum placement. Undergraduate students train in over 45 field-specialized agencies in Anchorage and throughout Alaska. Several receive job offers after completing their practicum.
- Find support through student advising. UAA’s human services program offers a variety of resources to help you earn your degree, including personalized advising from human services faculty and the College of Health Student Success Center. You will also work with a practicum advisor who helps you find a practicum placement that fits your goals and interests. Advisors can guide you in choosing electives that fulfill degree program requirements, such as children’s behavioral health coursework.
- Learn from experienced faculty who have worked in academia and social services agencies. Their specialties include psychology, social work, counseling, justice and international social reform. The diverse, talented program faculty include clinically licensed professionals and recognized experts.
Amazing stories from human services majors
Each professor has their own style of teaching, but all of them are very dedicated and passionate about what they teach you. They share stories to help you understand what it is like to be a human services professional and are always there to help you and guide you through your classes.
Billie Slaikeu
A.A.S. Human Services ’17, Bachelor of Human Services ‘18
The UAA Center for Human Development serves Alaska by providing interdisciplinary education, community training and research. Its focus is on increasing independence, productivity and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
The College of Health is home to UAA’s human services degree programs. The college enhances the health and well-being of people and communities through community engagement, research initiatives and academic programs.
To address workforce needs in our state, the human services program continually enhances its curriculum. The program recently added coursework on disabilities, child welfare, trauma-informed care, and substance abuse and recovery.
Human services associate degree program curriculum
The University of Alaska Anchorage’s accredited A.A.S. degree program follows the
National Organization for Human Services’ ethical standards for human services professionals.
Along with technical job skills, such as counseling, assessing human service needs
and developing care plans, you will develop valuable soft skills related to interpersonal
communication, active listening, time management, ethical integrity and conflict management.
Courses in related disciplines, such as counseling, psychology, case management and
social education, prepare you to collaborate with other professionals such as social
workers and therapists.
Top classes for human services majors
- Counseling for Human Service Practice
- Human Relations in the Workplace
- Program Evaluation
- Working with Individuals with Disabilities
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