2026-2027 Course Catalog
Human Services, AAS
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 Return to: Programs By Degree Type
The Human Services program prepares students for entry-level jobs or for transfer to a four-year degree program. By the end of the program, students will be able to interact effectively with clients in a human services agency.
The program emphasizes skills needed in working with clients such as interviewing, determining eligibility for services, making appropriate referrals and assisting with counseling. A supervised internship allows students to apply their skills in a work setting.
When the program is completed, students may find employment in a wide variety of settings, including public and private social services agencies, treatment centers, group homes, supported living and work programs, and state or county departments of social services.
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Locations: Ankeny, Urban/Des Moines
Students may start any semester
Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.
Newton Campus students must take HSV 286 , HSV 803 and HSV 804 at the Ankeny or Urban Campus. Graduation Requirements
To earn a Human Services AAS degree, a student must complete the standard core requirements for the degree, plus the Human Services required courses and options and must maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Option 3 - Select 3 Courses
Option 4 - Select 1 Course
Note:
* Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution regarding math requirements before selecting math and science courses for this program. Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 64
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Books (approximate) | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | | Supplies | 105 | 105 | 105 | 105 | 105 | Approximate total for program: $16,310** **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Assess individual needs, identify the problems of individuals and families through interviews.
- Aid in understanding and solving problems and help secure needed services and resources.
- Help people understand themselves and others to overcome racial, cultural and sex role stereotyping and prejudices.
- May deal with contact persons who are significant to client, such as employer, teachers, family and doctors.
- Complete varying amounts of paperwork, including reports and records on clients.
- Observe, understand and record client behaviors.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Form sound interpersonal relationships.
- Be emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to the needs of others.
- Basic keyboarding and word processing skills.
What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?
- Advancement in the field may require further academic training.
- Average starting salary $22,610 (2013-2014 Placement Report).
Program Competencies
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of human systems: individual, group, organization, community and society, and their major interactions.
- Demonstrate skill in identifying and selecting interventions which promote growth and goal attainment.
- Display skill in planning, implementing and evaluating interventions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the conditions which promote or limit optimal functioning and classes of deviations from desired functioning in the major human systems.
- Display consistent behaviors in selecting interventions which are congruent with the values of one’s self, clients, the employing organization and the Human Services profession.
- Process skills which are required to plan and implement services.
Competencies revised date
2019 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs By Degree Type
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