Human Services A.A.S.

Building a career dedicated to helping others.

Become an agent of change in the field of human services. Our innovative curriculum is constantly evolving to provide students with the skills necessary for employment after graduation. Opportunities to take cutting-edge courses, engage in practical experience within the field, and involvement in our vibrant Human Services Club provide students with foundational skills and experiences employers want. Students have the opportunity to choose between newly-offered alternative courses and existing coursework:

Chemical Dependency; Trauma Informed Care; and Group Counseling
Mental Health Association in NYS (MHANYS) CarePath™ Program OR Social Psychology

The Chemical Dependency, Trauma Informed Care, and Group Counseling courses provide students with an opportunity to gain exposure and knowledge in relevant topics in the areas of study related to chemical dependency, how to develop and facilitate a counseling group, and to understand the continuum of wellness as it relates to various forms of trauma.

Offered in the student’s final semester, the MHANYS CarePath™ program provides an unprecedented opportunity for graduating students to become certified CarePath™ coaches through the Mental Health Association in New York State. Herkimer College is the first two-year college to partner with MHANYS to provide the CarePath™ course and certification. Students who successfully complete the CarePath™ program with their Human Services A.A.S. degree will obtain certification to help individuals and families manage stress the first 90 days post discharge from any treatment through methods of reducing stress, promoting confidence, avoiding crisis, reducing hospitalizations, and improving overall health outcomes.

View our program course requirements as published in the College Catalog.

View Curriculum

Herkimer College offers a quality and affordable educational experience.

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Career opportunities await

There are many opportunities to work with a variety of populations, such as the physically or developmentally disabled, elderly, youth at risk, the field of addiction or individuals in crisis at hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and human service agencies, both in the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

Case Manager
Social Work Assistant
Family Advocate
Residential Counselor
Elder Care Provider
Childcare Worker
Classroom Assistant
Correction Officer
Probation Officer
CarePath Coach

Transfer Agreements

Please review transfer agreements we have established (for our Human Services A.A.S. Program) with four-year colleges & universities to provide a seamless transfer of credits. Programs also offered online are denoted by asterisk *.

Online Learning

The Human Services A.A.S. program may also be completed entirely online through our Internet Academy. We offer the same level of care and service to online students as we do to on-campus students. All necessary services are accessible online, including registration, placement testing, bill payment, tutoring, book purchasing, and academic advisement.

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Featured Graduate

Emma Vanderwerken '18

The Human Services Program at Herkimer College is unique because it provides students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in class while simultaneously developing professionally in the workforce. The program has great professors who are not only passionate about their work, but have an abundance of wisdom gained through years of experience in the field. Classes focus on innovative methods of care, cultural competency, and the needs of the populations we will be supporting.

Faculty Spotlight

Grace Ashline | Associate Professor, Human Services

Meet Herkimer College's Associate Professor of Human Services Grace Ashline, who shares the bright outlook on careers in the field and how this cutting edge, innovative, and diverse program will aid in your smooth transition to a four-year school or job placement after graduation.

For more information, contact Grace Ashline, Human Services Instructor and Program Supervisor at (315) 866-0300 x8356 or ashlinegv@herkimer.edu.

Prior Felony Disclaimer

Enrollment of Individuals with Prior Criminal History

Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of this program. For more information, read the Policy Regarding Enrollment of Individuals with Prior Felony Conviction.