Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services

Associate of Applied Science
Virginia Western Community College

The Human Services program prepares students for entry-level positions in the helping fields and/or for transfer to a bachelor degree program in social work or human services. Through courses and an internship at a local human services agency, students develop skills and knowledge in working with people who have physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, adolescents, the aged, people who abuse substances, and the child or adult in crisis. Employment opportunities are varied and include


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Do you have a passion for helping people? Do you want to help individuals recover from substance abuse and/or mental illness? Would you like to help people find hope and direction in times of crisis? Do you want to help children and families improve their relationships? Do you want to help link people with much needed resources? Do you want to learn to use your own experience to help others on their path? Do you want to help others but are not sure how?
Considerations When Selecting Courses

MEN 101* is only offered in the fall semester and is a prerequisite for many classes. Students entering the Human Services Program should make this their first class selection. Admission to Internship: Admission to MEN 290* (Coordinated Internship) is selective and must be approved by the Program Head. Eligibility is based upon the following criteria: A minimum GPA of 2.0, Successful completion of course prerequisites, Expected graduation date. Students will be required to submit to a background check that includes The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Positive findings on the background check may limit and/or prohibit internship placement. It is recommended that students discuss any concerns about background checks with the Program Head no later than their first semester in the program. Students are responsible for all fees associated with background checks. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from placement sites. Students who do not meet the professional standards of the Human Services Program and/or the participating clinical agency may be withdrawn from the internship experience. Inability to complete the above will disqualify the student from the course and from completing the program. The internship application process begins the semester prior to taking the class. Students planning to take MEN 290 in a fall semester should contact the Program Head for an application in February. Those planning to take it in a spring semester should request an application in September.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Western Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses The Human Services program requires completion of a 180 hour internship with a local human services agency. Admission to the MEN 290 (Coordinated Internship) class is selective and must be approved by and coordinated with the Human Services Program Head. Eligibility for internship is based upon the following criteria: minimum GPA of 2.0, completion of course prerequisites (MEN 100, MEN 101 and MEN 102), faculty recommendations, expected graduation date and any relevant internship site requirements. Please note that completion of the course prerequisite classes alone is not guarantee of admission to the internship class. In addition, any student who does not meet the professional standards of Virginia Western Community College, the Human Services program and/or the participating clinical agency may be refused admission to the internship or withdrawn from the internship class and the Human Services program. Students who are terminated by the internship site, fail the internship course or are removed from the class will not be allowed to repeat the class and will therefore, be unable to graduate from the Human Services program. Students who are removed or withdrawn from the internship for inappropriate conduct may be referred to the college's disciplinary committee.
Doing More With Your Degree The Human Services AAS degree prepares students for direct employment upon completion of the degree. However, this program may also transfer to a four-year institution. Students interested in transferring should verify program requirements with specific four-year institutions and with the program head for Human Services. Virginia Western has entered into the following agreement specific to the Human Services program. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page.
Program Successes & Highlights https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ie/research/student-goals/
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services
63
Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Degree
63
HUMAN SERVICES
63
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Up to 47 credits may be transferred in to this program. A GPA of 2.0 or greater is required for graduation.
SDV 101 - Orientation to Public Service
2
SDV 101 - Public Service
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
ENG 111 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MEN 101 and 102
6
MEN101/102 RQ
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MEN 100
3
MEN100 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 220
3
PSY220 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
ENG 112 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MEN 225
3
MEN225 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 200
3
PSY 200
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO 101
4
BIO 101 RQ
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MEN 221
3
MEN221RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITE 152
3
ITE 152
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SOC 200
3
SOC200 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 230 or PSY 235
3
PSY 230 or PSY 235
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS ELECTIVE
3
HUMANITIES/FA ELECTIVE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PSY 215
3
PSY215 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BIO 102
4
BIO 102 RQ
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MEN 290 RQ
5
MEN 290 RQ
5
Earn 5 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 110
3
HLT110 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Graduation Honors, Associate
0
This requires a minimum GPA of 4
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor.
Credit for Prior Learning Yes
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Western Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
519
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the Virginia Community College System, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 8,500 students in credit courses and more than 1,200 enrollments in accelerated career training and continuing education courses.
Transfer Student Catalog Year A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
First Year Student Catalog Year A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Human ServicesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Human ServicesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Human ServicesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Human ServicesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Human ServicesAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Sciences - Pre-Social Work MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services - Pre Social Work SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Health SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegePsychology Major - BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Human Services MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences: Deaf Studies Specialization, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Social Work, Major in Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Social Work, Major in Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Social Work BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBSW in Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
George Mason UniversitySocial Work, BSWBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearHybrid
Norfolk State UniversityBaccalaureate in Social WorkBachelorBaccalaureate in Social Work4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S.W. in Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth UniversitySocial Work, Bachelor of Social WorkBachelorBachelor of Social Work4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies MajorAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Art degree in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Art2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeGeneral Studies, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and SciencesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Arts in Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Arts - Liberal ArtsAssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Emory & Henry UniversityCivic Innovation (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
21-1014.00Mental Health CounselorsCounsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1011.00Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder CounselorsCounsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.Community and Social Service Occupations
11-9151.00Social and Community Service ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.Management Occupations
21-1022.00Healthcare Social WorkersProvide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1023.00Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social WorkersAssess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.Community and Social Service Occupations
25-1113.00Social Work Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
21-1094.00Community Health WorkersPromote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1091.00Health Education SpecialistsProvide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.Community and Social Service Occupations
31-1133.00Psychiatric AidesAssist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.Healthcare Support Occupations
29-2053.00Psychiatric TechniciansCare for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
21-1099.00Community and Social Service Specialists, All OtherAll community and social service specialists not listed separately.Community and Social Service Occupations
43-4061.00Eligibility Interviewers, Government ProgramsDetermine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.Office and Administrative Support Occupations
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
21-1021.00Child, Family, and School Social WorkersProvide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1019.00Counselors, All OtherAll counselors not listed separately.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1013.00Marriage and Family TherapistsDiagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1092.00Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment SpecialistsProvide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.Community and Social Service Occupations
21-1029.00Social Workers, All OtherAll social workers not listed separately.Community and Social Service Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 63 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services at Virginia Western Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $161 Per Credit $10,143 $0 $10,143 Includes Dual Enrollment
Fees
Fees $15 Per Credit $945 0 $945
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.