The human services A.A. degree program provides skills-based training, based on a foundation of theory, to prepare you for an entry-level position within a human services agency.  This program provides you with a basic understanding of interviewing and assessment techniques, case managment, crisis intervention, group counseling, and specialized skills needed within your specific area of concentration.

Program Overview

Students complete foundation courses, then select an area of concentration: addictions counseling, behavioral health, or an individualized concentration that meets an individual student's unique needs.  All are geared towards specific entry level positions.  Obtaining a minor in human services is also an attractive option for those seeking a bachelor's degree in the social sciences and/or criminal justice fields.

If you have a strong desire to help others, a sincere respect for humankind, and a commitment to your own personal growth, you may find a career in human services very rewarding.  Recovery from life traumas and addictions can be a positive attribute, if you have successfully worked through your own issues and are willing to continue personal growth.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in a variety of human services settings to include; substance abuse treatment centers, mental health facilities, social services agencies, developmental disabilities, public assistance and corrections.  Jobs can include social services aide, ICWA worker, counselor and advocate.  Graduates typicall work under the supervision of specialty workers, often as members of a multidisciplinary team.  Recovery from life traumas or addictions can be a positive attribute, if the student has successfully worked the issues and is willing to contiue personal growth.  People seeking a career in human service should recognize that in order to be successful they must be emotionally stable, creative and flexible.  Human service workers will have to be able to work with diverse groups and individuals with a wide variety of ages, social and cultural backgrounds and life situations.

Distance Delivery

Rural and extended campus students may complete an associate of applied science degree in human services without moving to a main campus location.  All 60 credit hours required for the degree are available by a statewide distance delivery system.  Practicum placements will be coordinated locally unless you wish to experience a different location and agency.  All classes are offered on-site at the UAF Community and Technical College in Fairbanks and via distance delivery. 

Program Transitions

Rural students who complete the Rural Human Services Certificate program have 27 human services credit, and may proceed  directly into general education requirements and upper level human services courses.  Most credits earned with the human services degree will apply tot he bachelor's degree in social work and bachelor's degree in rural development, which are also distance delivered.  The associates of applied science degree in human services, or 18 human services credits, can also be used as a minor for any UAF degree requiring a minor. 

Chemcial Dependency Couneselor Certification

Seven courses (Six three-credit) are approved by the Alaska Comission for Behavioral Health Certification for Alaska Chemcial Dependency Counselor certification training.  Currently certified Chemical Dependency Counselors are elgible for transfer credit toward the human services degree.  Many students with a BA or BS degree return to human services to qualify for certification or to acquire specific job-related skills.  Approved classes are stated in the listing of requirements.

Diane McEachern, MSW, LCSW

HUMS AAS Program Head

Department of Social and Human Development, Co-chair

Assistant Professor of HUMS/RHS

HUMS AAS cohort program (for RHS graduates)

Kuskokwim Campus (KUC)

PO Box 368 Bethel, AK 99559

Phone: 907-543-4597 or 1-800-478-5822

Fax: 907-543-4527

Email: dmmceachern@alaska.edu

Diane McEachern, MSW, LCSW

HUMS AAS Program Head

Department of Social and Human Development, Co-chair

Assistant Professor of HUMS/RHS

Kuskokwim Campus (KUC)

PO Box 368 Bethel, AK 99559

Phone: 907-543-4597 or 1-800-478-5822

Fax: 907-543-4527

Email: dmmceachern@alaska.edu

Bob Parr, HS-BCP

Assistant Professor, Advisor

Human Services Program

UAF Community and Technical College

604 Barnette Street

Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone: 907-455-2882 or 1-877-882-8827

Fax: 907-455-2894

Email: rgparr@alaska.edu

Website: CTC Human Services, AAS

Kelly Jo Peissner

Administrative Assistant

Early Childhood Education/Human Services

UAF Community and Technical College

604 Barnette St. Suite 205

Fairbanks, AK 99701

Phone: 907-455-2842 or 1-877-882-8827

Fax: 907-455-2894

Email: kjpeissner@alaska.edu

Lara Hensley, MA

Assistant Professor, Human Services

Interior-Aleutians Campus

110 Harper Building

PO Box 756720

Fairbanks, AK 99775-6720

Phone: 907-455-2056 or 1-888-474-5207

Fax: 907-474-5208

Email: lshensley@alaska.edu

Website: HUMS AAS Distance Degree