Associate Degree in Human Services Online | Indiana Wesleyan University

Associate in Human Services

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we believe in the power of service to transform lives—not just the lives of those we serve, but our own as well. Our Associate in Human Services program is meticulously designed for individuals eager to make a significant impact in their communities through caring, service-oriented careers. Whether you aim to break into the field or are seeking advancement in your current role, our program offers the comprehensive education you need to turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding profession.

Why Pursue My Human Services Degree Online at IWU?

This program is available online, allowing the flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments. Over the course of 27+ months and 20 carefully curated courses, you will gain the knowledge to gradually understand the complexities of human needs and the various ways to meet them through professional service. Tuition rates are locked in on your start date, so you never have to worry about tuition increases while you study through IWU. Our unique program is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge in social, community, and educational services, enhancing your ability to address and manage the complex needs of individuals and communities. Our expert, Christian faculty teach through the same biblical worldview found on our main campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career.

What Will I Learn in this Human Services Program?

When you enroll at IWU for your human services associate degree, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that underpin the human services field. Through the online coursework, you’ll hone critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all while adhering to the highest ethical standards and cultural competence. Our curriculum is geared toward fostering professional growth, preparing you for all levels of career roles and setting a robust foundation for your career in human services.

Program FAQs

IWU’s Human Services faculty bring extensive real-world and academic expertise to the classroom. Dr. Mark Berry holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and has deep experience in pastoral counseling, conflict management, and ministry leadership. Dr. Margaret Bryce specializes in coaching, burnout prevention, and leadership development, and is an ICF-accredited coach who works with professionals in high-demand service roles. Dr. Jenny McGill brings global experience in intercultural engagement and international education, having worked with students from more than 60 countries and conducted research at the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. Together, faculty combine academic rigor with practical experience to prepare students for impactful careers in human services.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office by phone or email or access support through their student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days, though timelines may vary during peak enrollment periods.

IWU’s Human Services program is designed for working adults and combines theory with real-world application. Courses are delivered in accelerated 5–6 week formats and focus on areas such as crisis intervention, advocacy, interviewing skills, and program planning. Assignments emphasize real-world scenarios, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn in professional settings.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of human services careers, including social and community service management, case management, substance abuse counseling support roles, youth services coordination, behavioral health support, family services coordination, victim advocacy, and gerontology services. The program equips students with skills in communication, ethical decision-making, and program development, making them valuable in nonprofit, healthcare, government, and community-based organizations.

Key courses include Leading Change in Human Services, Program Planning and Evaluation in Human Services, and Interview Skills in Human Services. These courses develop leadership, program development, and interpersonal communication skills essential for success in the field.

Many graduates advance in their current roles or transition into new positions within human services. Others pursue graduate education in fields such as social work, psychology, or public administration.

This program is primarily coursework-based and does not include traditional clinical or student teaching requirements. However, students complete applied projects and case-based assignments that connect learning to real-world human services work.

Yes. IWU’s Human Services programs are fully online with no required in-person residencies. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule, with optional live sessions for additional engagement.

Most courses run 5–6 weeks in an accelerated format.

Students may take one course at a time or multiple courses depending on their schedule. The flexible format allows working adults to balance education with other responsibilities.

Students progress independently but engage with peers through discussions, group work, and networking opportunities within each course.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, with optional synchronous opportunities for engagement.

Students should expect to dedicate several hours per week per course to readings, discussions, and assignments.

Completion time varies by program level and transfer credits. Many students complete undergraduate programs in approximately two to four years.

Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year.

Students receive onboarding instructions, access to the learning platform, and support from advising and student services.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career development services.

No formal internships are required, though applied learning opportunities are embedded in coursework.

Yes. Up to 75% of undergraduate requirements and 50% of major coursework may be transferred, subject to evaluation.

Yes. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for relevant professional experience.

Yes. Students complete a capstone project focused on career planning, leadership, and applied human services strategies.

IWU integrates a Christ-centered perspective with practical, career-focused learning in a flexible online format designed for adult learners.

Self-motivated students, working adults, and those passionate about service and leadership excel in this program.

Students benefit from a structured yet flexible online environment, peer interaction, and strong support services.

Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, particularly in discussions of ethics, service, and leadership.

IWU’s online human services programs prepare students to serve diverse and vulnerable populations, including individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing instability, or food insecurity; children and youth in educational and community settings; adults with disabilities and older adults; individuals facing mental health and substance-use challenges in non-clinical roles; justice-involved individuals and reentry populations; and culturally diverse communities.

Yes. The program emphasizes real-world human services environments such as nonprofit organizations, faith-based ministries, community agencies, and public service settings. Students learn how to provide case management support, outreach, and resource coordination in settings like shelters, community centers, and social service agencies.

How does this program support entry-level careers in human services?

This program equips students with essential skills for entry-level human services jobs, including client communication, documentation, case management support, program intake, and service coordination. Graduates are prepared for roles such as human services assistant, program aide, residential support staff, intake coordinator, family support worker, and outreach specialist.

Coursework is grounded in recognized human services ethics, including National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) standards, which emphasize client dignity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Students also engage with social justice principles aligned with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and integrate Christian ethical perspectives such as servant leadership, compassion, and integrity. Applied ethics topics include cultural responsiveness, advocacy, and mandated reporting.

Online A.S. Human Services Degree

Associate in Human Services

Why Pursue My Human Services Degree Online at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this Human Services Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

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