Northeast’s Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Human Services provides a strong foundation for understanding and addressing human needs in a variety of professional settings. Human services professionals play a vital role in supporting individuals and communities facing challenges such as mental health concerns, developmental disabilities, substance use, and aging.
This program prepares students for entry-level roles such as Human Services Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Peer Support Specialist, Family Support Worker, or Substance Use Counselor (when paired with the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate). With additional education, graduates can pursue careers in social work, counseling, long-term care administration, and other specialized fields. The degree also offers a seamless transfer pathway to a four-year college or university.
Why Students Choose This Program
The program offers opportunities for students to take a fast track to the workforce or to prepare to transfer to a four-year institution, all while saving money on tuition. By completing your foundational coursework at Northeast, you can reduce the overall cost of your degree. For students planning to transfer, it's important to work closely with academic advisors at both Northeast and the transfer institution, utilizing the Transfer Guide to make informed course selections that align with your transfer goals, ensuring a smooth transition and continued academic success.
Students the program benefit from a supportive and student-centered learning environment. Small class sizes allow for more personalized instruction and one-on-one mentorship from experienced faculty who are committed to student success. Instructors bring real-world experience into the classroom and work closely with students to ensure they build the confidence and competence needed as the continue to their career or to further their education.
Recognizing students’ diverse needs, Northeast offers the Human Services program in multiple formats: in-person on the Norfolk campus, hybrid (a blend of in-person and online), and fully online in an asynchronous format. Many courses are available in 8-week accelerated sessions, making it easier to balance education with other commitments.
In addition, the Drug Alcohol Counseling certificate ladders directly into this program without losing credits or adding time. It has a fully online completion path if needed.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
This program prepares students for meaningful work in the human services field by combining classroom instruction with real-world experience. Students actively engage with local agencies through service learning, practicums, agency tours, and community group counseling attendance—gaining exposure to the wide variety of services and client needs in the field. Human service and counseling skills are developed through structured practice sessions, including role-play scenarios, case note documentation using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and the use of a professional observation lab in the new Maclay building.
Coursework is designed to build critical people-helping skills such as rapport building, active listening, empathy, group facilitation, and working with individuals facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and dual diagnoses. Students also explore personal and professional growth through self-reflection, optimism, lifelong learning, and intentional self-care. Ethical decision-making is emphasized, preparing students to navigate complex situations and advocate for clients. Additionally, students learn how to collaborate across systems and provide effective services through clinical skills like screening, assessment, treatment planning, and referrals.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Treatment Issues in Chemical Dependency
- Lifespan Psychology
- Case Management and Professional Ethics
Program Details
2 years (60-63 credits)
In-person (Norfolk campus); Hybrid (in-person/online blend – Norfolk campus); Online (Asynchronous). The entire program can be completed online. Many courses are in 8-week, accelerated formatting during academic year.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Students also have the opportunity to earn a Drug Alcohol Counseling certificate which prepares students for the provisional drug and alcohol counseling license in Nebraska (PLADC).
