Human Services
Put Your Passion for Helping Others to Work
The Human Services program prepares you to professionally help others. You’ll learn how to take on the complexity of other human beings, leading you to a rewarding career making a positive impact on others’ well-being.
We focus on exploring and understanding human behaviors, social policy, social programs, communication, record keeping, interviewing, observing, group resources, and problem solving.
Plus, Kirkwood has direct connections to local community agencies, linking you to real-world, hands-on experience and special observation opportunities within the human services field.
We also offer a Human Services-Liberal Arts degree for transfer to a four-year college or university, as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Educational Track.
Paying for your degree may be easier than you think with our financial aid and scholarships. Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year!
Graduates of the Human Services program will be able to:
- Analyze how and why the discipline utilizes systems theory to analyze data, draw conclusions, and select interventions.
- Examine contemporary research.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills of the human services profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge of human services and the profession by identifying and locating community resources and agencies, and articulating the funding streams of services.
- Use and demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Practice self-management skills.
- Demonstrate data management skills.
With an AAS degree in Human Services from Kirkwood, you'll have have the option of continuing your education or going straight into the workforce to begin your career in this exciting field.
Program Costs
Human Services
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 15 | 6 | 15 | 12 | 63 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,255 | $3,255 | $1,302 | $3,255 | $2,604 | $13,671 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $357 | $315 | $0 | $210 | $288 | $1,170 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,662 | $3,620 | $1,352 | $3,515 | $2,942 | $15,091 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Additional Information
Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Diploma*
*State and federal aid may be used for the diploma on its own or as part of the degree program above.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to study in college. Kirkwood allows me to experience college life and figure out what I want to do without financial stress.”
Maddi Kain,
North Liberty, Iowa
Mission Statement
To provide students with knowledge and skills which equip them for entry-level human service work with diverse clients.