Associate degree in Family & Human Services
Explore a dynamic learning experience that leads to a rewarding career in the Family & Human Services field. Communities need human service workers who have the ability to find solutions to important human problems and who possess empathy for others, a passion for advocacy, and a strong desire to help people. Our program provides the education and training to meet this need.
Family and Human Service agencies want employees who have the knowledge to work with clients who may be experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, and related issues – knowledge that you will gain in our program. Graduates find employment in places such as addictions and/or mental health treatment facilities, homeless shelters, senior centers, domestic abuse shelters, and similar social service programs. Be part of a helping profession that seeks solutions to important human problems and fosters hope for the future!
Why study Family and Human Services at Washburn?
A career in family and human services is an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of others. It is more than just a job – it is a rewarding career promoting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. Students who graduate from our program have the real-world knowledge to find positions in the field.
Our Department offers customizable academic plans:
- Choose from completely online, or a mix of on-campus and online classes
- Full-time and part-time schedule options
- Meaningful fieldwork and professional networking in your own community
- We are transfer friendly and accept substitutions from related coursework taken at other colleges/universities.
Our program focuses on evidence-based practices to address critical challenges in the field. We understand that all of us – students, professors, clients, and communities – benefit from a broad, inclusive perspective and we welcome students from diverse backgrounds.
25% of our associate degree graduates end up going on to graduate school.
The faculty-student ratio in our courses has averaged 13 students to one faculty member over the past six years. You will get small-group, individualized instruction to enhance the learning experience and prepare you well for your career.
Admissions scholarships
Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.Department scholarships
The School of Applied Studies awards scholarships to new, current and transfer students who are majoring in Family and Human Services. The application deadline is February 15.- Admissions scholarshipsAdmissions scholarships
- Department scholarshipsDepartment scholarships
Tuition and fees
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate and Traditional Online Undergraduate rates, depending on if they are taught on campus or online.
Reduced tuition for Tech students
Students who are concurrently enrolled in 12-credit hours at Washburn Tech or have completed an eligible certificate program are eligible for tuition at a reduced rate when pursuing an associate degree at Washburn University.Financial aid
Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.Tuition waiver programs
If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.
- Tuition and feesTuition and fees
- Reduced tuition for Tech studentsReduced tuition for Tech students
- Financial aidFinancial aid
- Tuition waiver programsTuition waiver programs
Two-Year Plan
The Associate of Arts in Family and Human Services can be achieved in two years with approximately 60-credit hours. Students must complete one internship in a family and human service agency in the community of 150 to 200 clock hours.
Learning pathway
Graduates, entering the workforce, can land jobs as Person Centered Case Managers in addictions and/or mental health treatment facilities, and in related positions at a variety of Human Service agencies such as homeless shelters, senior centers, domestic abuse shelters, and similar social service programs.
Many students choose to continue their education with a Bachelor’s degree in Family & Human Services. At the Bachelor level, students may become licensed as addiction counselors with the state of Kansas or work toward becoming a Certified Family Life Educator.
Washburn Advantage
Through a partnership with the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), you have the opportunity to apply for certification as a person-centered case manager (PCCM) in the state of Kansas once you've earned your associate degree or have completed an equivalent or greater amount of college credit hours.
Students must also complete and pass HS 323 - Service Coordination with a grade of C or better. In this course you'll learn the strengths-based, person-centered case management model, which is considered a billable service in many agencies offering substance use and mental health treatment services.
Meet D'Mya
After graduating with a certificate from the Washburn Institute of Technology, D’Mya Valdivia, a Topeka High graduate, knew she wanted to continue her education close to home at Washburn. The discounted tuition program offered to Tech students in eligible programs made it an easy choice to complete her associate degree in Family and Human Services and her advisors made it a smooth transition with no surprises.
“Washburn is a community that wants to help you and they want you to succeed,” Valdivia said. “So if you need help don't be afraid to reach out to someone and they can get you to the right place."
After graduating with her associate degree in 2019 she’s now pursing her bachelor’s degree. During her time at Washburn she’s taken full advantage of the opportunities to get involved on campus. She is a member of the Black Student Union, a student ambassador, a peer educator, a Summer Orientation Counselor (SOC), and a LinC Bonner Scholar. Valdivia said her advice to new students is find and join the student organizations that you’re interested in and take time to slow down to enjoy all of the opportunities.
“All I have done on campus has allowed me to learn a lot about myself and others,” Valdivia said. “I think it definitely enhances your education and when else are you going to have the time to do these kind of activities once you get out into the real world?”
Jobs & Opportunities
Graduate school
25%
of our Associate Degree graduates end up going on to graduate school
Student/faculty ratio
13:1
Projected job growth
17%
Program cost
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate and Traditional Online Undergraduate rates, depending on if they are taught on campus or online. Students who are concurrently enrolled in 12-credit hours at Washburn Tech or have completed an eligible certificate program are eligible for tuition at a reduced rate when pursuing an associate degree at Washburn University. Financial aid and scholarships are available for students pursuing an associate degree.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Family & Human Services
Family & Human Services
Benton Hall, Room 311
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2116
human-services@washburn.edu
