Tuesday 29 May 2012

Online Degree Programs for Aspiring Social Service Coordinators

Online degree programs leading to a career in social service coordination are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's level. Students learn how to assist individuals who are affected by a broad range of social and environmental problems, including joblessness, domestic violence, grief and mental illness.

Online Associate Applied Science in Human Services

An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Human Services is often called a 'helping' degree - students are prepared for a variety of careers that involve assisting others, including social service coordination. They may study topics like abnormal human development, group psychology, case management, grief counseling or mental disability. Many programs are available online and typically take two years to complete.

Program Information and Requirements

Students can take most courses online, but an internship is often required. By accessing Web-based applications, such as Angel or Blackboard, students have immediate access to class lectures, related assignments and discussion groups. A computer with an Internet connection and word processing software is required.

Online Human Services Course Information

In addition to core human services coursework, students also complete general education courses. Lectures can often be viewed online in streaming video or audio formats.

Human Behavior Course

Students identify typical human behaviors influenced by social environments. They study family structures, organizations, communities and institutions to learn how different populations are affected.

Crisis Prevention and Intervention Course

This class trains students to identify situations that could lead to a crisis. They examine risk factors and learn about different prevention and intervention strategies.

Social Problems Course

In this class, students study common social problems in the United States. Emphasis is placed on identifying solutions and creating positive change in local communities.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human service assistants made a median annual salary of $27,940 in 2009 (www.bls.gov). Positions may be found in all social work sectors, including state and local governments, substance abuse facilities and family service institutions. Between 2008 and 2018, the field is expected to see a 23% growth rate, which is much faster than the anticipated career growth for all industries.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Services

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Services program trains students to meet the growing demand for social service and care-giving. Students learn how to use communication and service skills when working with people of all ages at health centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and community health service facilities. Eligibility requirements vary; some schools may require a high school diploma, while others might expect completion of general education courses through an associate's degree.

Program Information and Requirements

Depending on the school's admission requirements, the online degree program can take 2-4 years to complete. The program is available entirely online, but students can choose to complete summer residencies. Some schools may require internships. Each course is available to students for a certain amount of time - usually 5-16 weeks - in which assignments must be completed. Courses can be accessed through a Web-based application that allows teachers to post interactive video lectures. Students may be asked to interact with their classmates online.

List of Common Bachelor's-Level Human Service Courses

Some bachelor's degree programs may require the completion of general education courses. Assignments may have due dates specified by a professor, so it's important to regularly check a program's website.

Healthcare in the United States Course

Students examine the origins, ethical issues and legal precedents of healthcare delivery in the United States. Techniques for providing service and care to needy U.S. populations are discussed.

Technology in Human Services Course

Through this class, students learn to maintain the confidentiality of their clients. They also study the legal ramifications of privacy and security violations.

Social Problems Course

Students study common social problems that can affect people negatively, such as job loss, child abuse, violence, neglect, racial inequality and inability to access healthcare. They examine theories for dealing with these problems as well as their long-term effects.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the BLS, individuals with a background in human services can find career opportunities in many fields. The median hourly wage for social and human service assistants in 2008 was $13.12. School social workers made $19.01 per hour in the same year, and community service managers earned $26.92 per hour (www.bls.gov).

Online Master of Science in Social Work Overview

Through a master's program in social work, students learn to assess work, home and school situations to create personalized solutions for children or adults who need help. They target demographics in need of social services, like the elderly or at-risk adolescents, and create plans for more effective intervention. Acceptance into this program requires at least a bachelor's degree. The program is intensive to the sciences; there are numerous online master's programs available in social work as well as social services.

Information and Requirements

An online master's program can be completed in a year, but many students may take two years or more due to work or family obligations. Students follow Web-based courses through online video instruction, audio lectures and interactive presentations. They may be required to visit campus for a short one- or two-week learning experience. A field internship is often required, as is a final thesis paper.
To complete the online program, students must have a working computer with Internet access. They'll also need Microsoft Office software in order to use Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.

List of Common Master's-Level Social Work Courses

A master's degree in social work doesn't require completion of general education courses. Students interact with one another and their professors through on-line chat and in-class discussions using Blackboard or other educational servers.

Social Environment and Human Behavior Course

Students discover how people interact with one another and society in general. They examine family systems to provide an understanding of human behaviors to various populations.

Social Work Research Course

Students are given the opportunity to conduct research related to social work. They evaluate methods of interacting with clients in order to design, assess and integrate social solutions.

Family Violence Course

Students explore the effects of child abuse and learn how to identify victims of domestic violence.

Career Information for Graduates

Upon completing a master's degree in social services, students may find a variety of careers. Possible job titles include drug abuse counselor, career counselor, social worker, guidance counselor, child welfare worker or human resource specialist. Social services positions were expected to grow by 16-20% between 2008 and 2018, as reported by the BLS (www.bls.gov). In 2008, the median annual salary for school counselors was $51,050. During the same year, substance abuse counselors earned $37,030, while social workers made $39,530.

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