The associate’s degree in human services with the emphasis on academics will be a choice that many students will find appropriate for them. In this degree, the traditional instruction of a technical college, which provides a strong foundation for applied learning, blends those studies with additional coursework that will help prepare the student to progress beyond the associate degree toward additional academic training. While the foundation for employment in the human services field is still provided for the academic track student, additional modifications are made to the program to help facilitate continued academic study. After completing two years of study, students in this program are encouraged to continue their education at other colleges in the human services field. Therefore, not only do these students participate in high quality training based on the current needs of business and industry (and may simply opt for employment following graduation), they are also preparing for a successful advanced degree through the articulation and transfer agreements that we currently have with other colleges and universities, or to other similar programs of the student's own choice. In summary, the flexibility of this program provides the basis for student transfer to another college to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree, while others may enter the work force right away. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded on completion of this program of study.