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Program Overview
Get the skills needed to provide information, support, care and advocacy in a human service agency. Madison College's Human Services associate program will train you to work with individuals, groups and communities. You will learn to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
General education courses included in the program teach you to better understand social problems. During the second year of the program, you will start a fieldwork placement in a human service agency. Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is your responsibility.
A Caregiver Background Check is required for fieldwork placements. Information obtained from the Criminal History Check may affect your ability to secure a fieldwork placement and your ability to find employment after graduation. Some of the aptitudes and interests that are essential for human service students include emotional stability and maturity, an interest in working with people, and an appreciation of cultural competence and diversity.
Human Services Associate Program Details
Students in the Human Services Associate program can attend full or part time.
Human Services Associate classes are offered at the Madison College Goodman South campus.
Accreditation
The Human Services Associate program is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services as a training program for substance abuse counselors. The program is also accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education preparing students for the Human Services – Board Certified Professional Credential.
Careers in Human Services
Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of human services including:
- Case Manager
- Community Support Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
- Income Maintenance Worker
- Information and Referral Specialist
- Intake Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Prevention Worker
- Resident Manager
- Volunteer Coordinator
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as a Substance Abuse Counselor or Social Worker.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-520-105Introduction to Human Services
Examines the scope, values and principles of the human service profession. Introduces the typical roles and duties of human service workers. Students assess their own motivations, attitudes and interests. In addition to the regular classroom hours, 45 hours of volunteer work in a community human services agency are required.3 credits10-520-106Orientation to Human Services Populations
Introduces social problems that contribute to the dysfunction of individuals, groups, families and communities. Addresses problems, needs, conditions and events that bring people to human service organizations.3 credits10-520-117Interviewing
Students learn principles and techniques needed to conduct informational and supportive interviews. Students practice interviewing skills during class.3 credits10-520-135Issues in Addiction
Provides students with a basic understanding of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Emphasizes historical and social perspectives on drug use, trends of use and legal and social responses to illicit drug use. Additionally, this course provides an accurate description of the effects of psychoactive drugs, identifies methods of substance abuse treatment and introduces the student to local treatment services.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsSecond Semester10-520-116Group Work Skills
Students learn principles and techniques needed to lead informational and supportive groups based on the solution- focused model. Students practice group work skills during class.3 credits10-520-130Social Change Skills
Introduces principles and strategies of planned change and the role of human services workers as community organizers. Covers how consumers affected by a social problem can clearly define an issue, set a goal and organize to bring about social change.3 credits10-520-141Introduction to Community Mental Health
Introduces the major diagnostic categories of mental illness, with a focus on the psychiatric management of these mental illnesses. Examines the unique treatment needs of people who have a coexisting psychiatric-disorder and substance-abuse problem.3 credits10-520-142Psychopharmacology
This course uses a bio-psycho-social framework to explore the use and misuse of psychoactive drugs. We will learn about the interactions between chemicals and neurons, the psychological and physiological effects on the individual, the impact the individual has on society and the role culture may have on substance misuse and treatment. In addition,we will explore topics relating to biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, chemistry and further our understanding on history, law, sociology and the political climate. The intent of this course is to instill a better understanding of why people use drugs, what effects drugs have on people, the intersections of the individual within the larger systems and various treatment approaches.3 credits10-520-136Counseling Addiction
Trains students in basic listening and responding skills, familiarizes students with the 12 core functions performed by AODA counselors (screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports, record keeping and consultation) and provides a structured learning environment in which students can develop skills in these core functions.3 creditsThird Semester10-520-157Human Services Counseling Skills
Introduces basic concepts of ego counseling, Rogerian counseling, transactional analysis, rational-emotive therapy, reality therapy, narrative therapy and solution focused therapy. Covers how counseling theories identify and define problems, explain personality development and treat problem situations.3 credits10-520-188Human Services Experience Conference 1
A small-group seminar designed as a companion/supportive course to the agency experience. Relates theory and principles of practice to agency field-study experience. Students learn to develop supportive relationships with clients and apply the values of confidentiality and client self-determination. They learn how their values and personal experiences affect their work with clients.3 credits10-520-190Human Services Agency Internship 1
Students develop skills as human services workers by working directly or indirectly with clients in community agencies 12 hours per week. An agency supervisor and a faculty member closely supervise students. The human services staff makes field placement assignments. Taken concurrently with: 10-520-188.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits10-804-134Mathematical Reasoning
Making decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues requires using mathematical reasoning to solve complex problems. This course explores numerical and algebraic relationships, graphical data displays, statistical measures, proportional and algebraic reasoning, translating contexts to mathematical models, and solving using linear, exponential and other mathematic models. This course may be used as the first of a two-part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement.3 credits10-809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies
This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.3 creditsFourth Semester10-520-120Community Service Agencies
Focuses on characteristics and functions of human services organizations and the roles of human service workers in those organizations. Covers organizational skills of assessment, planning, budgeting, grant writing, evaluation and consulting.3 credits10-520-191Human Services Agency Internship 2
Students continue their on-the-job training in community agencies for 12 hours per week. By the end of the course, students have the skills of an entry-level human services worker. Taken concurrently with: 10-520-120 and 10-520-189.3 credits10-520-189Human Services Experience Conference 2
Students develop skills specific to their fieldwork placement and complete a major project to enhance their cultural competence.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary American Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Human Services Associate program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 50 spots each Fall. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Human Services Associate career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Reading and Writing (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherThis program-to-program articulation agreement between UW-Whitewater and Madison College allows students to be awarded up to 64 credits toward the Social Work major and Human and Social Services minor after successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Human Services at Madison College and declaring the Social Work major and Human and Social Services minor at time of admission/upon transfer to UW-W. Students that transfer under this agreement with a minimum of 60 credits will be considered to have Junior standing at UW-W.Wisconsin Private Schools
Madison College female identifying students earning a Human Services Associate Degree with embedded Addiction Studies Technical Diploma will be able to apply their credits towards a BSW at Alverno.Students who receive a Human Services Associate Degree from Madison College will be guaranteed admission to Edgewood University within 5 years of completing Degree. Students will major in Sociology with a Human Service Concentration at Edgewood University.Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
After completing the Human Services program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Develop and maintain supportive, strength-based helping relationships that foster growth and problem solving in those being helped.
- Apply skills to the development of care and treatment plans and interventions.
- Demonstrate advocacy and professional and ethical standards.
- Provide services in a culturally competent manner.
- Develop respectful relationships with staff, clients, families and communities.
- Demonstrate effective oral communication with staff, clients and families.
- Communicate clearly in written reports.
- Write a grant to fulfill identified specific community needs.
- Demonstrate assessment and treatment knowledge and skills and strategies for people with substance abuse and mental health problems.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 18 23 23 Number of Surveys Sent 18 23 23 Number of Surveys Returned 10 6 16 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 5 6 11 Percent Available for Employment 50.0% 100.0% 68.8% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 50.0% 0.0% 12.5% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 5 6 11 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 5 2 8 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 33.3% 72.7% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 4 3 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 66.7% 27.3% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 2.7 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 10 6 16 Very Satisfied (4) 8 1 12 Percent Very Satisfied 80.0% 16.7% 75.0% Satisfied (3) 2 3 4 Percent Satisfied 20.0% 50.0% 25.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 10 6 16 Preparation for Getting a Job 2 2 5 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 20.0% 33.3% 31.3% Career Change 4 2 7 Percent Career Change 40.0% 33.3% 43.8% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 1 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 10.0% 16.7% 6.3% Preparation for Further Education 3 1 2 Percent Preparation for Further Education 30.0% 16.7% 12.5% Personal Interest 0 0 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 6.3% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 5 6 11 Before Enrollment 1 3 3 Percent Before Enrollment 20.0% 50.0% 27.3% While Attending the College 2 0 3 Percent While Attending the College 40.0% 0.0% 27.3% After Training at the College 2 3 5 Percent After Training at the College 40.0% 50.0% 45.5% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 6 14 In College District 4 5 10 Percent In College District 80.0% 83.3% 71.4% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 3 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 16.7% 21.4% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 3 2 4 Average Monthly Wage $3,762 $3,827 $4,150 Average Hourly Wage $21.87 $22.25 $24.13 Average Work Hours per Week 41.7 40.0 41.7 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 2 Average Hourly Wage $19.00 $23.05 Average Work Hours per Week 30.0 25.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions ASAP Addiction Services and Pharmacotherapy Substance Abuse Counselor Culver's Case Manager Milwaukee JustDane Senior Reentry Resource Specialist Marquette County Comprehensive Community Services CCS Manager Montello Oak Park Place of Madison Social Worker Oregon School District Special Education Assistant Oregon Unspecified Manager Fort Atkinson Unspecified Guest Services Waunakee * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
