About Our Program
Transferability
Psychology/Human Services graduates seamlessly transfer to 4-year colleges and universities. Recent examples include: St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University, University of North Dakota, UW-Superior, Hamline University, Mankato State University, St. Cloud State University, and North Dakota State University.
Program Planners
Applied Psychology/Human Services A.S. Degree Program Planner
Program Guide
Career Paths
Immediate:
- ARMHS practitioner
- Child care counselor
- Crisis work
- Mental Health Practitioner (Children or Adult Services)
- Residential support staff
- Advocacy for domestic violence and sexual assault
- School – based mental health services
With further education (some examples include):
- Adolescent counselor
- Advocacy for vulnerable populations
- Alcohol and drug counselor
- Applied behavior analyst
- Behavioral specialist
- Career counselor
- Case manager
- Crisis counselor
- Day care teacher/early childhood specialist
- Group facilitator
- Human services administrator
- Criminal justice field
- Law enforcement
- Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC)
- Mental health practitioner
- Probation or parole officer/corrections worker
- Research associate
- Residential counselor
- Social worker
Scholarship Opportunities
Applications are accepted from January 1 – March 1
All students, both traditional and nontraditional, are encouraged to apply as there is a wide variety of scholarships available: academic, vocational, technical, certifications.
Complete and submit one application to be considered for all scholarships at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation.
- More information and instructions are found on the actual scholarship application
- High school applications require you to attach your transcripts
If you have completed a FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid), then you will be asked to enter your SAI number into the application. The SAI number will appear on your computer/phone screen as soon as you submit your FAFSA application. Please print the page with your SAI number or make a note of the number to enter into the application. Keep this in mind in determining when you should complete our application (the deadline is midnight on March 1st).
Blandin Foundation scholarships exemplify Charles Blandin’s commitment to further the education and work skills of local students.
Application Period: January 6, 2025 – March 1, 2025
Blandin Foundation Scholarships – $1,000 to $6,000 per student each year – are for every student of high schools in the Itasca County area and Hill City, Remer, Blackduck, Northome and Bug O Nay Ge Shig schools, even if you’re not in the top of your class. Homeschooled and online students who would have graduated from one these schools are also eligible.
You can apply if you are under age 25, your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA is under 30,000, and you plan to pursue certificate programs, community technical or tribal college, and colleges or universities anywhere in the United States.
Blandin Foundation scholarships fund up to a bachelor’s degree. It is not available for masters/graduate degrees or doctorates/post-doctorates.
Questions about scholarships or need help with your application?
Applicant must be a sophomore, enrolled full-time, 3.0 GPA or higher, must attend the Itasca Campus, and must be enrolled in psychology/human services program.
Apply for this through Minnesota North’s scholarship portal.
Applicant must be from Itasca County, enrolled full-time, 3.0 GPA or higher, must attend the Itasca Campus, and must be enrolled in psychology/human services program.
Apply for this through Minnesota North’s scholarship portal.
Meet our Alumni
Sophee Pope
I started my education with Minnesota North Itasca looking for small class sizes to connect with others and have a close-knit supportive environment, and that’s exactly what I found. The Applied Psychology and Human Services program offered the introduction to human services and the mental health field I needed to find out what I wanted from my career. Through comprehensive classwork and my membership in the Psychology Club, I was able to build meaningful connections with my classmates and professors. The program design gave me the foundation to begin working in the field, offering unique experiences such as attending the Minnesota Psychological Association Conference and on-the-job experience at a paid internship. Completing the Applied Psychology and Human Services program at Minnesota North Itasca set me up for a smooth transition into pursuing my License in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (LADC) and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Bemidji State University. I then continued my education to get my Masters in Social Work and now have my License in Graduate Social Work (LGSW) and have started my dream career as a therapist serving adolescents. Through my Masters program and still to this day in my career, I utilize the skills and knowledge I had the privilege of receiving from the Applied Psychology and Human Services program. I was able to gain experience in and out of the classroom in crisis intervention, ethical dilemmas, therapeutic modalities, and much more. Attending Minnesota North Itasca and being a part of this program set me on a clear path to the career and life that I wanted for myself, and I will forever be grateful for that.
Meet our Alumni
Will Kessler
My time at Minnesota North College – Itasca allowed me to build a very strong foundation for my psychology research. The Applied Psychology and Human Service program helped me build a deep knowledge of the psychology field, with engaging class projects, small and intimate classes allowing for valuable discussion and conversation, and a practicum which offers an entire semester’s worth of quality work experience. For my practicum, I designed a survey, surveyed Minnesota North – Itasca students, and completed a research paper with the results. My practicum allowed me to put my knowledge and abilities to the test in a safe environment with lots of support and was an experience that helped me stand out as I entered the workforce. Due to the small class sizes and the professors’ genuine interest in student success, I was able to receive the individual support and teaching I needed to truly excel. Additionally, the Psychology club was a great social backdrop to my education, while also providing significant opportunities, such as attending a psychology conference in the twin cities. After graduating at Itasca, I continued my education, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology before going on to become a researcher at the University of Minnesota in the field of Human Factors (applying psychological principles to engineering and design) where I have contributed to many research papers (one of which I am even first author on), become a MN authority on crash reporting, and presented research at a number of conferences. The Applied Psychology / Human Services program allowed and encouraged me to excel in my education, setting me up with the resume and knowledge I needed to succeed.
Meet our Alumni
Megan Phillips
Attending Minnesota North College – Itasca was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. I adored all of my classes and professors, and I deeply appreciated the opportunity to work closely with faculty who were both knowledgeable and genuinely invested in their students' success. The Applied Psychology program at Minnesota North laid a strong foundation that not only supported my academic growth but also translated seamlessly into my Anthropology degree. My studies in psychology proved especially valuable during my fieldwork in Bermuda, where understanding human behavior and cultural dynamics was essential. The skills and insights I gained at Itasca helped me navigate real-world challenges and contributed to a richer, more informed approach to my work. Today, I work in Section 8 and state rental assistance programs, where I continue to draw on the knowledge and perspective I developed at Itasca. The Psychology program prepared me well for life after college, equipping me with both practical tools and a broader understanding of the people and systems I now work with every day. I often find myself reflecting fondly on my time at Itasca. I truly wish I could do it all again.
Meet our Alumni
Karlyn Lorenz
Like many others, uncertainty was the theme for myself when deciding where to begin my postsecondary education. On a whim, I registered for the Applied Psychology and Human Services program at the former Itasca Community College. In reflection, this was the best decision I could have made for myself. The class sizes were small and the campus was easy to navigate. Most importantly, the instructors of the Applied Psychology program were experienced, knowledgeable, and truly the most impactful professionals I have had the privilege to learn from. The Applied Psychology Program offers a unique opportunity, a practicum, which allowed me to partake in hands-on learning at a local outpatient substance use program. I graduated from the Applied Psychology and Human Services program at Itasca Community College, earning an Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) in Applied Psychology and Human Services. This prepared me to move forward in my educational journey. I continued on by attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I completed an internship during this time at Itasca County Probation, returning to the area in which I started. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree, I felt called to the field of criminal justice. I gained experience in this field by working as a correctional officer for the State of Minnesota. I am now employed by the State of Wisconsin as a Probation & Parole Agent, supervising individuals in the community on probation, parole, and extended supervision. The avenues and directions that you can take upon completing the Applied Psychology program are both flexible and endless. My path has been surrounded by psychology, social work, and community corrections. This would not have been made possible without the strong foundation provided to me by the Applied Psychology and Human Services program.
Meet our Alumni
Mallory Clusiau
Attending Minnesota North College – Itasca was the perfect starting point for my career in the mental health field. The Applied Psychology and Human Service program offered hands-on experiences and a supportive environment that allowed me to grow and develop early in my academic journey. The small class sizes and strong connections with my instructors gave me the personalized guidance I needed to excel both personally and professionally. During my time at Itasca, I was honored to serve as the president of the Psychology Club, an experience that helped me develop leadership skills and a deeper commitment to supporting others in the mental health field. This leadership role solidified my passion for helping others and reinforced my desire to continue growing as a leader in my career. Since my time at Itasca, I’ve gained incredible experience in case management, early intervention, hospital social work, and Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS). These experiences have given me valuable insights into the diverse ways I can support individuals in need, deepening my expertise in the mental health field. After earning my Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, I continued my education in Social Work. Itasca laid the groundwork for my future, and I later graduated with a Bachelor’s of Social Work and a Master’s of Social Work. The program at Itasca prepared me to transition seamlessly into my career in mental health counseling, where I am now able to make a meaningful impact on others' lives.
