(61 semester hours minimum)

This program is geared for students seeking careers in the human services, such as disability services, mental health, social services, or addiction recovery. The program provides both academic and applied educational experiences for students interested in the opportunities and satisfaction of helping others and can be used for entry-level positions in the human services field or to transfer to a BSW/BA degree program. Students intending to transfer are highly encouraged to follow the directed courses identified below.

In addition to General Education Outcomes, learners who complete the Human Services degree will:

• Relate an understanding of human development and behavior in the social environment
• Demonstrate knowledge of key theories directing human services intervention including systems/ecological, psychoanalytical, cognitive, behavioral, and person-centered
• Integrate understanding of the history of human services and current trends
• Define the typical social conditions leading to human services interventions such as addictions, aging, crime, disability, family relations, mental illness/retardation, and poverty
• Understand gender/culture/race/religious/ sexual orientation/age and other prejudices and their impact on human behavior and potential
• Recognize the significance of culture on human behavior
• Demonstrate knowledge of access to community resources as well as funding considerations
• Exemplify competence as skilled entry level providers in the field of human services
• Show an understanding of and commitment to ethical practice and the values of human services professionals
• Indicate knowledge about and commitment to systems change and the rights of people to receive services
• Advocate against all forms of discrimination and prejudice
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning for themselves and those whom they serve

For more information, contact Program Coordinator Heath Hightower.