2024-2025 College Catalog

Social and Human Services A.A.S. Degree [A45380]

Program Information

The Social and Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, students take courses which prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.

Coursework includes the development of professional knowledge, skills, and values in human services. Opportunities for experiential learning allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

Graduates should qualify for positions in government, private, and nonprofit social and human services agencies. Graduates may choose to transfer and continue their education at a variety of colleges and universities.

Semester-by-Semester Plan

First Year

Fall Semester

ACA 122College Transfer Success

1

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

HSE 110Introduction to Human Services

3

PSY 150General Psychology

3

SAB 110Intro to Addiction & Recover

3

SWK 110Intro to Social Work

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Spring Semester

HSE 123Interview Tech Human Service

3

HSE 225Crisis and Intervention Prin

3

PSY 241Developmental Psychology

3

Or

PSY 281Abnormal Psychology

3

 

SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

SWK 113Cultural Comp & Diversity

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Summer Semester

Elective

3

Humanities/Fine Arts

3

Total Credit Hours:6

Second Year

Fall Semester

GRO 120Intro to Gerontology

3

HSE 212Group Dynamics

3

HSE 223Counseling Theories & Skills

3

And

BIO 110Principles of Biology

4

Or

BIO 111General Biology I

4

Or

MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3

Or

MAT 152Statistical Methods I

4

Total Credit Hours:12-13

Spring Semester

HSE 155Community Resources Mgt

3

HSE 210Diversity Ethics and Trends

3

HSE 220Case Management

3

Elective

3

And

COM 231Public Speaking

3

Or

ENG 112Writing and Research in the Disciplines

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Total Credit Hours: 64-65

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate ethical situations using professional standards to determine the best course of action when helping clients.
  • Develop integrated intervention strategies that maximize community resources to address diverse client needs.
  • Synthesize classroom knowledge and hands-on skills to create culturally appropriate ways to help clients. 

Technical Requirements

Ability Definition of Standard Examples
Critical Thinking

Student must:

  • Have a general understanding of Human Services guidelines and practices.
  • Be able to implement proper judgment and problem-solving skills.
  • Be able to apply ethical standards to situations.
  • Have the ability to apply knowledge, skills and experience to determine best/safe practice.
  • Follows the rules and guidelines for ethics and professional standards in the field.
  • Uses supervision and makes case decisions for clients.
  • Maintains professional demeanor while able to problem solve complex situations.
  • Review and understand written documents such as client charts and provider records.
Interpersonal

Student must

  • Have the ability to work with others in a variety of settings and situations.
  • Maintain hygiene and dress requirements appropriate for assignments.
  • Have the ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs.
  • Demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing environments and work related challenges.
  • Show respect for diverse populations.
  • Display cross-cultural competency, integrity, moral reasoning, ethical behaviors and concern for others.
  • Flexibility in working with clients and coworkers.
  • Dressing in a way that is conducive to the professional environment.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Actively listen to what people are saying.
  • Demonstrate ability to cope with stressful situations.
  • Display integrity, honesty, respect, reliability and accountability.
  • Accept and utilize constructive feedback to enhance personal and professional growth. Respond to challenging situations while maintaining composure and professionalism.
  • Work independently and in teams.
  • Respond to challenging situations while maintaining composure and professionalism.
Behavioral

Student must:

  • Have the ability to self-regulate emotions and choose behaviors that are professional.
  • Using a self-care coping plan even during high stress situations.
  • Utilizing aspects of supervision.
Communication

Student must:

  • Have the ability to communicate orally with others.
  • Have the ability to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Have the ability to comprehend and understand spoken and written language.
  • Engage in positive productive conversation with coworkers.
  • Keep written notes in a way that others can understand.
  • Discuss details and ask questions regarding client care.
  • Listen and respond to others in a nonjudgmental, respectful manner.
  • Awareness of non-verbal communication.
  • Observe, interpret and respond appropriately to surroundings, nonverbal cues, verbal and written information.
Physical

Student Must:

  • Have the endurance, strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and coordination to perform client activities.
  • Sit, stand, walk and maintain balance at varying intervals.
  • Bend, stretch, squat, twist, kneel and reach.