Human Services, A.S.

CONTACT

Donna Rowe, 413.552.2029, drowe@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Human Services program provides the academic work and field experience needed for successful careers in human services, as well as a strong foundation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities for programs in social work, human services, or other related majors. This program has been developed to align with the Mass Transfer Pathways Human Services to Social Work pathway.

The program combines course work in the social sciences, primarily psychology and sociology, with human services courses. Students gain knowledge of the field and develop professional skills such as: communication, observation, listening, report writing, behavior modification, and human relations. Students are provided with learning opportunities to help them develop as multiculturally competent and ethical practitioners. Students are encouraged to build upon their unique abilities to work collaboratively with individuals, families, and communities. The program fosters the development of the skills necessary for practitioners in human services through active learning strategies, clinical field placements, community research projects, and case studies. Students have the opportunity to explore career options working with children, elders, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities, mental health and substance use needs, minority and refugee populations, homeless individuals and families, and other groups in need.

Upon graduation students are qualified for entry level positions such as: residential case manager, outreach worker, gerontology assistant, crisis intervention worker, family and child advocate, and community organizer. Graduates are also prepared to transfer to 4-year degree programs in Social Work or Human Services, in accordance with the agreement of the Mass Transfer A2B Pathway.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the historical and contemporary field of U.S. human services, social work, and social welfare systems, as well as the role the employee and agency plays in these systems
develop effective and professional communication skills, both orally and in writing
develop as multiculturally competent and skilled practitioners working with individuals, families, and groups in community-based and organizational settings
demonstrate the importance of ethical and professional behavior in the field of human services and social work
develop basic interviewing, interpersonal, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed service and delivery skills necessary to helping relationships
demonstrate an understanding of the primary data sources and research methods used to measure best practices in the human service and social work professions in U.S. society

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 35-36 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
PSY 110(B) - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
PSY 216(B) - Human Development Credit(s): 3
SOC 110(B) - Introduction to Sociology Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4¹
BIO 111(E) - Human Biology Credit(s): 4
Laboratory Science Elective (E) Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 16 CREDITS

HSV 113 - Introduction to Human Services Credit(s): 3
HSV 120(B) - Introduction to Addiction Studies Credit(s): 3
HSV 122 - Diversity and Social Justice for the Service Practitioner Credit(s): 3
HSV 123 - Helping Skills, Techniques, and Ethics in Human Services and Social Work Credit(s): 3
HSV 288 - Practicum in Human Services I Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 12-13 CREDITS

select 4 of the following:

ANT 101(B) - Cultural Anthropology Credit(s): 3
ANT 114(B) - Understanding Diversity and Valuing Similarities Credit(s): 3
CRJ 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credit(s): 3
DVD 110 - Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Credit(s): 3
DVD 210 - Current Issues in Developmental Disabilities Credit(s): 3
EDU 203 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children Credit(s): 3
EDU 208 - Inclusionary Practice in Education Credit(s): 3
HTH 101 - Introduction to Health Careers Credit(s): 3
HTH 102(B) - Introduction to Public Health Credit(s): 3
NTR 101 - Introduction to Nutrition Credit(s): 3
SSN 120(B) - Conflict Resolution and Mediation Credit(s): 3
SPA 101(C) - Elementary Spanish I Credit(s): 3
SPA 102(C) - Elementary Spanish II Credit(s): 3
Any HSV, PSY, or SOC course Credit(s): 3
Any HSV, PSY, or SOC course Credit(s): 3
Any HSV, PSY, or SOC course Credit(s): 3
Any HSV, PSY, or SOC course Credit(s): 3

TOTAL: 63-65 CREDITS

NOTES

¹Students interested in transferring to a Massachusetts State College/University or UMASS campus are advised to enroll in MTH 142

This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer will also grant students automatic acceptance to certain state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree.

CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Registry Information) background checks may be required prior to field work and practicum placement and will be conducted by specific agencies in accordance with state regulations. CORI and SORI results are confidential.

Depending on course selection, 80% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

(H049)