Human Services Certificate

CONTACT

Donna Rowe, 413.552.2029, drowe@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Human Services Certificate is appropriate for those who may want to upgrade their skills and knowledge or are considering a career change into the human services field. The certificate is also part of a career ladder leading toward the Associate Degree in Human Services. Students are encouraged to enter this certificate program in the Fall semester. If they do so, it is possible to complete this certificate in one year, in consultation with their advisor. The program offers an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills which will enable individuals to work in a variety of practical and career settings. There are specialization courses from which students may select, depending on their areas of interest. Career opportunities in human services are available in human services and social work agencies, mental health agencies, crisis intervention, substance abuse and recovery programs, community organizing and advocacy, day care centers, educational settings, community and public health settings, services for the elderly, correctional services, and with those individuals of any age who may have emotional, physical, or developmental disabilities.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

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

demonstrate an understanding of the field of U.S. human services, social work, and social welfare 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 and organizational settings
recognize the importance of ethics and ethical behavior in the field of human services and social work
develop basic interviewing, interpersonal, and trauma-informed service and delivery skills necessary to the helping relationship
demonstrate an understanding of primary data sources and methods used to measure practices in the human service and social work fields in society

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 9 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
HSV 113 - Introduction to Human Services Credit(s): 3
PSY 110(B) - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 15-16 CREDITS

Select 5 from the following

COM 150(C) - Public Speaking Credit(s): 3
DFS 101(C) - Introduction to Deaf Studies Credit(s): 3
DFS 104(C) - Deaf Culture 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
Any course with a DVD, HSV, PSY, or SOC designation Credit(s): 3-4

TOTAL: 24-25 CREDITS

NOTES

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, 100% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

(H019)