Academic Certificate Program in Human and Social Services

Division of Social Sciences — Curriculum Code: 3057

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Academic Certificate

Why major in Human & Social Services?

To begin a career where you have the satisfaction of helping individuals and communities.

If I major in Human & Social Services, can I transfer to an upper division college or university?

This program is designed for immediate employment. However, four-year institutions will apply most or all of your courses toward a bachelor’s degree depending upon their program requirements. Consult your academic advisor to obtain information about transferability.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses?

Based on your placement test scores, you may have to take developmental courses in reading and/or English before taking the core curriculum courses in your major. Students must be currently employed by a human service organization, which must be approved by the Social Sciences Division prior to admission to the program.

How long will it take for me to complete this program?

If you do not need developmental course work and you register for an average of 14 credits each semester, you can complete the academic certificate in one year. Part-time students can complete the program in two years.

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

Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, policies, procedures, purposes, and offerings of the agencies and institutions that provide human and social services to individuals, families, groups, and communities;
Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical approaches of various levels of practice in social work, gerontology, addictions counseling, and mental health;
Conduct client intake and process client referrals to appropriate support services; and
Conduct home visitations and participate in client mentoring.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

(6 credits)

Written & Oral Communication (3 credits)

ENG 101 (one 3-credit course)

Society & Human Behavior (3 credits)

PSY 101 (one 3-credit course)

MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(21 credits)

ENG 109 Effective Speech (3 credits)
PSY 250 Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
SOC 111 Helper Theory (3 credits)
SOC 121 Social Service Policies and Procedures (3 credits)
SOC 228 Human and Social Services (3 credits)
SOC 229 Human and Social Services Internship Seminar I (3 credits)

Total Credits Required for Academic Certificate: 27

RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE OF COURSES:

First Semester
ENG 101 College Composition I (3 credits)
ENG 109 Effective Speech (3 credits)
PSY 101 General Psychology (3 credits)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
SOC 111 Helper Theory (3 credits)

Second Semester
PSY 250 Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
SOC 121 Social Service Policies and Procedures (3 credits)
SOC 228 Human and Social Services (3 credits)
SOC 229 Human and Social Services Internship Seminar I (3 credits)

NOTES:
(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above, regardless of specific choices made by the individual student.
(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.