Human and Social Services

The Human and Social Services program provides an opportunity for students interested in Human and Social Services careers to receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree.  Upon graduation, the students will have gained a broad-based professional education in preparation for a wide variety of employment opportunities such as: Community and Social Service Specialists; Social Services Assistants; Human Services Case Managers; Community Health Workers; Gerontology Worker; and Social Worker Aid, etc. The Human and Social Services program also provides the foundation for students who wish to become Social Workers, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Clergy Counselors, Psychologists, and other mental health professionals.

If I major in Human and 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 departmental advisor to obtain information about transferability. Most of our students transfer to Rutgers University, Kean University and Montclair University.  Students pursing the Clergy Counselor option are, upon graduation, accepted into the Pillar College Clergy Counseling Program.

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

Based on your placement, you may have to take developmental courses in mathematics, English and/or reading before taking courses at the 100 level and above.

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

If you do not need developmental coursework, you can complete the degree in two years or less by taking an average of 15 credits each semester. You may shorten the time required by taking summer courses.

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

• Students will be able to utilize their strong and diverse knowledge base and clinical/practical experience in the delivery of human services to clients
• Students will be able to explain the historical and philosophical foundation of human services
• Students will be able to utilize theoretical framework and empirical evidence to understand development and the interactions among human systems- individuals, groups, families, organizations, communities and societies
• Students will be able to analyze and assess the needs of clients or client groups
• Students will be able conduct various types of mental health assessments for screening clients/patients
• Students will be able to utilize the knowledge of organizational and social policies, human systems, the conditions that influence human functioning, evidence-based practices, and client-specific data to advocate on behalf of clients

Human and Social Services, A.A.S.

Program Outcomes

Student Outcomes – Past 2 Years

	Fall 2023	Fall 2024
Full Time	70	60
Part Time	51	47
Total	121	107

Completions

First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohorts

Human and Social Services Students

	AY 2023	AY 2024
Degree Conferred	21	30
Average GPA	3.49	3.42

Student Outcomes after 1 year

First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohorts

Human and Social Services Students

	Fall 2022	Fall 2023
Cohort Size	15	15
Retained in HSS Program	7(46.7%)	8(53.3%)

Student Outcomes after 3 Years

First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohorts

Human and Social Services Students

	Fall 2020	Fall 2021
Cohort Size	12	17
Graduated in HSS	8.3%	29.4%
Continuing in HSS	66.7%	41.2%
Graduated at ECC	21.4%	35.29%

Student Outcomes after 6 Years

First-Time, Full-Time, Degree-Seeking Cohorts

Human and Social Services Students

	Fall 2017	Fall 2018
Cohort Size	22	22
Graduated in HSS	4(18.2%)	3(13.6%)
Graduated at ECC	18.2%	31.8%

Among students enrolled in the HSS program between Fall 2020 and Spring 2022 who did not

complete at ECC, 13.7% (42) students transferred and enrolled at another institution. The top three transfer out colleges are:

1- Rutgers

2- Southern New Hampshire

3- Capella University