Mar 29, 2024  
Spring 2019 Course Catalog 
    
Spring 2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Services A.S.


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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Professional Careers
HEGIS: 5501
 

 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2019. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) Degrees Defined

The purpose of the A.A. and A.S. is to build a foundation in a discipline, then continue to higher levels of education by transferring to a four-year institution. The A.A. contains liberal arts credits; including coursework in the arts, humanities and social sciences, and provides flexibility to pursue several careers.  Conversely, coursework for the A.S. contains some liberal arts credits and coursework also directly applicable to a clearly defined career path. Click to learn more  about the differences among award types.

Program Description


The Associate in Human Services degree program parallels most liberal arts programs in four-year colleges and universities. Most graduates of this degree program transfer to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at four- ear institutions to continue their education. By choosing their courses carefully, most graduates are able to transfer with full credit and complete the bachelor’s degree in two additional years of study.

This program is for the student wishing to enter social work or related fields, and who wishes to seek employment in counseling or therapy. Its aim is to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, families, and groups to solve problems and achieve higher levels of social functioning.

The Human Services curriculum provides a broad background in the social and behavioral sciences. It offers the opportunity for supervised internships where students will be able to translate theory into practice by having actual experience working with individuals, families, and communities at local social service agencies, residential treatment centers, hospitals, and schools. Graduates can continue their education toward a Bachelor of Social Work degree or obtain employment in such areas as foster care, residential treatment, developmental disabilities, mental health, and social services. Practice options may include counseling, case management, group work and community advocacy.

The Human Service curriculum is flexible. Classes are held during the day and evening hours. Evening classes are held both on- and off- campus to allow students maximum opportunities to complete their degree in a timely manner. Students working in the field may use their employment for internship credit while attending human service seminars if the department approves.

Graduates wishing to pursue social work as a career can benefit from our transfer agreements with the accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs at the College of New Rochelle, Iona, Concordia, Adelphi, N.Y.U., Dominican, Marist, Western Connecticut State College, SUNY Albany, Fordham, Lehman, Mercy College and others. After receiving the A.A.S. in Human Services at Westchester Community College, students can transfer into one of these programs as juniors and complete the Bachelor of Social Work degree. Successful completion of an accredited BSW makes it possible to apply for advanced standing status in MSW programs, making it possible to reduce the time required.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge base necessary for a human service professional.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to define and apply the major values and ethics of the human service profession.
  3. Demonstrate the human service practice skills necessary for work with individuals, families, and groups.
  4. Demonstrate preparedness to transfer and be successful in a four-year bachelor’s of social work program.

Program Requirements


General Education Requirements - 28 Credits


Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses 

Humanities (3 credits)


Mathematics (3 credits)


Natural Sciences (4 credits)


The Arts, Foreign Language, or Other World Civilizations (3 credits)


  • Select a course from ONE of the following categories:

                    The Arts - see SUNY General Education Courses  
                    Foreign Language - see SUNY General Education Courses  
                    Other World Civilizations - SUNY General Education Courses  

American History or Western Civilization (3 credits)


Program Notes


The general education credits for this A.S. degree meet the minimum 30 credit SUNY requirement; HSERV 102 (found under Degree Requirements) fulfills the Social Science general education category, in addition to degree requirements.

Minimum Total Credits - 62


Career Path Opportunities


Career Coach: Explore Your Career PathAre you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Transfer Opportunities (SUNY)


Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process for its incoming and graduating students. To ensure its graduates enjoy a seamless transfer with junior status to another college in the same discipline at both institutions (transferred from/to) and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer, Westchester Community College has signed Transfer Articulation Agreements with many colleges that offer bachelor’s degree programs. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transferarticulation to see a list of Articulation Agreements by institution or search by a specific program of study. Visit www.sunywcc.edu/transfer for additional transfer resources and contacts. 

State University of New York (SUNY) Transfer Paths

SUNY Transfer Path LogoThis program of study is an approved SUNY Transfer Path, which guarantees SUNY two-year associate of arts and associate of science graduates a seamless transfer path from the associate’s degree level of study to the bachelor’s degree level within the SUNY system. This applies to degrees received in the same discipline at both institutions in a designated SUNY Transfer Path. Students will have junior status upon transfer, which allows for the completion of a bachelor’s degree within two additional years of full-time study. Visit SUNY Transfer Paths for more information about how to advance your academic career within the State University of New York.

Transfer Scholarship Opportunities

Many colleges and universities are eager to have Westchester Community College graduates transfer to their institutions. Consider this an incentive to complete your WCC degrees with high honors!  Go to www.sunywcc.edu/scholarships to view the many transfer scholarship opportunities to four-year colleges.

Getting Started


Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.
 

Apply Now

 

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