A Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2016. 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.

Program Description

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, Stony Brook, 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.

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 . 

Degree Requirements - 34 Credits

• HSERV 101 - Introduction to Human Services
• HSERV 102 - Human Behavior and Social Development/Lifespan
• HSERV 200 - Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
• HSERV 264 - Case Management

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• The following two courses must be taken together:

• HSERV 260 - Group Dynamics and Leadership
• HSERV 261 - Human Services Field Experience 1

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• The following two courses must be taken together:

• HSERV 262 - Methods in the Helping Process
• HSERV 263 - Human Services Field Experience 2

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• Liberal Arts Electives* (6 credits)
• Free Electives (3 credits, any college course)

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• * See Curriculum Chair for recommended Liberal Arts Electives.

Minimum Total Credits - 62

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .