Human Services A.S.

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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Human Services
HEGIS: 5501
Curriculum Chair: Prof. Helen O’Brien
Telephone: 914-606-8520
Email: helen.obrien@sunywcc.edu

A Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Fall 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

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:

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

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 .

Basic Communication (6 credits)

Social Sciences (6 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)

POLSC 102 - American Government and Issues

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 224 - Introduction to Research and Statistical Methods
Liberal Arts Electives* (9 credits)
The following two courses must be taken together:
HSERV 260 - Group Dynamics and Leadership
HSERV 261 - Human Services Field Experience 1
The following two courses must be taken together:
HSERV 262 - Methods in the Helping Process
HSERV 263 - Human Services Field Experience 2
* See Curriculum Chair for recommended Liberal Arts Electives.

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

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 .