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.
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
This 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.