Nov 03, 2024  
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog

Human Services A.S.


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School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education and Human Services
HEGIS: 5501
 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. 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 can 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


62 credits are required for the degree:

  • General Education - 31 credits
  • Required Degree Courses - 31 credits

General Education Requirements - 31 Credits

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all general education courses 

Required Degree Courses - 31 credits

Program Map


The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

 

Semester 1

Course Credits
ENG 101 Writing and Research   3
MATH 116 - The Development of Mathematical Thought  OR MATH 117 - College Quantitative Reasoning  OR higher-level mathematics General Education course 3
PSYCH 101 - Introduction to Psychology   3
COMM 109 - Speech Communication   3
HSERV 101 - Introduction to Social Work   3
Semester Total Credits 15

Semester 2

Course Credits
ENG 102 Writing and Literature   3
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology   3
BIOL 103 - Human Biology (and Lab)   4
HSERV 102 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment   3
POLSC 102 - American Government and Issues   3
Semester Total Credits 16

Semester 3

Course Credits
The Arts  OR World Language   Gen. Ed. Course 3
HSERV 200 - Diversity & Social Justice   3
HSERV 260 - Social Work Group Practice   4
HSERV 261 - Social Work Practicum I   3
Free Elective 3
Semester Total Credits 16

Semester 4

Course Credits
HSERV 262 - Social Work Practice Foundations   3
HSERV 263 - Social Work Practicum II   3
HSERV 264 - Case Management   3
Free Electives 6
Semester Total Credits 15

Minimum Total Credits: 62

Transfer Opportunities


Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

Career Opportunities


Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.

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