Human Services
Associate in Arts School of Arts and Social Sciences · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
School of Arts and Social Sciences
The Human Services A.A. program provides a basic academic background for the student seeking a career working with people in a variety of social settings. The program is based on a synthesis of knowledge from several social sciences, together with methodologies of intervention at the individual, group and community levels. The Human Service profession promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but by also seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, coordination, and collaboration among professionals and agencies to attain the highest quality of life with the least amount of intervention.
Over a two year course of study students engage in a rich learning experience to explore theory, and acquire knowledge and skills in intervention, community organization, social welfare policy, and basic social work strategies. In addition, students are guided to a better understanding of self, and their abilities to make a difference in individuals, families and communities.
As a basic introductory program graduates may find entry level positions as advocates, youth workers, volunteer coordinators, fund-raisers or advocacy specialists for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, or other social issues. A significant number of graduates from this program are employed in agencies, federal, state and non-profit organizations, for profit enterprises, and a variety of societal settings.
Many graduates continue their education completing B.A. or B.S. degrees in social work, counseling, psychology, vocational rehabilitation, public administration or education. Students who intend to continue their studies at one of the California State Colleges or at the University of California; students should work with their counselors for specific requirements.
The Associate in Arts Degree in Human Services is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the following required courses, with a minimum grade of a “C” in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Describe the historical development of social work, social welfare, and human services systems.
B. Explain and analyze contemporary policies and social problems and services available to meet the needs of various disadvantaged populations.
C. Identify and discuss the values and ethics of the profession.
D. Identify models of service delivery, including community resources, with specific emphasis on the Human Services model.
E. Understand and identify the roles of a human services professional, emphasizing the Helping Process, basic helping skills, identifying behaviors of challenging clients, and the application of crisis intervention strategies.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (25 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HMSV-20 | Social Welfare and Social Work | 3 |
| HMSV-21 | Human Behavior and the Helping Process | 3 |
| HMSV-22 | Survey and Utilization of Community Services | 3 |
| HMSV-24 | Work Experience in Human Services | 4 |
| Take 6 units from the following courses: | ||
| HMSV-41 | Case Management | 3 |
| HMSV-42 | Introduction to Counseling Skills | 3 |
| HMSV-43 | Ethics in Counseling | 3 |
| HMSV-44 | Leadership and Counseling in Groups | 3 |
| Take 6 units from the following electives: | ||
| ANTH-02 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH-10 | Southeast Asian Culture: Hmong | 3 |
| CRIM-33 | Family Violence | 3 |
| HIST-22 | History of African Americans | 3 |
| HIST-23 | Chicana/O American History and Culture | 3 |
| HLTH-15 | Drugs, Health, and Society | 3 |
| HUM-15 | Comparative Cultures | 3 |
| PSYC-C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| orPSYC-C1000H | Introduction to Psychology Honors | 3 |
| CLDV-09 | Human Development | 3 |
| orPSYC-09 | Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC-22 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSYC-23 | Personal and Social Adjustment | 3 |
| PSYC-40 | Drugs and Behavior | 3 |
| SOCI-C1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI-03 | Marriage and the Family | 3 |
| Required Major Total | 25 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (11 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)