Human Services

Program description

This program is designed to provide students with foundational skills and concepts about human interaction within the social, cultural, and economic systems of individuals and families within our society. Individual and family issues that arise from changing societal patterns have created a vast need for a variety of support services. Students with an A.S. Degree in Human Services will have the opportunity to enter the Human Services field in a number of paraprofessional positions, and with additional coursework, would be prepared to transfer to a four-year college/university with lower division preparation for a Bachelor’s of Social Work.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Identify the impact of the context (historical, cultural, societal, and/or familial) on individuals as they develop, as well as the reciprocal influences, and apply this understanding when analyzing human behavior.
2. Integrate the perspectives of continuity and change, multidirectional pathways, and resiliency when evaluating the process of personal and interpersonal development throughout the lifespan.
3. Identify crucial elements of various systems perspectives and apply these concepts in the analysis of specific situations.
4. Reflect a critical awareness of current issues and valid scientific research in the field of Family Studies/Human Services.
5. Create a comprehensive action plan that reflects both personal and interpersonal effectiveness within the physical, mental, financial and psychosocial domains.
6. Differentiate between personal values and professional guidelines/ethics established within the field of Human Services.

The student must complete the Core Courses listed below, required General Education, either the Social Work/Family Studies or the Youth Wellness Coaching courses and electives to total 60 units to complete the A.S. Degree requirements. The Social Work pathway allows the students to choose from a list of restricted electives while the Youth Wellness Coaching pathway requires the student to take all courses listed in the pathway. Some major courses may be double counted toward the General Education unit requirement. Students planning to transfer to a Social Work Baccalaureate Program should consider utilizing available General Education units and electives units to complete the specific lower division requirements of the transfer school of their choice. It is imperative to consult a counselor and the catalog of that institution.

Degree requirements

Associate in Science Degree Requirements