Degrees

HUMAN SERVICES CONCENTRATION
Associate in Science Degree

• Objectives
• Degree Information
• Recommended Course of Study
• Course Descriptions

Objective

1. To acquaint students with the human services profession in general and with the particular agencies, programs, and careers included within this designation.
2. To introduce students to the stages of intellectual, emotional, and social development an individual experiences as he/she moves through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
3. To familiarize students with recognized exceptionalities in individual development and with group pathologies (racial discrimination, gender bias, etc.) that can affect an entire society.
4. To review the principles and practices that allow married couples to succeed as partners, parents, productive workers, and neighbors.
5. To show students how and why certain counseling theories and techniques lead to interventions that markedly improve the psycho-social lives of individuals and families.
6. To explain thoroughly how controlled substances of various types alter mood and behavior in those who abuse them and adversely impact society as a whole.
   

Degree Information

The Human Services curriculum has been designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work with people in a variety of helping relationships.  The integration of coursework from the fields of psychology, sociology and education provides and excellent basis for students wishing to continue their education in human services, education, psychology, sociology or social work. Graduates may also wish to seek employment in human service "aide" positions in educational, rehabilitation and other social service institutions.

Recommended Course of Study

*Developmental courses may be required as prerequisites

**Courses listed in blue are described below. Other course descriptions are listed with Core Requirements

Course Descriptions - Social and Behavioral Sciences

SSC 125 (Formerly SS 105) - Introduction to Human Services
This course is designed to increase students' understanding of individual, group, community and societal needs; the organization and structure of the human service system; and the availability of community resources to help meet human needs. The needs of target populations are studied in relation to broader social, economic and cultural issues and problems (3 Credits). Click here to view SSC 125 course objectives.

SSC 110 (Formerly SS 161) - Marriage and the Family
SS161 is a comparative and contextual study of marriage and family institutions, including couples, gender roles, marriage, divorce, sexuality, parenting, working, multi-cultural orientations and other contemporary issues (3 Credits). Click here to view SSC 110 course objectives.

SSC 215 (Formerly SS 203) - Drugs and Behavior
This intensive course provides an in-depth examination of the major drugs used in American society today. The course concentrates on the effects of the various street and prescription drugs on human health and behavior (3 Credits). Click here to view SSC 215 course objectives.

PSY 205 (Formerly SS 231) - Developmental Psychology
This course studies the developmental changes in intellectual, emotional, motor and social behavior from infancy to adulthood. Special emphasis is given to the influence of heredity and to physiological, educational and social variances in the emotional and intellectual growth of the individual (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105 Click here to view PSY 205 course objectives.

PSY 210 (Formerly SS 232) - Psychology of Adjustment
This course offers a functional approach to well being. It examines the dynamics of personality as well as the capacity that human beings have to face, adapt and effectively cope with a rapidly changing environment. Within the framework of a socio-cultural approach, the course emphasizes self-understanding as a key aspect of adjustment (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105. Click here to view PSY 210 course objectives.

PSY 212 (Formerly SS 233) - Abnormal Psychology
This course is designed to produce an understanding of the etiologies, characteristics, diagnoses, treatments and prognoses of a variety of exceptionalities that have limiting effects on human potential (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105. Click here to view PSY 212 course objectives.

PSY 225 (Formerly SS 236) - Counseling Theories and Techniques
Selected counseling theories and techniques are examined in this course as they relate to the role of a human service worker. Emphasis is given to the skills needed for facilitating client self-exploration, self-understanding and change (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105. Click here to view PSY 225 course objectives.

PSY 228 (Formerly SS 237) - Career Development and Guidance
This course examines the theories of career development and other vocational adjustment issues, emphasizing their application in career-guidance programs within educational institutions, social service agencies and places of employment. It explores career theories, vocational assessment instruments, career resources, computerized systems, labor market information and career-guidance programs in various settings (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105 Click here to view PSY 228 course objectives.

SSC 210 (Formerly SS 241) - Social Problems
This course examines crime and delinquency, family problems, race relations, health and medical needs, poverty and unemployment, urban and rural problems, religious problems, over-population, under-education and social pathologies. Emphasis is on understanding the implications of social problems and their possible amelioration (3 Credits). Click here to view SSC 210 course objectives.

PSY 215 (Formerly SS 242) - Adulthood and Aging
This course provides an inter-disciplinary approach to its topic and considers the stigma of old age, the psychological problems of aging, the significance of individual differences in facing these problems, financial and legal strategies for surviving in old age, and the care and institutionalization of the elderly (3 Credits). Prerequisite: PSY 105. Click here to view PSY 215 course objectives.