Human Services, Generalist Track, AS

Human Services Program

The program in Human Services prepares students to work in the fields of counseling and human services, social work and rehabilitation, mental health and administration. The primary purpose of the Human Service Practitioner is to assist individuals and communities to function as effectively as possible. A strong desire to help others is an important consideration for a career as a Human Services Professional.

Graduates of the program may be employed in a wide variety of community agencies that serve clients of all ages. Human Services graduates may assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as alcohol and chemical dependency, psychology, rehabilitation, social work, education, social and community services, youth services or dependent care.

The field of Human Services is currently ranked as one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. Current occupational employment and wages data for Human Services are published by the UnitedStates Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211093.htm.

Curriculum Options

The Human Services Associate of Science degree program offers two tracks:

• Associate of Science Generalist Track: Prepares students for entry level positions in the field of Human Services.
• Associate of Science Addiction Study Track: Prepares students for entry level positions in the field of Human Services helping those affected with alcoholism and addictions.

College Credit Certifications (CCC)

*These certifications can be earned separately or concurrently with your Associate of Science degree.

• Addiction Studies
• Human Services Assistant
• Youth Development

Internship Requirements

There are two internships in the Human Services Program requiring:

• College approved criminal records check and drug testing at the applicant’s expense
• Immunization and health records
• Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from their assigned sites.

Accreditation

The Human Services Program AS degree is not currently accredited by The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE); however, students will be eligible to sit for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) examination after the completion of the AS program and 3 years of work experience with a minimum of 4,500 hours.

Application Process

Students must meet the college admissions requirements. No additional application process is required for the Human Services Program.

Baccalaureate Degree Consideration

Students who are interested in pursuing a Baccalaureate Degree should consider completing the Associate of Arts (AA) degree program, instead of the Associate of Science (AS) degree program, for application and transfer to university programs. Human Services Core Coursework may be selected to meet the 24 elective credit hours required for the AA degree and to complement interest in the Human Services area.

Human Services, AS Degree Program of Study

Generalist Track

Total Degree Requirements: 65 Credit Hours

Additional Options: Human Services, Certificates

A College Credit Certificate (CCC) consists of a program of instruction of less than 60 credits of college level courses, which is part of an AS degree program. CCC’s may be awarded to students who are pursuing the AS degree in Human Services or to current Human Services Practitioners who want to supplement their learning and certification for their career. Three College Credit Certificates (CCC) are offered as part of the Human Services Associate of Science (AS) degree program. (See additional catalog pages for curriculum details.)

• The Addiction Studies CCC  (39 credit hours) prepares students for employment in the field of addictions. This program provides the academic training necessary to meet the requirements for the State of Florida certification as a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) or a Certified Associate Addictions Professional (CAAP).
• The Human Services Assistant CCC  (27 credit hours) prepares students for entry level employment in a broad area of Human Services areas such as family services, case management, addiction services, socially and economically handicapped, youth, adult and elderly.
• The Youth Development CCC  (30 credit hours) prepares students for entry level employment as a youth worker in areas such as recreation programs, daycare facilities, foster care programs, runaway shelters and other youth focused organizations.