Human Services: A.S.

Associate in Science

CIP Code: 44.0000

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Mission

The Human Services A.S. degree is designed to provide the first two years of academic coursework for students transferring to baccalaureate programs in social work, counseling, and human services in preparation for entry-level employment in the human services field in various public and private organizations and settings. The Human Services Program is committed to educating undergraduate students to serve diverse populations as future human service providers and to maximize the advancement of students’ personal and professional development through academic experiences that foster interpersonal and critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and the professional knowledge and skills attainment required for professions in human services. Community-based and service-learning experiences assist students with the application of their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the A.S. in Human Services program will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to articulate an array of theoretical and applied human service, counseling, and psychological theories.
2. Demonstrate an ability to understand data-based research and interpret and synthesize professional literature in human services, counseling, and psychology.
3. Develop and demonstrate a range of theories and skills characteristic of effective helping relationships in order to conduct entry-level human services interventions.
4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, particularly as a professional competence.
5. Demonstrate competencies in critical thinking and higher order analysis necessary for the human services professions.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to the ethical standards of the human service profession. 
7. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge and skills to an internship setting at a standard consistent with the entry-level professional.
8. Acquire skills and behaviors necessary to secure para-professional employment in human services or transfer to a baccalaureate degree program in human development, social work, or psychology.

Program Supervisor

Courtney O’Hagen, Ph.D., Chairperson
Office:  Titchener Hall, Room T-211A
Telephone:  +1 (607) 778-5228
E-mail:  ohagencs@sunybroome.edu

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Major changes in society have resulted in a need for human service professionals. Advancing technology, an aging population, economic factors, significant changes in the character and structure of the family, and other social trends contribute to this need. Human Services is a challenging career field that provides the opportunity for personal satisfaction through helping others.

The Human Services Program is designed for students interested in transferring to four-year institutions to earn a baccalaureate degree in the area of human services, counseling, or social work, and for students preparing for careers as paraprofessionals in educational and human services agencies upon completion of the Associate in Science degree. The program will also be useful for students currently employed in paraprofessional positions within human service agencies interested in continuing education.

The internship segment of the curriculum is an integral part of the student’s learning process as it gives the student an opportunity to experience human services work and apply basic theoretical knowledge and helping skills covered in courses. Internships are available in a wide variety of health, human service, and school settings.

See also: Chemical Dependency Counseling