Human Services, Certificate

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The Certificate in Human Services is designed for direct support professionals in a wide variety of social service settings. It builds on the content- focused curriculum of the Certificate of Completion in Human Services, while exposing students to the broader general education curriculum of a liberal arts education. The Certificate is envisioned as a second tier in the career ladder for direct support professionals currently working in a human service setting, as well as those intending to move directly into human services without pursuing additional education.

Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in a wide variety of direct services roles. The Certificate also will provide an academic foundation, including English and math proficiencies, that will enable them to advance beyond entry-level positions and assume more leadership roles.

Students completing the Certificate in Human Services may choose to continue their education by enrolling in the Associate of Science degree in Human Services/Pre-Social Work. Pursuit of a degree in social work is also possible by transferring to a four-year college with an accredited B.S.W. program with junior status upon completion of the A.S. degree.

Graduates are able to:

use a comprehensive ecological model to assess client situations prior to intervening
communicate effectively in standard English
model and explain self-determination and empowerment in human service settings
access community resources for target populations receiving social services
employ a strengths-based approach to assessment
identify and apply interdisciplinary theories in situational assessment
access social science data to support intervention strategies, needs assessment, and program development

Curriculum – Certificate Program

Career Electives

HMNS 102 - Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare 3 Credits
HMNS 201 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Credits
HMNS 205 - Interviewing and Counseling Skills 3 Credits
Human Services Specialization Elective 3 Credits ¹

General Education

ENGL 111 - English Composition I 3 Credits
COMP 102 - Computer Literacy 3 Credits
COMM 101 - Speech 3 Credits or
COMM 110 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credits
PSYC 103 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credits
BIOL 120 - Human Biology 4 Credits or
HIST 201 - US History: Beginnings to 1877 3 Credits
Mathematics 3 Credits ^2,3,4

Total Credits 33-34

¹In consultation with their sponsoring agency (if applicable), select a course from among the following specialization electives: HMNS 105 Introduction to Addiction , HMNS 109 Poverty & Society , HMNS 208 Assessment and Treatment of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction , HMNS 110 Introduction to Disabilities , HMNS 212 Community Resources and Case Management , HMNS 213 Advanced Counseling Skills , HMNS 220 Introduction to Gerontology , WGST 110 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies , CRMJ 212 Juvenile Justice , HMNS 240 Introduction to Special Education , NURS 221 Perspectives in Death and Dying , or successful completion of the Child Welfare Certificate Program.

² MATH 110 Statistics I is recommended for students intending to transfer to a four-year institution.

³ Mathematics by official placement test. Students may not take courses below placement level.

⁴Select a course from the appropriate category of the General Education list.