Get the Skills to Become a Human and Social Services Professional
30-Month* Online AS in Human and Social Services Degree Program
Human and Social Services professionals offer guidance and support to people dealing with various issues, such as substance abuse or family problems. Through program development and community initiatives, they work to address social issues and improve community well-being.
If you’re an empathetic person with the ability to connect with people and assist them through trying times, you could be well-suited to succeed as a Human and Social Services professional.
The best way to see if the College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Becoming a Compassionate Human and Social Services Professional
The A.S. degree in Human and Social Services is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of human services occupations common to many social service agencies in both the government and not-for-profit sectors. In addition to training workers to enter directly into the workplace upon completion of the program, students may elect to continue to a four year program in either Human Services or Healthcare Services Administration.
As such, emphasis is placed upon developing or enhancing competency in the broad skill areas required for working in the human services field. The curriculum provides a solid liberal arts background and exposure to a full range of human services competencies.
Program Learning Objectives
- Analyze and apply information in the service of clients or client groups through development, design, and implementation of plans of action.
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to, all applicable legal and ethical standards of the human service profession.
- Demonstrate cultural competence in working collaboratively and ethically with diverse populations.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the contributions of social policy and funding methods to the delivery of human services.
- Identify areas for self-improvement and pursue necessary education and/or training resources for continuing professional development.
Is a Career in Human and Social Services Right for You? Take the CW “Human and Social Services College and Career Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Online College & Career Readiness Score Now >>
Human & Social Services Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN161 | Psychology » | 3 |
| This course takes a realistic approach based on the principles of general psychology and is designed to assist the student in coping with life situations. Included are theories of personality, emotions, character, motivation, environmental influences, and the development of students.
Number: GEN161 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| HMS110 | Introduction to Human Services » | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to examine the broad range of service and functions of the human service professional in his or her workplace. You will become knowledgeable about the many roles and functions of the human service professional, gain an understanding of the types of agencies where human service professionals are employed, and be exposed to an overview of the human service profession. The course will help you understand important issues related to the development of effective human service and assist you in seeing the importance of ethical, professional, legal, and multicultural issues in the human services profession. This course is the first course in your educational career to become a professional in the human services field.
Number: HMS110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS120 | Introduction to Counseling » | 3 |
| This course provides a general overview of counseling theories, an introduction to counseling techniques, the conditions, which facilitate an effective counseling relationship, and stages in the counseling process. Students will be introduced to the foundational counseling theories that will be necessary for the student’s success in more advanced counseling courses. This experiential course will emphasize practice as well as didactic information. Students will be introduced to the “common factors” that have been found through empirical research to have a significant impact on client satisfaction and therapeutic outcome, as such Aponte and Kissil’s “the person of the therapist” and style, the therapeutic relationship, and techniques that cut across different models. It is hoped that students not only develop a working knowledge of the major counseling theories but also how these theories create an environment for change in clients. Introduction to process recordings.
Prerequisite: HMS110 Number: HMS120 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| GEN167 | Contemporary Social Issues » | 3 |
| Global issues such as world hunger, human rights, and nuclear war, as well as American issues concerning inequalities of wealth, civil rights, crime and the role of government are examined in this course. In addition to gaining an understanding of the social, political, and economic dimensions of these issues, students will also consider the underlying values and ethics.
Number: GEN167 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| HMS210 | Research Methods in Social Science » | 3 |
| This course is designed to introduce students to social science research and to develop student research and analytical skills. Students are introduced to the theory and logic of research, the ethics that guide the research process, and to the range of research methods generally employed in the social sciences. Attention will be paid to research design, data collection, elementary data analysis, and report writing. The course includes discussion of specific methodological approaches. Students completing this course will have a better understanding of how to conduct their own research in the fields of Human Services as well as a better understanding of how to evaluate the research of others.
Prerequisite: HMS110 Number: HMS120 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS220 | Case Management » | 3 |
| This course examines the history and evolution of case management as a human service delivery strategy. Case management models will be examined within the context of socio-cultural determinants that have shaped the evolution of case management from early inception to today, including economic downturns and continuing financial struggles for individuals, families, communities, and states, federal legislation, emerging client groups, technology, shifting demographics, funding challenges, new service delivery models. Students will learn about the phases of the assessment process, along with strategies to develop strength-based assessments and service plans. The ethical dimensions and challenges faced by case managers will be explored as students engage in activities that emphasize quality service delivery, cultural competence and strategies to promote professional growth, clinical supervision, wellness, self-care, and continuing education. Of particular emphasis is the concept of advocacy and ways case managers may become involved in individual, community, and policy advocacy including the concepts of micro, mezzo and macro resources and their impact on individuals and families. A new model of case management, called adaptive social service leadership, will be presented as a way to help case managers respond to the dynamic nature of social services in today’s world.
Prerequisites: HMS110 and HMS120 Number: HMS220 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS280 | Human and Social Services Capstone I » | 3 |
| (ONLINE PROGRAM ONLY) The capstone course draws upon knowledge acquired throughout the program, synthesized through a final project that reflects students’ individual interests, skills and professional goals. The purpose of this class is to reflect upon learning experiences, demonstrate ability to organize thoughts, ideas and materials, offer support to fellow students, and demonstrate their preparation and readiness for work. The course applies the social science theory theories and best practices of evidence analysis to current events and reviews the theoretical foundations of the economics, political science and sociology disciplines. Prerequisites: The Capstone course must be taken in the tenth or eleventh term of a student’s online degree program. Number: HMS280 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| BUS122 | Integrated Business Applications » | 3 |
| In this course, students will examine the concepts and applications of Microsoft Word & PowerPoint. Students will use these technology tools to create business documents, marketing materials, and develop effective business presentations that will prepare them for today’s information based business environment.
Number: BUS122 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| GEN250 | Ethics and Professionalism » | 3 |
| This course will introduce the student to the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in today’s complex society and business. The definition and application of moral philosophies are used to explore ethical decision-making using a case study approach. Economic, legal, and social dimensions are explored along with interpersonal relationships and the development of morality within individual thinking.
Number: GEN250 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 27 | |
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN115 | Digital Technologies in the Workplace » | 3 |
| The objective of this course is to familiarize students with digital technologies as they are being used in the workplace
today, and explore how emerging technologies are likely to continue to evolve. Students will be exposed to digital technology fundamentals to better position them to readily adopt common workplace technologies. Students will also learn about security concerns, ethical considerations, digital communications etiquette, and other important concepts related to the use of digital technologies.
Number: GEN115 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN147 | College Mathematics » | 3 |
| This course will provide complimentary sessions to Foundations of Math in fundamental mathematics. Ratios, percentages, proportions, descriptive statistics, word problems, basic geometry, and an introduction to algebra will be covered. The course provides a sound understanding in basic math concepts necessary for future math courses.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106. Number: GEN147 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN171 | Political Institutions » | 3 |
| This course is a study of the institutions of American and global political governments. It is an in-depth examination of national and international governments and politics. The course emphasizes the comparative study of political institutions, ideologies, political
cultures, participation, and party systems in the United States and selected nations of the world. Patterns of political change and global interactions with reference to current issues will be studied.
Number: GEN171 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| MSC110* | Human Biology » | 3 |
| This course introduces students to the basic concepts of human biology and chemistry in preparation for further study in the Allied
Health Sciences. Biological concepts of cell theory, cell cycle, and cell reproduction will be explored and the major systems of the human body will be introduced. Chemistry concepts of atoms, molecules, and elements will be introduced along with biological molecules. Appropriate medical terminology will be introduced and utilized to accurately communicate in the biological and medical sciences. Emphasis is placed on body system components and function as it relates to human diseases.
Number: MSC110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| Total General Education Credits | 24 | |
| Electives | ||
| Education Education Electives (5) | 15 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 15 | |
66 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Online Training Suited to Your Schedule
The AS – Human and Social Services program is offered entirely online. You get the technical skills and practical industry knowledge it takes to pursue a rewarding human and social services career, with the convenience and flexibility of online training.
Is a Rewarding Career in Human and Social Services Right For You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Human and Social Services and exploring whether The College of Westchester is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 1-833-768-2842.
*Program length when completed in normal time.