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Human Services - Psychology Concentration

Program Type: Associate In Applied Science

Program Level: UG

Division: Business, Computing, & Social Science

Program Duration: 23 months

Program Contact: Brantlee Haire

Credit Requirement: 69

Time: Day

Program overview

The Human Services Program prepares students to become highly skilled professionals who provide critical helping services to vulnerable populations and communities. The program is designed for those interested in psychology, counseling and social work and is nationally accredited with the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE). Graduates may be employed in a variety of settings in the helping professions. The coursework and field placement provide a solid foundation for students who want to further their education in psychology, social work and human services. The program has transfer agreements with several 4-year institutions in SC.

Courses Required

Semester 1

English Composition I

Course Code: ENG-101

This is a (College Transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: A study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.


Introduction to Human Services

Course Code: HUS-101

This course covers an overview of the field of human services. Role responsibilities, problems, boundaries, and strategies of human service workers are included.


Orientation to Human Services

Course Code: HUS-110

This course is a study of the regional human services curriculum, agencies in the service area, curriculum requirements, and career opportunities.


Personal/Interpersonal Psychology

Course Code: PSY-105

This course emphasizes the principles of psychology in the study of self awareness and interpersonal adjustment and behavior in contemporary society.


General Psychology

Course Code: PSY-201

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.


Semester 2

Human Growth and Development

Course Code: PSY-203

This course is a study of the physical, cognitive, and social factors affecting human growth, development, and potential.


Behavior Modification

Course Code: PSY-218

This course is an introduction to the terminology, methods, and procedures used in behavior modification, including the application of these procedures and techniques in specific areas of human services.


Interviewing Techniques

Course Code: PSY-230

This course develops skills necessary for interviewers in various organizational settings.


Group Dynamics

Course Code: PSY-235

This course is an examination of the theory and practice of group dynamics. Emphasis is on the application of the value and use of the group processes in specialized settings.


Semester 3

Microcomputer Applications

Course Code: CPT-170

This course introduces microcomputer applications software, including word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, graphs, and their integration. Note: May not be used for credit in any CPT degree or certificate program.


Contemporary Mathematics

Course Code: MAT-155

This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics.


Abnormal Psychology

Course Code: PSY-212

This course is a study of the nature and development of behavioral disorders, including the investigation of contemporary treatment procedures.


Introduction to Sociology

Course Code: SOC-101

This course emplasizes the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology, including culture, socialization, interaction, social groups and stratification, effects of population growth, and technology in society and social institutions.


Semester 4

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Course Code: HUS-208

This course is a study of the etiology of alcohol and drug abuse, various types of addictive substances, physical, mental and social implications, programs in rehabilitation, and preventive education.


Supervised Field Placement II

Course Code: HUS-251

This course includes work experience assignments in selected human services agencies.


Counseling Techniques

Course Code: PSY-231

This course is a study of a variety of counseling techniques necessary to assist qualified therapists in a variety of therapeutic settings.


Public Speaking

Course Code: SPC-205

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Successful completion of ENG 101 is recommended.


Semester 5

Gerontology

Course Code: HUS-205

This course is a survey of the physical, social, and mental changes that occur as a person ages. The related problems and current programs designed for people age 55 and over are studied in the course.


Case Management

Course Code: HUS-209


Supervised Field Placement III

Course Code: HUS-255

This course includes work experience assignments in selected human services agencies.


Crisis Management

Course Code: PSY-237

This course is a study of the effects of crisis on people, the methods of intervention, and the use of multiple resources to re-establish individual functioning.


Social Problems

Course Code: SOC-205

This course is a survey of current social problems in America, stressing the importance of social change and conflicts as they influence perceptions, definitions, etiology, and possible solutions.


Entry Requirements

To see a list of entrance requirements for this program, please check the FDTC Course Catalog.

Download Catalog

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Discuss the theory of human services, the current operation of the service system, and major issues and social problems facing society today.
  • Demonstrate basic counseling skills, including active listening and paraphrasing, while understanding and engaging clients in a multicultural and developmental context.
  • Apply behavioral science theory and research to individual, group, and human development to guide clinical decision making in the field of human services.
  • Develop research and writing skills, particularly those needed for accurate record keeping.
  • Identify and discuss professional ethics as they relate to human services.
  • Integrate classroom learning with field experience.

Program Accreditation & Resources

Accreditation Council for Standards in Human Services Education

The Human Services program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education.

CSHSE
9600 SW Oak St., Ste 565
Portland, OR 97223

503.253.9385
www.shshe.org

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Program Status

The status of our program today is good. For the academic year 2020-2021, we had a total of 55 students. Most full-time students complete the program in seven (7) semesters. The curriculum provides fifteen semester hours of general education courses, six hours of sociology content, and forty-eight hours of content that blends theories, skills, and experience from courses that are human service grounded and psychology based. Our retention rate is showing to be 38%. In 2021, we graduated 23 students and in 2022, there were 15 graduates with 96% working in the field or continuing their education.  In 2024, we graduated 13 students. Being a generalist program, our students are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in human services, psychology, social work, etc. The program continues to be in good standing with the State Technical Association.

Human Services Program Evaluation Data

Human Services - Program Evaluation

There are annual program assessments and reviews of learning outcomes assessment projects.

The field placement coordinator conducts site visits each term to the agencies where students are placed for fieldwork. There are discussions regarding program curriculum offerings and equipping students to take on the roles of a human service practitioner.

Reaffirmation of accreditation from the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) is required every five years by conducting a self-study of the program. Every 10 years, there is a visitation by the Council in addition to the self-study process.

To ensure that the curriculum is meeting the needs of the community as well as the students, a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) workshop is held every three years. Panelists consist of personnel representing agencies that utilize HUS students in field placements as well as those that hire human service associate degree graduates. The purpose of the DACUM process is to identify and update the competencies as deemed appropriate for the current job market for graduates of the program. The DACUM is utilized for final graduate exiting evaluation.

Prior to graduation, students in the Human Services program fill out Curriculum Satisfaction Surveys.  These surveys, conducted in the final week of their time in the curriculum, allow the students to give honest feedback to the Human Services department about their satisfaction with the program, including coursework content, faculty, advising, and field placement.  The results of these surveys guide the department in program evaluation. This helps the department address any areas that may need to be modified.

At the end of each field placement, the student is evaluated by their supervisor in many different areas, including professionalism, flexibility, interest, initiative, and ability to learn and implement policies and procedures.  There is also a question about whether the agency would hire this person based on their performance in the placement. The majority of supervisors in the last 5 academic years said they would.

Human Services Program Evaluation Data

For the 2016-2019 academic years, Curriculum Satisfaction Surveys were very positive. We had a 100% satisfaction rating from responders from the graduating class for the Human Services program. In addition, we had a 95% approval rating from the field placement supervisors stating that they would hire our students.  For the 2019-2020 academic year, 20 out of 22 Curriculum Surveys were returned with 100% of the graduating responders reporting that they were “very satisfied” with the curriculum. In addition, 100% of the field placement supervisors stating that they would hire our students. The most current surveys were distributed during the 2020-2021 academic year. Once again, responders from the graduating classes gave a 100% approval rating, with 22 out of 22 surveys being returned. In their evaluations of our students, 95% of the supervisors stated they would hire our students if given the opportunity. For the 2021-2024 academic year, Curriculum Satisfaction surveys continued to be very positive. During the spring of 2024, we had 100% satisfaction with the program with students reporting they were “very satisfied”. During the 2023-2024 school year, 14 out of 16 field placement supervisors stated that they would hire our students. All students received positive evaluations.

Human Services Faculty

Human Services Faculty

The Human Services program has 4 faculty members and 5 adjunct faculty members. The faculty members come from a variety of educational, clinical, and professional backgrounds. The majority of the core curriculum courses consist of lecture with an emphasis on class discussions and experiential learning opportunities. The student to faculty ratio is usually no more than 20 to 1 in face-to-face classes and no more than 20:1 in online courses. Faculty ratings by students are very high for both full-time and part-time faculty. All of the faculty ratings are consistently above average or outstanding, often exceeding a national average. The majority of the full-time faculty are Human Services Board-Certified Practitioners. Information on this certification can be found at www.cce-global.org/HSBCP .

Faculty Background

Cheryl Cooper McGill, MS, HS-BCP

I attended Francis Marion University and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology in 1986 and later in 1993 I received a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology from FMU as well. Prior to working here, I was employed by Family Therapy Associates as a counselor. I have also worked as a counselor at Greenland Park Psychiatric Center and McLeod Hospital. My interests include: group dynamics; psychotherapeutic techniques and biological psychology. I am a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner (HS-BCP) and serve on the on the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE). I am also certified to teach Mental Health First Aid.

Chris C. Thomas, MS, HS-BCP

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration from Coastal Carolina University in 1994. I completed a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 1998. I completed a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2008. My interests include: applied behavior analysis, brain & behavior, psychopathology, child and adolescent psychology, and the teaching and development of scientific/critical thinking skills. I am a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner HS-BCP.

Brantlee Haire, MS, HS-BCP

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Francis Marion University in 1992. I completed a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 1995. I am the program director for Human Services. My areas of interest include interpersonal communication, positive psychology, and stress management. I am a Board-Certified Human Services Practitioner (HS-BCP).

Melissa Smith, MS, LPC

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Francis Marion University and a Master of Science in clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. Areas of special clinical focus include: substance abuse, children’s services, and cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression and anxiety.

Adjunct Faculty Background

Samantha Dukes, MS, LPC

I received a Bachelor of Science at Francis Marion University in 2016, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. I also received a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2019. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Carolina. I am an adjunct faculty member and I am currently the field placement coordinator/instructor for Human Services.

Karen Garmin, MS

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Criminal Justice) from Shaw University. I received a Master of Science degree (Family and Consumer Sciences / Child and Family Studies) from North Carolina Central University.  Later, I enrolled and earned my Sociology Graduate Certificate from Appalachian State University.  This certificate was a very targeted 18 hours of Sociology graduate work, including a portfolio, that is designed specifically to prepare certificate holders to teach undergraduate Sociology classes at 2- and 4-year institutions of higher learning.  Before joining FDTC as an adjunct Sociology Instructor, I was (and remain) an adjunct with Wake Technical Community College where I teach, develop and write curriculum for HRD (Human Resource Development) continuing education classes. For 10 years, I served as the Youth Summit Personal Responsibility Summit, a subcommittee of the Raleigh, MLK Celebration Committee, Co-Chair of the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham) chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, and an annual fundraiser for my local Ronald McDonald Charity My hobbies include traveling, community volunteerism, and mental health and disability advocacy. 

Lewis Holland, MS, LPC

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Francis Marion University in 2016, as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2020. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, certified in DBT (in the process of certification in EMDR) and work full-time in adult outpatient services at Pee Dee Mental Health. At Pee Dee Mental Health, I work with the general population and patients in the DBT and FRST programs. My specialties are trauma and borderline personality disorder (and similar presentations), depression, anxiety, and anger management. My interests include trauma therapy, BPD, and psychopathy. 

Gerald Thomas, MA

I received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies from Greensboro College in 2003. I completed a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008. I retired as the Deputy Director from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in 2021 after a 30-year career in law enforcement. My academic interest includes group dynamics and how perception shapes our realities. 

Tai Yancey, MS, LPC

I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy at Francis Marion University in 2017. I completed a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2019 and expect to graduate with my Doctorate of Psychology degree at Francis Marion University in 2027. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at a private practice in Florence, SC and an adjunct instructor here at FDTC. My professional areas of interest include neuroscience, psychopathology, dialectical behavior therapy, diverse populations, and trauma.

Disclaimer

The Human Services program does not require background checks for students entering the program. Students should be aware, however, that factors such as prior convictions may disqualify them from field placement and/or employment in this field. Your entrance into or completion of the Human Services program does not guarantee that you will be employable in this field. Students are encouraged to research what is required to be employable in their desired area of human services.