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Human Services

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

Program overview

The Human Services Program prepares students for employment in the helping profession. The curriculum provides both a theoretical and hands-on, experiential foundation for the development of professional helping skills. The curriculum focuses on areas including effective communication, self-management, assessing client needs, client interviewing and problem solving, providing direct care, understanding documentation, ethical practices, and developing a multicultural perspective. During the final two semesters, students complete field placements in a working agency where they integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which have been taught throughout the program.

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.

Resources

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.