Human Services

  • Overview

Provides a broad range of studies in the core curriculum and human services offerings.

What You'll StudyCourse Sequencing
LHS

You’ll acquire a fundamental knowledge of human psychology and development that will help prepare you for study in the field, which covers many kinds of counseling, therapy, and other social work. Specialized classes in Human Services frame the work in this field and help you acquire some of the basic skills you might use in your future career. Several electives let you focus on various subfields of psychology, while a practicum provides you with real work experience at a human service agency.

Please note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four sequential semesters of World Languages. Transfer specialists recommend using electives to start language requirements at the community college prior to transfer.

Curriculum Documents

To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

This is just one way you might complete the Human Services program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Human Services program description from our official academic catalog.

Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

HSV 107
HSV 115
HSV 168
HSV 172
PSY 101

HSV 241
HSV 215
HSV 272
SOC 210
ENG Comp. I

ENG Comp. II
SOC 101
History course
Science course
Math course

PCS 101 or PCS 141
ENG 200 level course
Humanities elective
Science course
PSY 217

Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

HSV 107
PSY 101
ENG Comp. I

HSV 241
SOC 210

HSV 115
HSV 171
HSV 205

HSV 215
HSV 271

Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

ENG Comp. II
SOC 101
Math course

History course
Science lab course

Science lab course
PCS 101 or PCS 141
PSY 217

Humanities elective
ENG 200 level course

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing a course of study in this program will be able to:

Program graduates will

  • Be able to examine and question the human services delivery systems using a systemic historical lens
    • Explain how public and private attitudes influence legislation and the interpretation of policies related to human services
    • Explain the broader sociopolitical issues that affect human services delivery systems
  • Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and theory of the interaction of human systems
    • Demonstrate knowledge of individual, interpersonal, group, family, organizational, community, and societal dynamics
    • Use a diversity lens to examine and solve problems
  • Apply contextual knowledge to program planning and delivery
    • Explain the conditions giving rise to human services needs
    • Apply accepted models to plan appropriate strategies, services, implementation and evaluation of outcomes
  • Be able to design and implement appropriate interventions in service delivery
    • Assess and analyze the needs of clients and groups
    • Demonstrate good case management practice
    • Demonstrate effective basic counseling and interpersonal skills
    • Facilitate client groups effectively
  • Be able to demonstrate the skills and attitudes to function as an effective human services professional
    • Incorporate client-related values and attitudes
    • Demonstrate the development of a professional identity

These program level learning outcomes were adapted from the National Standards for the Associate in Arts degree in Human Services of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.

What's Next

Transfer to a Baccalaureate program.

Consider this program if

  • You want a broad as well as deep understanding of human services.
  • You want to do work in counseling, human services, social work, or addictions.
  • You want to pursue higher academic study in the field of human services.

By taking classes in a Liberal Arts option, students complete courses that help develop 100 and 200 course level knowledge and skills in a particular field. If you don't satisfy the requirements of a specific Liberal Arts option, you may still be able to fulfill the requirements of another option, or fulfill the requirements of the Liberal Arts General degree. Students are advised to work closely with their GCC advisor to select the specific courses that will help meet their career or transfer goals. Note: Students who complete a Liberal Arts option will graduate with the degree "Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts." Your area of concentration is reflected only in your transcript, not your diploma.