A45380C
Total credit hours: 66 This will be the only AAS option for new 2024 students.
The Social and Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, students take courses which prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.
Coursework includes the development of professional knowledge, skills, and values in human services. Opportunities for experiential learning allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Graduates should qualify for positions in government, private, and nonprofit social and human services agencies. Graduates may choose to transfer and continue their education at a variety of colleges and universities.
Students will complete a concentrate in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST). This concentration is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively address and respond to child maltreatment. The CAST concentration enhances the Social and Human Services A.A.S. degree by providing specialized training in recognizing, preventing, and responding to child abuse and neglect.
Key areas of study in the CAST concentration include:
- Recognizing Child Maltreatment: Students learn to identify signs of child abuse and neglect, understanding the various factors that contribute to these situations.
- Identifying Prevention and Intervention Systems: The program covers existing systems and supports designed to prevent and intervene in cases of child maltreatment.
- Developing Effective Multidisciplinary Responses: Students are trained to work collaboratively with professionals from different disciplines to respond to child maltreatment cases effectively.
- Fostering Resilience for a Long-Term Career: The program emphasizes strategies for maintaining resilience and longevity in the challenging field of child advocacy.
- Establishing Better Outcomes for At-Risk or Maltreated Children: The certificate aims to improve outcomes for children by preparing students to provide informed, ethical, and trauma-informed care.
Students can choose to complete the Social and Human Services A.A.S. degree with a concentration in CAST or pursue the CAST Certificate independently. CAST is recognized and backed by zeroabuse.org, ensuring that students receive a credential respected in the field of child advocacy.
Program Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Explain professional codes of conduct, confidentiality, and ethical decision making and how they apply to the human services field.
- Explain how the history of human services shapes current practices.
- Apply essential communication skills to interact effectively with supervisors, peers and clients in human services settings.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to effectively align client needs with available community resources.
- Describe how self-care and personal wellness impacts the professionals’ relationship with clients in the human services field.
- Demonstrate strategies to advocate for the needs and rights of culturally diverse clients within the community and social systems.
- Demonstrate the use of appropriate skills necessary to meet the needs of a culturally diverse community.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice and further study in human services-related fields.
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements
Students must demonstrate English and mathematics “college readiness” levels, via college-level English/math courses or by completion of or waiver credit for specified “transition” or co-requisite courses.
Progression Requirements
A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all HSE, PSY, ENG, CIS, and SAB prefix courses in order to progress in the program.
NOTE: Special legal requirements exist which may limit the ability of an individual to obtain clinical experience, employment, or certification in the Human Services field. Prospective students should obtain additional information from a College counselor or program faculty member prior to seeking admission.
Technical Standards
In addition to Davidson-Davie requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of human services. Human Services Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)
Transfer Options
The decision regarding transfer credit for human services courses is made by the Division Chair in consultation with members of the faculty and the Dean. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested will be required.
Students wishing to transfer 15 credit hours or more in HSE or SAB prefix courses to Davidson-Davie must obtain a recommendation letter from the parent institution. See your academic advisor for the appropriate form.
Curriculum Guide
Full-time and part-time schedules are available. See below for an example of a full time pathway.
Additional general education course substitutions may be available, please speak with your advisor. If you plan to transfer, discuss these details early on with your advisor.
