Social Sciences Degree, AS - Human Services Major

Program Description: 

The Human Services Major allows students the flexibility of moving into transfer programs focused on psychology, social work, human services, sociology, and other fields. Occupational titles, depending on educational attainment, of human service professionals may include Case Manager (Substance Use Disorder, Drug Courts, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities), Family Services Specialist, Human Services Assistant, Case Management Aide, Benefits Program Specialist, Adult/Child Services Worker, Probation Officer, Mental Health Counselor, Peer Support Specialist, or Crisis Intervention Manager.

With a focus on helping professions, the Human Services Major offers students the background knowledge and flexibility to transfer into bachelor’s programs focusing on psychology, social work, human services, sociology, counseling, and education. Additionally, the Human Services Major provides students interested in helping careers, and those currently working within a helping organization, opportunities to enhance their qualifications and skills specific to personal, social, and cultural development.

Transfer students will want to determine four-year requirements, including World Language requirements.  These specifics are available in transfer guides that have been, and continue to be, developed.  Transfer and social science electives may also be chosen from courses that do not yet meet TransferVA requirements.  This does not impact transfer agreements, but courses not a part of TransferVA may not have specific course equivalencies at all four-year institutions.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will appraise how social environments promote or inhibit personal and professional growth.
2. Students will identify how differences in experience and life situations including oppression, minoritization, and alienation, as well as privilege and power, affect individuals, families, and communities.
3. Students will identify the elements of culture, including norms, values, symbols, and beliefs, and explain the impact of culture on human interactions.
4. Students will explain the interaction of environmental and biological factors in development.

Transfer Information: Students should consult with their advisor to select electives that best prepare them for the specific requirements of their intended transfer university’s program of study. More information can also be found at www.laurelridge.edu/transfer.

Courses are displayed under the semester in which they are regularly offered and are recommended to be taken in this sequence to ensure timely graduation. It is possible that a course shown in a particular semester may not be offered due to low enrollment or other factors.