Program Overview

Human Services Academic Certificate

About This Certificate

Our Human Services academic certificate program will prepare you to work in the behavioral health and human service fields. You will learn how to demonstrate a basic set of helping skills (warmth, empathy, reflective listening) needed for entry-level employment in human service agencies, work as a culturally sensitive ethical practitioner, demonstrate a stronger sense of self resulting from personal growth experiences, and use critical thinking and writing skills needed for working with clients. You will also do one practicum, which may be completed at your place of employment. Along with the core helping skills, you will be introduced to job-specific helping courses in fields of practice such as addictions, disabilities, gerontology or youth work.

Quick Information

• Program Duration: Short-term
• Degree Type: Academic Certificate
• Total Credit Hours: 33

Course Sequence

Semester 1

• BHHS 101 - Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: BHHS 101 is a prerequisite for BHHS 111
• BHHS 111 - Introduction to Helping Skills (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for BHHS 194 and BHHS 195
• BHHS 105 - Introduction to Group Dynamics (3 credits)
• ENGL 101 - English Composition or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors) (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for ENGL 102
• BHHS 110 - Principles and Practices of Positive Youth Development: Community, Family, and Youth Engagement or BHHS 121 - Foundations of Addiction Studies or BHHS 171 - Introduction to Aging Studies or BHHS 161 - Introduction to Disability Studies (3 credits)
• **CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology*** (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: Students with computer experience may apply for credit by exam through the Computer Technologies Department

Semester 2

• BHHS 194 - Case Management Practice (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better
• BHHS 195 - Practicum in Behavioral Health/Human Services I (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better
• ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites and Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better
• BHHS 151 - Family Violence, Abuse and Trauma or BHHS 241 - Crisis Intervention (3 credits)
• FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) (3 credits)

Career Outlook

• Median Salary of a Child, Family, and School Social Worker: $47,474
• Number of Jobs in the Region: 4,093
• 10-year Job Outlook in the Region for Child, Family, and School Social Workers: +3.8%

Featured Career

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

• Starting Pay: $32,160
• Typical Tasks:
  • Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
  • Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
  • Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
  • Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
  • Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.

Related Programs

• Behavioral Health/Human Services
• Liberal Arts — Social/Behavioral Science
• Addiction and Recovery Studies Academic Certificate
• Human Services Leadership: Youth, Family, and Community Engagement Proficiency …