Human Services
Program Description
The Human Services Program prepares students for careers in the helping professions. We train students to work in Social Services Agencies as direct support staff to individuals who are receiving assistance. The Human Services Field is a diverse and growing profession with many employment options, and room for advancement. This is a generalist degree which allows you to focus your career on any population including children, adolescents, adults, and elders. Including those struggling with homelessness, domestic or child abuse, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges like mental health or addiction. Students learn skills of active listening, critical thinking, and social advocacy. Students gain an understanding of societal impacts of poverty, abuse, oppression, mental health and addiction. Students complete several practicum experiences in the community, preparing them to enter the workforce upon graduation with experience in the field.
Students have the opportunity to obtain an Academic Certificate in conjunction with their Associates of Arts Degree in Human Services. This dual enrollment allows students to specialize, and graduate with both an AAS in Human Services and an Academic Certificate in either Alcohol and Drug Counseling, or Peer Support. These specialized Certificates prepare students to take state exams for licensure, and work in specialized professions. Only one certificate can be enrolled in at a time.Please see your program advisor to assist with enrollment and course selection.
Please follow the steps below on the Human Services Getting Started Checklist to complete the application process.
- Ready to apply? Complete an Application for Admission.
- Submit ACT, SAT, Next Generation Accuplacer, or Accuplacer test scores (reading and math) or official college transcripts showing completion of post-secondary coursework in English and math to the Admissions Office at any SCC location.
- Getting Started Checklist (PDF)
- Student Health Statement (PDF)
- Immunization Waiver Form (PDF)
- CPR form
Students who dual enroll in the Human Services Program along with either the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate or the Peer Support Specialist Certificate should see their assigned program advisor to ensure they are dual enrolled and registered for the correct courses.
You’re a Good Fit
You are a good fit for Human Services if you:
- are curious about people's behaviors and stories
- want to help people overcome social barriers
- care about people and what happens to them
- are open-minded and accepting of differences
Careers
We will prepare you to be an innovative leader in the community who provides direct supportive services promoting diversity, self-awareness and social justice. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Recent Human Services graduates report an average starting salary of $37,856. Careers include:
- Activities Aide
- Case Manager
- Community Support Professional
- Family Advocate
- Mental Health Security Specialist or Technician
- Outreach Worker
- Teen Specialist
Accreditation
The Human Services Program is nationally accredited by:
Council for Standards in Human Service Education
3337 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-257-3959
Student Achievement Indicators
2021 Graduate Survey (PDF)
2021 Practicum Agency Survey (PDF)
2021 Current Student Satisfaction Survey (PDF)
2023 Graduate Survey (PDF)
Current Student Satisfaction Survey (PDF)
Student Population Statistics 2023 (PDF)
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution:
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.