Human Services/Social Services

Learn about the Human Services Associate in Applied Science and Social Services Associate in Arts Degrees.

What do human service professionals do?

Human service professionals:

• Provide direct service to clients in a variety of community-based social service agencies
• Advocate for clients within the community
• Perform administrative tasks such as grant writing and fund raising

 

Where do human service professionals work? 

Human services professionals work in a variety of settings. These include: 

• family services agencies
• women’s programs
• rehabilitation centers for alcohol dependency
• services for people with intellectual disabilities

How much does the program cost?

Download Estimated Expenses for HUMS programs (pdf).  

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials? 

Upon successful completion you will: 

• Earn a Human Services Associate in Applied Science Degree or a Social Services Associate in Arts Degree
• Be eligible to sit for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) exam.

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the classes held?

Download the appropriate list for your program:

• Required Courses Social Services, Associate in Art (Transfer) (pdf)
• Required Courses Human Services, Associate in Applied Science (pdf)
• The programs can be completed at the Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster and York Campuses. Some courses are offered at other campuses, sites, and online.

 

What are the program admission criteria and how do I apply for the practicum (HUMS 215)?

This program is selective. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the practicum – HUMS 215.  

• All students who are entering HUMS 215 must undergo a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Check, and State Police Criminal Record Check, at the student’s expense, the semester prior to starting the Field Work Practicum class.
• HACC will make every effort to allow students to complete their program of study in the Human Services/Social Services fields but cannot require facilities to accept student for practicum.

 

Are the programs accredited?

The Social Services AA and the Human Services AAS program (General Track) is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
3337 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-257-3959

Can I advance my education in this field?

• The Human Services Associate degree program leads directly to an occupation. 
• The Social Services degree is intended to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The top schools our students transfer to are:
  • Shippensburg University
  • Elizabethtown College
  • University Of Phoenix
  • Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania State University

Download the following for additional information:

• Human Services Student Handbook,  (pdf)
• HUMS 215 Field Work Practicum Handbook,  (pdf)
• Human Services Admission Criteria (pdf)
• Human Services Program News  (pdf)
• Human Services Library (Lib) Guide - This guide contains resources for students in the Human Services and Social Services majors, including Reference Resources, Books, Journals, Web Sites, Statistics, Career Information, HUMS 215 Field Work Practicum, and Citing Sources in APA format.
• Human Services/Social Services Clearance Procedure (pdf)
• KeepKidsSafe.PA.gov (information hub for child protection)
• Ethical Standards for Human Services Professionals (NOHS)
• Advising Checksheets - NEW FOR FALL 2018
  • Human Services AAS (5556) (pdf)
  • Social Services AS (5060) (pdf)