Human Services Technology A.A.S.

Students in the human services program
Program Code: A45380

Human Services Technology A.A.S.

The Human Services Technology curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies that provide social, community, and educational services. Along with core courses, students take courses that prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.

Students will take courses from a variety of disciplines. The emphasis in core courses is placed on the development of relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes in human services. Fieldwork experience will provide opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

Graduates should qualify for positions in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies. Graduates choosing to continue their education may select from a variety of transfer programs at senior public and private institutions.

The Human Services Technology degree may be completed 100% online.

Specific Requirements

  1. General college admission requirements.
  2. Students pursuing the degree should be aware that employers in the human services field (substance abuse and otherwise) can require prospective volunteers, interns, and employees to pass medical examinations, criminal background, drug & alcohol screening, immunization, and citizenship verification checks before they will be allowed to work at an organization.

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, DDT, HSE, MHA, PSY, SAB, SOC, SWK

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course introduces the human services field, including the history, agencies, roles, and careers. Topics include personal/professional characteristics, diverse populations, community resources, disciplines in the field, systems, ethical standards, and major theoretical and treatment approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the knowledge, skills, and roles of the human services worker.

This course explores the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the addictive process. Emphasis is placed on addictions to food, sex, alcohol, drugs, work, gambling, and relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the effects, prevention strategies, and treatment methods associated with addictive disorders.

This course covers the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs and abused chemicals and treatment options. Emphasis is placed on the use of psychoactive drugs and related psychological and social complexities, including models for prevention and treatment. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and identify theories of addiction, major classes of drugs, treatment alternatives, and social repercussions.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course identifies the characteristics and causes of various disabilities. Topics include the history of service provision, human rights, legislation and litigation, advocacy, and accessing support services. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of current and historical developmental disability definitions and support systems used throughout the life span.

This course covers the purpose, structure, focus, and techniques employed in effective interviewing. Emphasis is placed on observing, attending, listening, responding, recording, and summarizing of personal histories with instructor supervision. Upon completion, students should be able to perform the basic interviewing skills needed to function in the helping relationship. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course covers the major approaches to psychotherapy and counseling, including theory, characteristics, and techniques. Emphasis is placed on facilitation of self-exploration, problem-solving, decision-making, and personal growth. Upon completion, students should be able to understand various theories of counseling and demonstrate counseling techniques. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course covers the crises affecting children and adolescents in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on abuse and neglect, suicide and murder, dysfunctional family living, poverty, and violence. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss intervention strategies and available services for the major contemporary crises affecting children and adolescents.

This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include the identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Microsoft Office will be used in this course; this includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and argumentative strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data and incorporating research findings into documented argumentative essays and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to summarize, paraphrase, interpret, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using standard research format and style. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition.

This course covers current issues and trends in the field of human services. Emphasis is placed on contemporary topics with relevance to special issues in a multifaceted field. Upon completion, students should be able to integrate the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained in classroom and clinical experiences with emerging trends in the field. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

This course provides theory and skills acquisition by utilizing intervention strategies designed to obtain therapeutic information, support recovery, and prevent relapse. Topics include counseling individuals and dysfunctional families, screening instruments, counseling techniques and approaches, recovery and relapse, and special populations. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss issues critical to recovery, identify intervention models, and initiate a procedure culminating in cognitive/behavioral change.

This course is effective 2022FA.
 

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces interpersonal concepts and group dynamics. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness facilitated by experiential learning in small groups with an analysis of personal experiences and the behavior of others. Upon completion, students should be able to show competence in identifying and explaining how people are influenced by their interactions in group settings. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course focuses on the working relationships between human services agencies and the community. Emphasis is placed on identification and observation of community resources which contribute to the achievement of the human services mission. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about mobilizing of community resources, marshaling public support, and determining appropriate sources of funding.
 

This course covers a variety of tasks associated with professional case management. Topics include treatment planning, needs assessment, referral procedures, and follow-up and integration of services. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively manage the care of the whole person from initial contact through the termination of services. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course is a study of human growth and development. Emphasis is placed on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception to death. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of development across the life span. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course provides a comparison of diverse roles, interests, opportunities, contributions, and experiences in social life. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, and religion. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze how cultural and ethnic differences evolve and how they affect personality development, values, and tolerance. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides a basic survey of human biology. Emphasis is placed on the basic structure and function of body systems and the medical terminology used to describe normal and pathological states. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology and the appropriate use of medical terminology.

This course introduces the basic theories and principles of crisis intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying and demonstrating appropriate and differential techniques for intervening in various crisis situations. Upon completion, students should be able to assess crisis situations and respond appropriately. Check with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) to verify if this course has been approved for training/education credit for substance abuse certification/recertification.

This course provides an examination of the various psychological disorders, as well as theoretical, clinical, and experimental perspectives of the study of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major disorders. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns as well as demonstrate knowledge of etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic techniques. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

This course covers the institution of the family and other intimate relationships. Emphasis is placed on mate selection, gender roles, sexuality, communication, power and conflict, parenthood, diverse lifestyles, divorce and remarriage, and economic issues. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze the family as a social institution and the social forces which influence its development and change. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences.

Total Credit Hours Required:
68

See advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2023-24 catalog.

Good To Know

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

  • Six hours from Communication
  • Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
  • Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication Humanities & Fine Arts Social & Behavioral Science Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110 ART-111 ECO-251 BIO-161
COM-120 ART-114 ECO-252 BIO-163
COM-231 ART-115 HIS-111 BIO-168
ENG-110 HUM-110 HIS-112 MAT-110
ENG-111 HUM-115 HIS-131 MAT-121
ENG-112 MUS-110 HIS-132 MAT-143
ENG-114 MUS-112 POL-120 MAT-152
  PHI-215 PSY-150 MAT-171
  PHI-240 SOC-210 PHY-110/110A
    SOC-225 PHY-121

 

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six to nine hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to eight hours in Mathematics
  • Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
  • 11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • 12 hours in Mathematics
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication / Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to four hours in Mathematics
  • Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will
learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

  • Students will demonstrate information literacy.
  • Students will critique works of human expression.
  • Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

  • Students will identify processes.
  • Students will analyze problems.
  • Students will interpret the results.
  • Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

  • Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
  • Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
  • Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.

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