The Social and Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies that provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, students take courses that prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.
Coursework includes the development of professional knowledge, skills, and values in human services. Opportunities for experiential learning allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Graduates should qualify for positions in government, private, and nonprofit social and human services agencies. Graduates may choose to transfer and continue their education at a variety of colleges and universities.
Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, BIO, ENG, DDT, HSE, MAT, POL, PSY, SAB, SOC, and SWK
Specific Requirements
- General college admission requirements.
- 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 in this program
| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACA-122 | 1 | ||
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This course provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include the CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for a successful academic transition. |
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| ENG-111 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| HSE-110 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| MAT-143 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to engage students in complex and realistic situations involving the mathematical phenomena of quantity, change and relationship, and uncertainty through a project and activity-based assessment. Emphasis is placed on authentic contexts which will introduce the concepts of numeracy, proportional reasoning, dimensional analysis, rates of growth, personal finance, consumer statistics, practical probabilities, and mathematics for citizenship. |
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| PSY-150 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| SAB-110 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an overview of the core concepts in addiction and recovery. Topics include the history of substance use, effects on society members, treatment of addiction, and preventive measures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the origins of substance use, addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-161 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| ENG-112 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| HSE-123 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the purpose, structure, focus, and techniques utilized in effective interviewing. Emphasis is placed on observing, attending, listening, responding, summarizing, and documenting with instructor supervision. Upon completion, students should be able to perform the basic interviewing skills needed to facilitate the helping relationship. |
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| HSE-210 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the role of diversity and ethical considerations within the human services profession. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills in the evolving landscape of human services. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical decision-making, demonstrate an understanding of diverse perspectives, and identify current trends in the human services field. |
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| SAB-120 | 3 | ||
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This course covers processes for rapport building and procedures used to identify and evaluate individuals' strengths and weaknesses. Topics include diagnostic evaluation and placement, effective interviewing and communication techniques, and use of assessment tools. Upon completion, students should be able to establish rapport with individuals, recognize disorders, and obtain information for referrals and placement. |
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| SOC-210 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSE-212 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the concepts of group processes and group dynamics. Emphasis is placed on essential tools for understanding, participating in, and contributing to group processes. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain how people are influenced by their interactions in group settings and facilitate various groups. |
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| HSE-220 | 3 | ||
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This course covers a variety of tasks associated with professional case management. Topics include needs assessment, service planning, referral procedures, documentation, 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 termination of services. |
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| HSE-223 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an in-depth exploration of foundational theories and practical techniques essential for those working in diverse human services settings. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, problem-solving, decision-making, and personal growth. Upon completion, students should be able to apply these theories to real-life scenarios, and develop professional skills crucial for fostering supportive relationships in various settings. |
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| PSY-241 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| SAB-135 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the addictive process. Emphasis is placed on disorders related to addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, work, gambling, internet, and relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the effects, prevention strategies, and treatment methods associated with addictive disorders. |
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| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSE-225 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces the types of crises and the principles of intervention. Emphasis is placed on identifying culturally competent techniques for intervening in various crisis situations. Upon completion, students should be able to assess crisis situations and respond effectively. |
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| HUM-115 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| POL-120 | 3 | ||
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This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American national government. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. |
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| SAB-210 | 3 | ||
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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. |
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| SAB-240 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces systems of diversity, ethics, and trends in addiction and recovery. Topics include confidentiality, assessment of personal values, professional responsibilities, competencies, and ethics relative to multicultural service provision. Upon completion, students should be able to apply and discuss multiple diversity and ethical scenarios applicable to addiction and recovery services.
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Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.
Career Opportunities
Prepare for transfer to BSW programs and Bachelor's in Human Services Programs. Students looking to work in the field in jobs covered by the career track while pursuing Bachelor's or Master's degrees should be well-prepared upon completion of this program.
Good To Know
Porscha Rae Orndorf — Department Chair
- Email: porscharorndorf@abtech.edu
- Phone: (828) 398-7389
Hannah Yamouti — Adjunct
- Email: hannahcyamouti@abtech.edu
Sarah Stamey — Adjunct
- Email: sarahestamey@abtech.edu