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Social and Human Services Diploma

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Social and Human Services Diploma

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The Social and Human Services Diploma is a document that asserts that a student has completed some of the main courses of study, a few classes, or a set of experiences within the human services field. The Diploma is earned in pursuit of the A.A.S. degree program.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ENG, HSE, PSY, SOC, and SWK

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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.

View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌

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.

View course details for Introduction to Human Services ‌‌

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.

View course details for Interviewing Tech Human Services ‌‌

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.

View course details for General Psychology ‌‌
Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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.

View course details for Group Dynamics ‌‌

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.

View course details for Case Management ‌‌

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.

View course details for Crisis and Intervention Prin ‌‌

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.

View course details for Social Diversity ‌‌
Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

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.

View course details for Diversity Ethics and Trends ‌‌

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.

View course details for Counseling Theories & Skills ‌‌

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.

View course details for Introduction to Sociology ‌‌

This course examines the historical development, values, orientation, and professional standards of social work and focuses on the terminology and broader systems of social welfare. Emphasis is placed on the various fields of practice including those agencies whose primary function is financial assistance, corrections, mental and behavioral health, and protective services. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work professional.

View course details for Intro to Social Work ‌‌
Total Credit Hours Required:
36

Curriculum is based on the 2026-2027 catalog.

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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 the 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 is 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:

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