Human Services, A.A.

Degree: Associate in Arts
HEGIS Code: 5506
Curriculum Code: 2639.HS - Human Services
Liberal Arts Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: 
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: 
Career Opportunities/Further Education: 

The Liberal Arts curriculum has a dual purpose. The courses provide students subject matter enabling them to transfer to a four-year college or university, but the curriculum is also designed to provide general education for those who desire it.

Requirements are listed in this catalog for programs granting Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. The Associate in Arts requirements are designed to give students a balanced distribution of courses in English, humanities and social sciences. The Associate in Science requirements are designed to give a student a balance between mathematics and laboratory sciences. These programs have been formulated to ensure a maximum level of acceptance for transfer students regardless of the program for which they apply at a four-year institution.

Program Description

There is a substantial need for human service workers with various skill sets, from entry-level to master level social work, in both the nation and the surrounding communities. The need for highly trained, skilled human service workers has increased tremendously with the complexities of issues facing society today, such as addiction, homelessness, abuse/neglect, social injustices with marginalized populations, and many other issues. Human services agencies are continually in need of direct support professionals, management and administrators.

This degree will prepare students for obtaining challenging and fulfilling jobs working with troubled youth, the elderly, health care centers, social services, rehabilitation facilities, and a variety of other agencies. Through internship opportunities, students will gain applied learning, and the surrounding communities will benefit from their participation and success. It will also prepare students for advancement in existing Human Services careers.

The Human Services A.A. degree program at SUNY Erie provides a curriculum designed for specialized and theoretical knowledge and prepares students for up to three SUNY transfer paths in Social Work, Psychology or Sociology. It meets the Liberal Arts and Science and SUNY General Education requirements, adding 34 credits to the existing 27-credit Human Services certificate program. Offered as a full-time day or distance learning program, students can choose to continue their education and transfer seamlessly and qualify for industry promotional jobs that require a degree in Human Services.

Program Competencies

Upon completion of the Human Services, A.A. program, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate effective communication with clients, support personnel and other human service professionals;
2. understand practices, standards and conduct acceptable for human service professionals;
3. demonstrate various counseling techniques, concepts and applications;
4. integrate human services coursework with practical field experience;
5. Describe the methods used to explore social phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical and interpretive analysis; and
6. acquire the general educational competencies necessary for transition to a higher education program in human services or related fields.

Curriculum

 Total Degree Credits: 60.0 - 62.0