Associate in Arts Degree
As society's need grows, so does the search for dedicated workers in the field of human services. Of today's 10 fastest growing occupations, 4 are in the field of human services.
As society's need grows, so does the search for dedicated workers in the field of human services. Of today's 10 fastest growing occupations, 4 are in the field of human services.
This associate degree program prepares students for a job in settings such as:
- schools,
- rehabilitation centers,
- mental health clinics, or
- community/neighborhood centers.
Students will gain the necessary skills to work on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups to help people cope with problems. Students who complete the associate's degree curriculum will:
- understand the basic concepts, guiding principles and realities of contemporary human services;
- comprehend the principles of a variety of helping theories; develop basic helping skills;
- develop competence in basic helping skills through supervised service-learning experiences in community agencies;
- be able to write clear, objective reports;
- achieve a greater awareness of their values and their reactions to those whom they would be helping; and
- learn the ethical standards of persons in the helping professions.
Upon completion, students will be prepared to transfer to a bachelor's degree program where they will continue developing skills for a career in the field of social work.
This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.
2023-2024 Academic Requirements
This program prepares students for a job as a substance abuse, hospice, case, psychiatric, or social services aide in settings such as schools, rehabilitation centers, and mental health clinics or as a staff member in a community/neighborhood center. The program provides skills students will need to work on a one-to-one basis or in groups to help people cope with problems. The program also prepares students to transfer to a bachelor's degree program where they will continue developing skills for a career in the field of social work. The program transfers to Eastern Michigan University and Madonna University.
This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program, as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.
Eastern Michigan University, BSW degree*;
Madonna University, BSW degree.
*Students should meet with an EMU Department of Social Work advisor before applying for admission to EMU's program.
Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/transfer-wcc-credits/articulation-agreements.php .
Faculty will review students' eligibility for the program on an ongoing basis.
1. Students must maintain satisfactory academic class performance, as evidenced by
a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Students must earn a "C" or better in all HSW courses.
3. To enroll in the Human Services field internships, students must have completed
prerequisite courses with a "C" or better.
4. Students must maintain at least an 80% rate of attendance in class and in an internship
placement.
5. Students must honor any agreement entered into with an agency serving as an internship
site.
6. Students must maintain ethical behavior as defined in the National Organization
for Human Service Education's "Ethical Standards of Human Services Professionals."
7. Students should be aware that internship sites might conduct background checks
on applicants to determine if they have been convicted of a crime or are addicted
to drugs or alcohol.
- Division
- Humanities, Social & Behav Sci
- Department
- Behavioral Sciences Department
- Advisors
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
| Class | Title | Minimum Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts/Human. Elective(s)*** | 3 | ||
| Nat. Sci. Elective(s) 2 | 3 | ||
| COM 101 or | Fundamentals of Speaking | ||
| COM 102 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| HSW 230 or | Field Internship and Seminar I | ||
| HSW 235 | Experience Seminar | 1-3 | |
| Elective(s) to reach a minimum 60 credits | 3 | ||
| Total | 13 | ||
- Total Credits Required
- 60
Footnotes
#Consult with a program advisor if transferring to any institution other than EMU.
*Select one of the following courses: MTH 125, MTH 160, MTH 176, or MTH 191. Transfer students should check with their selected school to confirm the math and/or credit requirements.
**Select one of the following courses: ART 143, ART 150, DAN 180, DRA 180, ENG 181, ENG 213, ENG 214, ENG 242, FLM 150, HUM 175, MUS 180.
***Select another course in a different discipline from the Humanities section of the MTA list.
If transferring to Madonna University, follow the curricular guide for that university. See a program advisor for details.