Human Services (Degree)
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 Details
Upon completion of the Human Services, A.A. program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate effective communication with clients, support personnel and other human service professionals.;
- understand practices, standards and conduct acceptable for human service professionals;
- demonstrate various counseling techniques, concepts and applications;
- integrate human services coursework with practical field experience;
- 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
- acquire the general educational competencies necessary for transition to a higher education program in human services or related fields.