Human Services, Associate in Science

Courses and Requirements

This associate in science degree program in Human Services is designed to give students a solid foundation in the principles, theories and skills needed to provide services as a Human Service Practitioner. Graduates have the essential skills to work in a range of settings with both adults and children with mental illness, developmental disability and/or substance abuse. The program prepares graduates to promote and respect the dignity of all individuals and to be sensitive to cultural diversity. Supervised clinical experiences are integral to the program and afford opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional. The program contains the National Community Support Skill Standards and is accredited by the Council for Standard in Human Service Education. A minimum of 63 credit hours are required for graduation.

Courses with an “HUS” prefix are generally restricted to students enrolled in the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate, the Community Support Human Services Practitioner Certificate, the Direct Support Certificate or the Human Services Associate Degree. HUS 101, the introductory course, is open to any NECC student who meets the proficiency requirements. HUS 171, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is open to students with a major in criminal justice, as well as those students in the human services programs. Any requests for exceptions to this policy need to be addressed to the course instructor or Program Coordinator.

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all HUS courses in order to graduate.

Starting in the fall of 2014, any student enrolled in an associate degree program who is new to NECC and has no academic history at the college, must take at least one course designated as intensive in each of NECC’s six core academic skills in order to graduate. In most cases, the program’s core required courses include these intensive courses. Plan to see an advisor for more complete information about this graduation requirement.

Additional Admissions Criteria

Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. Specific admission criteria is available on the NECC website.

CORI/CHRI/SORI

Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

Requirements

Select ONE of the following (4 credits)

Select ONE of the following (4 credits)

Electives

Program Notes

Students are prepared to work as generalists and to address issues related to mental illness, intellectual disability, substance abuse, child welfare and homelessness among others. Practicum courses give students the opportunity to gain experience in the field and to integrate that work experience with their academic learning.

Recommended Course Sequence Human Services Associate Degree

Year 1

Fall

Spring

Year 2

Fall

Spring