Human Services A.A.S. Degree

Division: Business, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Public and Human Services
Academic Dept: Human Services
Curriculum Chair: Prof. Kathleen Pressler
Tel: 914-606-6249

Program Description:
This program is for the student wishing to enter social work or related fields, and who wishes to seek employment in counseling or therapy. Its aim is to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, families, and groups to solve problems and achieve higher levels of social functioning.

The Human Services curriculum provides a broad background in the social and behavioral sciences. It offers the opportunity for supervised internships where students will be able to translate theory into practice by having actual experience working with individuals, families, and communities at local social service agencies, residential treatment centers, hospitals, and schools. Graduates can continue their education toward a Bachelor of Social Work degree or obtain employment in such areas as foster care, residential treatment, developmental disabilities, mental health, and social services. Practice options may include counseling, case management, group work and community advocacy.

The Human Service curriculum is flexible. Classes are held during the day and evening hours. Evening classes are held both on- and off-campus to allow students maximum opportunities to complete their degree in a timely manner. Students working in the field may use their employment for internship credit while attending human service seminars if the department approves.

Graduates wishing to pursue social work as a career can benefit from our transfer agreements with the accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs at the College of New Rochelle, Iona, Concordia, Adelphi, N.Y.U., Dominican, Marist, Stony Brook, Western Connecticut State College, SUNY Albany, Fordham, Lehman, Mercy College and others. After receiving the A.A.S. in Human Services at Westchester Community College, students can transfer into one of these programs as juniors and complete the Bachelor of Social Work degree.  Successful completion of an accredited BSW makes it possible to apply for advanced standing status in MSW programs, making it possible to reduce the time required.

Recommended Full-Time Semester Plan
The curriculum chairperson for this program recommends taking the courses for this degree in a particular order. Click the button above for recommended semester-by-semester layout of the classes needed to complete this program.

Program Descriptions Table of Contents