Human Services

The Human Services program prepares students for a variety of careers in Advocacy, Mental Health, Social Services, Health and Human Services, Criminal Justice and Community Support, with an emphasis on helping other, and making a significant impact on individuals, families and neighborhoods. Human service professionals work for nonprofit and for-profit social service agencies and state and local governments - in positions that involve planning, supervision and research. They also assist those who need a helping hand to meet basic needs or enjoy a higher quality of life, including the developmentally disabled, the elderly, immigrants and refugees, substance abusers and crime victims and offenders. Experts in this field weave together a vast array of community resources, specialized assistance and natural supports to help those in need navigate life’s challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Human Services program at NEC should be able to:

Explore the forces that promote unity; theories and concepts related to prejudice and discrimination; and strategies to reduce conflict and promote respect and understanding among diverse populations
Understand how to apply statistics to answer questions in social science, and learn how to analyze the results
Examine the research strategies used by psychologists and social scientists
Identify the effects of substance abuse, various types of addiction, the medical and mental health conditions that may coexist with addiction and substance abuse treatment processes and interventions
Develop skills in case management, evaluating crisis situations and individual and family assessment
Acquire interpersonal communications skills to increase effectiveness in client relationships
Analyze social, political and economic forces affecting welfare and social service systems

Programs

Major

Minor

Human Services, Minor