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.

The bachelor’s degree program may be completed in 4 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

The associate’s degree program may be completed in 2 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

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

• Human Services, A.S.
• Human Services, B.S.

• Human Services Minor