Academic Programs and Services

Behavioral Health/Human Services

This curriculum is designed for students interested in working with people in need. Students will have the opportunity to study human behavior and human development within the context of the psychological, social, and biophysical environments in which people live. They will develop skills needed to work with others both one-on-one and in groups. They will develop the value base from which they will practice and learn the ethical standards of the helping professions. They will learn to appreciate and work in a multicultural environment. As a major part of their study, they will also have the opportunity to work directly with people in need by being assigned two field placements with agencies and institutions in the community.

The curriculum is designed to help students interested in working in a wide variety of helping settings including: alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, behavioral health agencies, geriatric centers and life care facilities, youth centers, criminal justice facilities, schools serving special need children and youth, and community outreach programs.
Students will be prepared to work as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, caseworkers, case managers, mental health counselors, health educators, social and human service assistants, and community and social service specialists.

Students in the curriculum are expected to challenge their own values and personal biases as they relate to working with people. This is a personal experience that requires students to engage in activities aimed at raising self-awareness and often requires self-disclosure. Students can expect to encounter a variety of experiences during their course of study that will be personally challenging and require a willingness to be introspective. Above all, students must be open to change.

Students can enroll in the curriculum either part-time of full-time. Courses are offered days, evenings and weekends.

Special arrangements for students currently employed in behavioral health/human services facilities can be made to enable them to use their place of employment for their two field placement experiences. Final approval for such an arrangement rests with the faculty member(s) in charge of field placements.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter employment after completing the associate’s degree. However, the curriculum is also useful for students who may want to continue their education at a baccalaureate institution. To this end, a number of articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities exist.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate a set of helping skills (warmth, empathy, reflective listening) needed for successful employment in Human Services.
• Work as a culturally sensitive ethical practitioner.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of self resulting from personal growth experiences.
• Use critical thinking and writing skills needed for working with clients.

 

Program Entry Requirements:
New students are required to take College placement tests. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses in addition to the requirements of the degree program. Admission to the program also requires that students attend a faculty-run admissions orientation meeting or meet directly with the curriculum coordinator.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
The BHHS curriculum is a coherent program of study for students. The mix of curriculum-specific and general education courses is designed to give students both academic and practical experience for understanding and working with people in need in our contemporary multicultural society. Students will become familiar with the use of the computer as a tool of their profession. Students must complete two practice placements in an agency approved by the BHHS curriculum coordinator.

To qualify for the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Behavioral Health/Human Services, students must complete the appropriate 63 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average). All BHHS students must earn a "C" or better in all program courses. Students whose attitude and behavior are considered unprofessional may be dropped from the curriculum, pending review by program faculty and the curriculum coordinator.

While enrolled in the curriculum, students are to be guided by the values and ethical standards of the helping professions. They are also challenged to participate in a process of self-discovery and growth. Students whose behavior is viewed as inconsistent with professional standards may be dropped from the curriculum pending the results of a departmental hearing.

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.