Social and Human Services (AS)

Mission

The mission of the Social and Human Services program is to provide the highest quality education to future and current Human Service Professionals by providing a learning environment that supports the development of culturally competent, compassionate and accountable professionals. Our program prepares graduates who are dedicated to the autonomy, dignity, and diversity of the people they serve.

Graduates of the Program are prepared to work under the supervision of counselors, social workers, psychologists, sociologists and other professionals. They may work at hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities or community service agencies, serving in many roles that make a positive impact in any community. Additionally, graduates can continue on to a bachelor degree program in human services, social work, psychology, gerontology or other related fields.

Employment in social and human services is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. A growing elderly population and rising demand for social services are expected to drive demand. Employment and wages data for Human Services are published by the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Program Highlights

Most courses in the Social and Human Services Program are online and blended classes. Most students can complete the program within 4 semesters or 2 years if students begin in the Fall semester and attend classes on a full-time basis. Or, students may take longer to complete the degree and attend on a part-time basis.

All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Courses include General Education (15 credits), Social and Human Services Core (36 credits) and Specialty Track or Electives (9 credits) for a total of 60 credits. Students may choose from one of the following specialty tracks:

  1. Human Services Generalist Track - provides students with a broad foundation for work with diverse populations in a variety of human services environments or supplement training for persons previously or currently employed in the field of human services; students concurrently earn the Human Services Generalist College Credit Certificate
  2. Addictions Track - provides students with the academic training necessary for state certification related to chemical dependency and substance abuse; students concurrently earn the Addiction Services College Credit Certificate
  3. Youth Development Track - provides students with the knowledge and skills for working in child, family, and youth service occupations in community, school, residential, and group environments or supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in the field of youth services; students concurrently earn the Youth Development Services College Credit Certificate

The Social and Human Services Program is always looking for ways to enhance the students learning experience. To provided the students with hands-on learning, Chip, an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog, recently joined the Social and Human Services team. Chip will be assisting with teaching courses and can be seen around campus participating in student support services.

Chip Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Chip

Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Co-Instructor for HUS 1001 sec 10F Introduction to Human Services

Residency Experiences

Students will complete a total of 100 internship hours in a Social And Human Services setting. HUS 2842L - Counseling Residency I will provide an environment in which to integrate the knowledge, theory, skills, and behaviors of the profession.

Some settings may require a criminal background check that includes fingerprinting and drug screening. Health history and proof of immunizations may be required. Students may also be required to complete pre-residency training or other activities. Students must provide their own transportation to and from their assigned residency sites.

Program Distinctions

The Social and Human Services Program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and supports the work of the Council in setting national standards for human service education. This distinction allows students to sit for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner Examination (HS-BCPE™). After passing the exam, earning the AS degree in Social and Human Services and obtaining 350 hours of supervised post-graduation human services work experience, students will be eligible to apply for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) credential.

The Social and Human Services Program is also a Florida Certification Board approved provider. Students who complete an AS degree in Social and Human Services, an Addiction Services CCC, or a Human Services Generalist CCC may meet the training requirements for one or more of the following certifications with the Florida Certification Board or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Our program meets the training requirements for certification only. The Florida Certification Board has additional requirements that must be met for full certification.

Bachelor's Degree Options

Students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in a related major (such as Social Work, Behavioral Healthcare, Child and Youth Studies, or Psychology) should know that the most direct educational path to these fields would be completing an Associate of Arts (AA degree). Please consult with an Academic Advisor to avoid taking excess credit hours and to assist with transfer options to other institutions. There are particular courses that are required for the bachelor's degree. These courses are outlined in the State Common Prerequisites Manuals. The Associate of Arts Degree is part of the 2+2 Pathways to Success that allow students to transfer directly into Bachelor’s degree programs in related fields.

Program Contact Information

For any additional program information, email us at alliedhealth@fsw.edu

Cristy Estes, Ed.S., LMHC Program Director, Social and Human Services Email: Cristy.Estes@fsw.edu Phone (239) 432-7391

Janetta Mullins, MS, Program Coordinator, Social and Human Services Email: Janetta.Mullins@fsw.edu

Faculty Information

Adjunct Faculty

  • Ariella VanHara, LCSW
  • Timothy Lloyd, PhD, LMFT, BCBA
  • Susan Patti, M.Ed
  • Cassandra Louden, LCSW
  • Virginia Rose, MSW