Social and Human Services (AS)

Make a difference where it matters most.

Launch your career in service, support, and advocacy with Florida SouthWestern State College's Social and Human Services Program.

Explore pathways in Psychology, Social Work, and Counseling as you develop the skill to help individuals, families, and communities thrive while building a meaningful, purpose-driven profession.

Three individuals sit in a circle on modern couches during a daytime therapy session in a well-lit room with large windows.

Program Overview

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's 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.

Course Pre-requisites

The Social and Human Services Program requires HUS 1001 Introduction to Human Services or SOW 2031 Introduction to Social Work as a prerequisite to most core courses. Please check the course descriptions to see if a prerequisite is required and to see what the minimum grade requirements are for the Social and Human Services AS degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Illustrate the development of human services and the structure and dynamics of human systems.
  2. Integrate various forms of information to identify the service and delivery needs of clients.
  3. Assess client and program needs to develop appropriate interventions and evaluate client progress.
  4. Provide direct client services.
  5. Create genuine and empathetic relationships with others.
  6. Demonstrate the values and ethics of the human services profession.
  7. Demonstrate a self-awareness of professional values, philosophies, style, and cultural bias, and how these personal characteristics affect clients.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, students must fulfill all program requirements. To earn the AS in Social and Human Services degree, all courses, including general education, program, and specialty track requirements or electives, must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students must indicate their intention to attend the commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.

Unlock your potential by earning a dual degree in Social and Human Services, A.S., and an Associate in Arts with just a few extra courses! This dynamic combination will open doors to many exciting career opportunities. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to the Social and Human Services advisor today to learn more.

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
  4. Community Health Worker Track

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.

Board Certification Opportunities

The Social and Human Services Program is proud to offer HUS 2315 Behavior Modifications, a course that meets the training requirements to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

What is an RBT Certification

The Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) certification is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior-analytic services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or RBT Requirements Coordinator who is responsible for their work. For more information on how to become a Registered Behavior Technician visit https://www.bacb.com/rbt/

The Social and Human Services Program is also a Florida Certification Board approved provider. Students who complete the Addiction Services CCC meet the Content Specific training requirements for Florida board certification as a Certified Addiction Counselor; in addition to the Addiction Services CCC students must also complete specific requirements in Work Related Experience, On-the-Job Supervision, and other areas required by the Florida Certification Board. These requirements are not completed within the Addictions Services CCC. Please review the requirements here.

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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

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

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

Faculty Information

Adjunct Faculty

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