Human Services Academic Certificate
Description:
The Human Services certificate program of study is primarily for persons in Human Service agencies who wish to expand their career options and for students expressing an interest in the field. Career options include social and human service assistants, community and social service specialists, personal and home care aides, counselor aides and mental health technicians. Students will be provided with courses that will help in their development of core academic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and computer literacy. They will also be provided with core helping skills by taking key courses in Behavioral Health and Human Services, in areas such as group dynamics and case management. Students will also do one practicum, which may be completed at their place of employment. Along with the core helping skills, students will be introduced to job-specific helping courses in fields of practice such as addictions, disabilities, gerontology or youth work. Students will also select either Child Abuse and Family Violence or Crisis Intervention to complete the certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic set of helping skills (warmth, empathy, reflective listening) needed for entry-level employment in human service agencies.
- Work as a culturally sensitive ethical practitioner.
- Demonstrate a stronger sense of self resulting from personal growth experiences.
- Use critical thinking and writing skills needed for working with clients.
Program Entry Requirements:
The program is open to interested students. New students are required to take College placement tests. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English courses prior to program entry. Students requiring developmental mathematics courses must complete them in addition to the requirements of their certificate program.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
Graduation from this program is based on successful completion of the required 33 credits of course work with a grade of "C" or better in the core BHHS courses and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Course Sequence:
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ged Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 101 - Introduction to Behavioral Health & Human Services | 3 credits | ||
| BHHS 111 - Introduction to Helping Skills | BHHS 101, which may be taken concurrently | 3 credits | |
| BHHS 105 - Introduction to Group Dynamics | 3 credits | ||
| ENGL 101 - English Composition or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors) | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 1 | |
| BHHS 110 - Principles and Practices of Positive Youth Development: Community, Family, and Youth Engagement or BHHS 121 - Foundations of Addiction Studies or BHHS 171 - Introduction to Aging Studies or BHHS 161 - Introduction to Disability Studies | 3 credits | ||
| CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology* | 3 credits |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHHS 194 - Case Management Practice | BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | |
| BHHS 195 - Practicum in Behavioral Health/Human Services I | BHHS 111 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) | ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | |
| BHHS 151 - Family Violence, Abuse and Trauma or BHHS 241 - Crisis Intervention | 3 credits | ||
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) | 3 credits | Quantitative Reasoning |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
33*Students with computer experience may apply for credit by exam through the Computer Technologies Department.
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.
For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Liberal Studies, Room BR-21, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8450; or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010.