Human Services, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
480

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students as paraprofessionals in the human services field. Successful completion of the program will qualify students for entry-level positions in programs and facilities in the areas of mental health, intellectual disabilities, gerontology, homelessness, substance abuse and social services.

Program Objectives: Employment opportunities for A.A.S. graduates in Human Services include staff positions in hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities and community service agencies. 

Graduates may transfer to a four-year college or university for bachelor degrees in fields such as social work and human services.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.

Placement Requirements: Students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level English will be required to select appropriate EDE 10  or ENG 111 /EDE 11*  coursework in consultation with an advisor.

Students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math will be required to select appropriate MDE coursework in consultation with an advisor.

Program Notes: MEN 101*  is only offered in the fall semester and is a prerequisite for many classes. Students entering the Human Services Program should make this their first class selection.

Admission to Internship: Admission to MEN 290*  (Coordinated Internship) is selective and must be approved by the Program Head. Eligibility is based upon the following criteria:

• A minimum GPA of 2.0
• Successful completion of course prerequisites
• Expected graduation date

Students will be required to submit to a background check that includes The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Positive findings on the background check may limit and/or prohibit internship placement. It is recommended that students discuss any concerns about background checks with the Program Head no later than their first semester in the program.

Students are responsible for all fees associated with background checks. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from placement sites. Students who do not meet the professional standards of the Human Services Program and/ or the participating clinical agency may be withdrawn from the internship experience. Inability to complete the above will disqualify the student from the course and from completing the program.

The internship application process begins the semester prior to taking the class. Students planning to take MEN 290 in a fall semester should contact the Program Head for an application in February. Those planning to take it in a spring semester should request an application in September.

AAS degrees prepare students for direct employment upon completion of the degree. However, many programs may also transfer to four-year institutions. Students interested in transferring should verify program requirements with specific four-year institutions and with the program head for Human Services.