Human Services Technology
The Human Services Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions in agencies that provide human services, social services, educational services, treatment services, and community services. These agencies serve persons who are coping with mental and substance use disorders and/or are challenged because of disability, disadvantages, or circumstances that interfere with their ability to live full or independent lives.
The program is skills intensive, so students are prepared to move immediately into the workforce. There is an emphasis on ethics, integrity, and employability skills, which are essential to success in the field.
The program also prepares and guides students who are interested in furthering their education beyond the associate degree. Fieldwork and internships allow students to practice skills in a workplace setting before employment. The program offers two degree concentrations – Human Services: Substance Abuse Treatment and Generalist – for students pursuing the associate degree as well as a Substance Abuse certificate for students who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a human services or related field.
For statistical information about the program, please see Human Services AAS Degree (Generalist Track) Data (PDF).
Credentialing Options
Social and Human Services Technology, AAS - CIP Code: 51.1599
A 45 38 0
Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50804
The Social and Human Services Technology curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies, which provide social, community, and educational services. Along with core courses, students take general education courses, which prepare them for eventual specialization in specific human service areas.
Students will take courses from a variety of academic disciplines. Core courses emphasize the development of relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work successfully in human services. Fieldwork or internship experience will provide opportunities for the practical application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Graduates should qualify for positions in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, corrections, and educational agencies. Graduates choosing to continue their education may select from a variety of transfer programs at four-year public and private institutions.
Program Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Social and Human Services Technology Associate Degree program, the graduate should be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of human behavior and development from a biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual perspective.
- Demonstrate skills in best practices that support client care within human services organizations.
- Apply cultural competency skills for working with clients from a variety of different ethnicities and backgrounds.
- Apply skills for addressing human services issues in community settings.
Note: All or some of the courses in this program may transfer to a 4-year institution. Please see your advisor and/or transfer institution of interest.
Fall Semester I
- ACA 111 College Student Success
ACA 111 College Student Success
Close - ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
Close - HSE 110 Introduction to Human Services
HSE 110 Introduction to Human Services
Close - PSY 150 General Psychology
PSY 150 General Psychology
Close - SAB 110 Introduction to Addiction and Recovery Studies
SAB 110 Introduction to Addiction and Recovery Studies
Close - SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology
Close
Total Credits: 16
Spring Semester I
- HSE 123 Interviewing Techniques for Human Services
HSE 123 Interviewing Techniques for Human Services
Close - HSE 212 Group Dynamics
HSE 212 Group Dynamics
Close - HSE 223 Counseling Theories and Skills
HSE 223 Counseling Theories and Skills
Close - SAB 135 Addictive Process
SAB 135 Addictive Process
Close - Human Services Elective Credits: 3 3
- Biology/Math Elective Credits: 3-4 4
Total Credits: 18-19
Summer Semester I
- Second English/Communications Elective Credits: 3 1
- Second Psychology Elective Credits: 3 2
Total Credits: 6
Fall Semester II
- HSE 220 Case Management
HSE 220 Case Management
Close - HSE 225 Crisis and Intervention Principles
HSE 225 Crisis and Intervention Principles
Close - WBL 131 Work-Based Learning III
WBL 131 Work-Based Learning III
Close - WBL 135 Work-Based Learning Seminar III
WBL 135 Work-Based Learning Seminar III
Close - Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective Credits: 3 6
- Human Services Elective Credits: 3 3
Total Credits: 14
Spring Semester II
- GRO 120 Gerontology or
GRO 120 Gerontology
Close - HSE 210 Diversity Ethics and Trends
HSE 210 Diversity Ethics and Trends
Close - HSE 226 Intellectual Disabilities
HSE 226 Intellectual Disabilities
Close - WBL 211 Work-Based Learning IV
WBL 211 Work-Based Learning IV
Close - WBL 215 Work-Based Learning Seminar IV
WBL 215 Work-Based Learning Seminar IV
Close - Sociology Elective Credits: 3 5
- Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Credits: 3
Total Credits: 14
Total credit hours required for degree: 68-69
Electives
1. Second English/Communications Elective
Choose one course from the following:
- COM 110 Introduction to Communication
COM 110 Introduction to Communication
Close - COM 120 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
COM 120 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Close - COM 231 Public Speaking
COM 231 Public Speaking
Close - ENG 112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines
ENG 112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines
Close - ENG 114 Professional Research & Reporting
ENG 114 Professional Research & Reporting
Close
2. Second Psychology Elective
Choose one course from the following:
- PSY 241 Developmental Psychology
PSY 241 Developmental Psychology
Close - PSY 281 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 281 Abnormal Psychology
Close
3. Human Services Electives
Take the two following courses:
- HSE 240 Issues in Client Services
HSE 240 Issues in Client Services
Close - HSE 245 Stress Management
HSE 245 Stress Management
Close
4. Biology/Math Elective
Choose one course from the following:
- BIO 110 Principles of Biology
BIO 110 Principles of Biology
Close - MAT 121 Algebra/Trigonometry I
MAT 121 Algebra/Trigonometry I
Close - MAT 143 Quantitative Literacy
MAT 143 Quantitative Literacy
Close
5. Sociology Elective
Choose one course from the following:
- SOC 213 Sociology of the Family
SOC 213 Sociology of the Family
Close - SOC 220 Social Problems
SOC 220 Social Problems
Close
6. Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
- ECO 251 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 251 Principles of Microeconomics
Close - ECO 252 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 252 Principles of Macroeconomics
Close - HIS 111 World Civilizations I
HIS 111 World Civilizations I
Close - HIS 112 World Civilizations II
HIS 112 World Civilizations II
Close - HIS 131 American History I
HIS 131 American History I
Close - HIS 132 American History II
HIS 132 American History II
Close - HIS 227 Native American History
HIS 227 Native American History
Close - HIS 236 North Carolina History
HIS 236 North Carolina History
Close - POL 120 American Government
POL 120 American Government
Close - POL 210 Comparative Government
POL 210 Comparative Government
Close - POL 220 International Relations
POL 220 International Relations
Close - POL 250 Introduction to Political Theory
POL 250 Introduction to Political Theory
Close - PSY 110 Life Span Development
PSY 110 Life Span Development
Close - PSY 230 Biological Psychology
PSY 230 Biological Psychology
Close - PSY 237 Social Psychology
PSY 237 Social Psychology
Close - PSY 239 Psychology of Personality
PSY 239 Psychology of Personality
Close - PSY 265 Behavior Modification
PSY 265 Behavior Modification
Close - SOC 213 Sociology of the Family
SOC 213 Sociology of the Family
Close - SOC 220 Social Problems
SOC 220 Social Problems
Close - SOC 225 Social Diversity
SOC 225 Social Diversity
Close - SOC 240 Social Psychology
SOC 240 Social Psychology
Close - SOC 242 Sociology of Deviance
SOC 242 Sociology of Deviance
Close
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Pick List
- ART 111 Art Appreciation
ART 111 Art Appreciation
Close - ART 114 Art History Survey I
ART 114 Art History Survey I
Close - ART 115 Art History Survey II
ART 115 Art History Survey II
Close - ART 118 Art by Women
ART 118 Art by Women
Close - ART 121 Two-Dimensional Design
ART 121 Two-Dimensional Design
Close - ART 131 Drawing I
ART 131 Drawing I
Close - ART 132 Drawing II
ART 132 Drawing II
Close - ART 240 Painting I
ART 240 Painting I
Close - ART 241 Painting II
ART 241 Painting II
Close - ART 281 Sculpture I
ART 281 Sculpture I
Close - ART 283 Ceramics I
ART 283 Ceramics I
Close - COM 140 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
COM 140 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Close - DRA 111 Theatre Appreciation
DRA 111 Theatre Appreciation
Close - DRA 112 Literature of the Theatre
DRA 112 Literature of the Theatre
Close - DRA 120 Voice for Performance
DRA 120 Voice for Performance
Close - DRA 126 Storytelling
DRA 126 Storytelling
Close - DRA 128 Children's Theatre
DRA 128 Children's Theatre
Close - DRA 130 Acting I
DRA 130 Acting I
Close - DRA 211 Theatre History I
DRA 211 Theatre History I
Close - ENG 125 Creative Writing I
ENG 125 Creative Writing I
Close - ENG 131 Introduction to Literature
ENG 131 Introduction to Literature
Close - ENG 231 American Literature I
ENG 231 American Literature I
Close - ENG 232 American Literature II
ENG 232 American Literature II
Close - ENG 241 British Literature I
ENG 241 British Literature I
Close - ENG 242 British Literature II
ENG 242 British Literature II
Close - ENG 251 Western World Literature I
ENG 251 Western World Literature I
Close - ENG 252 Western World Literature II
ENG 252 Western World Literature II
Close - ENG 261 World Literature I
ENG 261 World Literature I
Close - ENG 262 World Literature II
ENG 262 World Literature II
Close - ENG 273 African-American Literature
ENG 273 African-American Literature
Close - HUM 110 Technology and Society
HUM 110 Technology and Society
Close - HUM 115 Critical Thinking
HUM 115 Critical Thinking
Close - HUM 120 Cultural Studies
HUM 120 Cultural Studies
Close - HUM 121 The Nature of America
HUM 121 The Nature of America
Close - HUM 122 Southern Culture
HUM 122 Southern Culture
Close - HUM 130 Myth in Human Culture
HUM 130 Myth in Human Culture
Close - HUM 150 American Women's Studies
HUM 150 American Women's Studies
Close - HUM 160 Introduction to Film
HUM 160 Introduction to Film
Close - HUM 161 Advanced Film Studies
HUM 161 Advanced Film Studies
Close - HUM 211 Humanities I
HUM 211 Humanities I
Close - HUM 212 Humanities II
HUM 212 Humanities II
Close - MUS 110 Music Appreciation
MUS 110 Music Appreciation
Close - MUS 111 Fundamentals of Music
MUS 111 Fundamentals of Music
Close - MUS 112 Introduction to Jazz
MUS 112 Introduction to Jazz
Close - MUS 121 Music Theory I
MUS 121 Music Theory I
Close - MUS 122 Music Theory II
MUS 122 Music Theory II
Close - MUS 125 Aural Skills I
MUS 125 Aural Skills I
Close - MUS 126 Aural Skills II
MUS 126 Aural Skills II
Close - MUS 210 History of Rock Music
MUS 210 History of Rock Music
Close - PHI 210 History of Philosophy
PHI 210 History of Philosophy
Close - PHI 215 Philosophical Issues
PHI 215 Philosophical Issues
Close - PHI 240 Introduction to Ethics
PHI 240 Introduction to Ethics
Close - REL 110 World Religions
REL 110 World Religions
Close - REL 111 Eastern Religions
REL 111 Eastern Religions
Close - REL 112 Western Religions
REL 112 Western Religions
Close - REL 211 Introduction to Old Testament
REL 211 Introduction to Old Testament
Close - REL 212 Introduction to New Testament
REL 212 Introduction to New Testament
Close - REL 221 Religion in America
REL 221 Religion in America
Close
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process, you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.
Prospective students may also apply for the curriculum by contacting an advisor for the Human Services Department. For more information, call 336-334-4822, ext. 55054.
Stacey Inman, Program Director
336-334-4822, ext: 50804
shinman@gtcc.edu
Yes. Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.
The Human Services Technology Department offers classes in three formats: seated, hybrid, and online. Some courses do not meet online, so you cannot complete the degree completely online. Although many classes meet in the evenings, some classes may meet just during the day, depending on scheduling and demand. In addition, most work-based learning (WBL) experiences require that you be available during regular business hours.
The associate degree is appropriate for you if you are entering the field with no prior degree and wish to work with substance abusers in a recovery setting.
You can complete the program in two years if you attend full time. You may also attend part time and complete the program at your own pace. You may need to take additional English or reading courses, which may extend the time necessary to complete the program.
Yes, you can earn both degrees, but doing so will probably take longer since the degree programs have different course requirements. For more information on specific courses in the programs, refer to the Human Services Technology section of the Course Catalog.
Local agencies conduct internships. For Substance Abuse Concentration Students, these agencies provide primary substance abuse treatment services and have North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) credentialed substance abuse counselors and/or supervisors on staff. A faculty advisor works with you to discuss sites that best suit your interests, strengths, and schedule.
GTCC offers many of the general education courses during the summer that you need to complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. GTCC only offers Substance Abuse (SAB) and Human Services (HSE) courses during fall and spring semesters.
GTCC offers many of the general education classes that you need to meet the requirements of the AAS degree at a variety of campus locations. Only the High Point Campus offers all SAB and HSE courses.
No. The NCSAPPB outlines the certification process. You can find these requirements at ncsappb.org. GTCC certificate and degree programs in substance abuse will provide you with the required number of educational/training hours needed. The degree will also provide you with the 300 hours of supervised practicum that the board requires. The information in all courses helps to prepare you for the written state credentialing exam.
No, but the program does offer a high-quality, cost-effective, and efficient path toward certification/licensure.
No degree can guarantee employment, but education and cooperative workplace experience in substance abuse treatment will increase the likelihood that you will be able to find a job in the field.