Liberal Arts - Human Services- Pre-Social Work A.A. Degree
The Human Services Program combines coursework in the social sciences to prepare students in helping clients cope with and/or prevent social and personal problems. Human Service professionals perform a wide range of occupations and in a variety of settings including schools, group homes, community mental health facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, halfway houses and substance abuse program facilities. Students who complete the Human Services degree program will qualify for employment as Human Service assistants in many agencies. They will also meet the prerequisites for admission to a Social Work program at senior institutions.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduating students will be able to
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Describe the factors that have led to the development and reform of the social welfare system in the United States.
- Utilize theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand human development and the interactions among human systems
- Demonstrate effective communication and intervention skills in classroom and clinical settings.
- Analyze service problems, select appropriate interventions, and evaluate outcome.
SEMESTER I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Policy
Course Code : SOC-141
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : Introduces the evolution of the policies and practices of social welfare and social work. Historical developments, current provisions, social, attitudinal, economic and political trends in the United States affecting institutionalized responses to perceived health and welfare needs are analyzed.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
MAT-123 - Statistics I is recommended.
Short Title : Introduction to Sociology
Course Code : SOC-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Code : PSY-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Contemporary Social Problems
Course Code : SOC-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An introduction to the study of social problems in American society. Emphasis is given to social problems related to stratification and inequity of social groups and institutions. Students will analyze social problems from general, theoretical, and research-based point of view, as well as investigate why particular issues become defined as "problems".
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Methods of Casework and Counseling
Course Code : SOC-210
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : An introductory study of social work methods: interviewing, diagnostic assessment, casework, counseling, problem solving, service coordination, placement and others used in social service agencies, institutions, programs and organizations.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
HED-150 or HED-200 recommended.
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Diversity and Multiculturalism in U.S. Society
Course Code : SOC-205
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An examination of the historical and contemporary experiences of the U.S.'s diverse and multicultural population, including cultural values, lifestyles, and contributions of a cross-section of diverse identitites, which include categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability status. Students apply a sociological perspective to policy issues regarding diversity and multiculturalism, as well as discuss how a person's status in each group influences his or her social interactions, rights and life chances.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, DAN, EDU, ENG, FRE, GER, GLS, HCS, HES, HED, HIN, HIS, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multidisciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Describe the factors that have led to the development and reform of the social welfare system in the United States.
- Utilize theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand human development and the interactions among human systems.
- Demonstrate effective communication and intervention skills in classroom and clinical settings.
- Analyze service problems, select appropriate interventions, and evaluate outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.