The Human Services program prepares you for entry into the helping professions. As a learner in this program you will gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work in mental health centers, home health and respite organizations, substance abuse programs, family crisis centers, community development agencies, and other human service programs. Many participants in this program choose to continue their education at the baccalaureate level and beyond.
Program Outcomes
Successful graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate methods social scientists use to research and interpret evidence about patterns of human behavior and experience across the life span;
- demonstrate effective interpersonal communication techniques with diverse populations;
- advocate for client needs and locate resources as appropriate for specific populations;
- exhibit professional conduct in a human services organization including legal and ethical responsibilities, roles, and boundaries;
- demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
- explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.
How & Why Our Degree Works
The Human Services program is flexible, giving you the opportunity to specialize in areas of particular interest to you, and works well for students wishing to pursue their education beyond an associate’s degree. In addition, our certificate in Substance Abuse Services may be embedded directly into the program for a more focused degree. Human Services is a popular program available both online and at all CCV academic centers. Finally, a required field experience course allows you to work directly with an agency or organization delivering services.
Career Opportunities
As a human services professional, you’ll be working in an atmosphere of engaged and committed professionals. CCV graduates work for both public and private service institutions, in such positions as community advocate, substance abuse counselor, social worker, case manager, probation officer, vocational and life skills counselor, activities director, personal companion, and child welfare and family services coordinator.
Transfer Options
CCV’s Human Services degree transfers seamlessly into other Vermont State Colleges programs in psychology, sociology, and social work at Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon State. We also have transfer agreements with the University of Vermont. Other Vermont colleges that are popular with CCV graduates are:
- Burlington College
- Champlain College
- Green Mountain College
- College of St. Joseph
- Marlboro College
- Saint Michael’s College
- Springfield College
- Union Institute & University