Human Services
A.S. Degree, A.A.S. Degree, Certificate, Micro-Credential
Human Services
Helping people to help themselves is the common thread in Human Services, and the field is diverse and extensive. You may work in education, child care, social services, mental health, home health, or recreation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "The number of social and human service assistants is expected to grow by nearly 23 percent between 2008-2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due in large part to the aging population and increased demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment."
Field Experience
As part of your four-credit internship you will work in a human service agency. This field work course enables you to work for a minimum of 135 hours in direct care helping people to help themselves
Careers on Career Coach
Our graduates work as teachers in child development programs, child care workers in group homes, caregivers, examiners in social service agencies, recreation specialists in geriatric settings, and caregivers in centers for children who are developmentally disabled, among other positions. Recent graduates have been employed by Catholic Charities, Cortland County Community Action Program, Cortland Migrant Outreach Program, Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca, Franziska Racker Centers, Mental Health Association, Tompkins County, J.M. Murray Center, Tioga Opportunities, Inc., Tompkins Community Action/Headstart, Tompkins County Youth Advocate Program, Inc.
Select a career below to connect to Career Coach and find information about that career including median salary and job postings.
Explore more career options: A.A.S. | Human Services Certificate
Program Chair
PATTY TVAROHA, MAAE
Associate Professor, Human Services
Patty Tvaroha is a proud alumnus of Tompkins Cortland’s Human Services program. After graduating from Tompkins Cortland in 1998, Patty transferred to SUNY Cortland to become the first student to complete the two plus two articulation agreement and earn a BS in Human Services.
Transfer Options
Recent transfer institutions include:
- Binghamton University
- SUNY College at Brockport
- SUNY College at Canton
- SUNY College at Cortland
- Elmira College
- Empire State College
- SUNY College at Fredonia
- Hunter College, City University of New York
- Ithaca College
- Keuka College
- Syracuse University
- Wells College
Highlighted Courses
Not all of the highlighted courses are required in each degree or certificate in this program area. Please be sure to check the degree requirements tab for details about the requirements for each degree or certificate.
- A.A.S.
- A.S.
- Certificate: Human Services
- Micro-Credential: Direct Support Professional*
- Micro-Credential: Residential Aide*
Degree Requirements
Fall Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL100, Academic Writing I, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in ENGL 100. A student exempted from ENGL 100 must substitute a 3-credit Liberal Arts Elective. The course should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS105, Introduction to Human Services, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 105. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| PSYC103, Introduction to Psychology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| SOCI101, Introduction to Sociology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
Spring Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL101, Academic Writing II, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS200, Generalist Social Work Practice Skills, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 200. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
A minimum grade of C is required in the Human Service Elective. Choose a HUMS course, ANTH 202, CDSC 101, CRJU 105, or SOCI 203. ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr. CDSC101, Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 cr. CRJU105, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 3 cr. HUMS@ SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Students who intend to transfer into a Social Work program should choose MATH 200. MATH@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
POSC@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
Fall Term 2
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL201, Fundamentals of Speech, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS229, Applied Methods in Human Services, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 229. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
A minimum grade of C is required in the Human Service Elective. Choose a HUMS course, ANTH 202. CDSC 101, CRJU 105, or SOCI 203. ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr. CDSC101, Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 cr. CRJU105, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 3 cr. HUMS@ SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
ARAB@ ART101, History and Appreciation of Art I, 3 cr. ART102, History and Appreciation of Art II, 3 cr. ART104, History of Photography and Video, 3 cr. CHIN@ CRJU217, Ethics in Criminal Justice, 3 cr. ENGL@ ENVS105, Environmental Ethics, 3 cr. ESL101, English as a Second Language I, 8 cr. ESL103, English as a Second Language II, 8 cr. ESL120, Writing and Grammar III, 4 cr. ESL121, Reading & Vocabulary III, 4 cr. FREN@ GERM@ HUMN@ ITAL@ MUSI101, Music Appreciation, 3 cr. MUSI108, Music Theory I, 3 cr. MUSI109, Music Theory II, 3 cr. PHIL@ RECR270, Wilderness and the American Culture, 3 cr. RUSN@ SOCE258, Creative Nonfiction Writing, 3 cr. SPAN@ WGST248, Contemporary Women Writers, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Choose any 200-level SOCI course. The course should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. SOCI2@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
Spring Term 2
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 16
| HUMS232, Human Service Internship & Seminar, 4 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 232. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
|
Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
A minimum grade of C is required in the Human Services Elective. Choose a HUMS course, ANTH 202, CDSC 101, CRJU 105, or SOCI 203. ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr. CDSC101, Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 cr. CRJU105, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 3 cr. HUMS@ SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
PSYC@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
ASTR@ BIOL@ CHEM@ CSCI160, Computer Science I, 3 cr. CSCI165, Computer Science II, 3 cr. CSCI205, Computer Science III-Data Structures, 3 cr. ENVS101, Introduction to Environmental Science, 3 cr. ENVS102, Technology and the Environment, 3 cr. ENVS116, Soil Science, 3 cr. ENVS141, Agroecology, 3 cr. ENVS202, Integrated Pest Management, 3 cr. GEOL@ METR@ PHSC@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
SUNY General Education & Tompkins Cortland Liberal Arts courses
Note: The @ symbol represents any course number or discipline. For example, BIOL @ means any course with a Biology course prefix. An @ alone means one course in any course discipline with any course number.
Degree Requirements
Fall Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL100, Academic Writing I, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in ENGL 100. A student exempted from ENGL 100 must substitute a 3-credit Liberal Arts Elective. The course should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS105, Introduction to Human Services, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 105. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| PSYC103, Introduction to Psychology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| SOCI101, Introduction to Sociology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
|
Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
Spring Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL101, Academic Writing II, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS200, Generalist Social Work Practice Skills, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 200. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| PSYC263, Development Across the Lifespan, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| Choose one from the courses listed below: Minimum credits required: 3
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Fall Term 2
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| BIOL100, Human Biology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| ENGL102, Approaches to Literature, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| Choose one from the courses listed below: Minimum credits required: 3
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Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Choose from PSYC 209-Abnormal Psychology, or a 200-level SOCI course. The course should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. PSYC209, Abnormal Psychology, 3 cr. SOCI2@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
Spring Term 2
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 16
| ENGL201, Fundamentals of Speech, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS232, Human Service Internship & Seminar, 4 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 232. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| MATH200, Statistics, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
|
Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
A minimum grade of C is required in the Human Services Elective. HUMS 114 or HUMS 128 recommended. ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr. CDSC101, Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 cr. CRJU105, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 3 cr. HUMS@ SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
SUNY General Education & Tompkins Cortland Liberal Arts courses
Note: The @ symbol represents any course number or discipline. For example, BIOL @ means any course with a Biology course prefix. An @ alone means one course in any course discipline with any course number.
Degree Requirements
Certificate: Human Services
Minimum Credits for Graduation:
30 credits
Fall Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL100, Academic Writing I, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in ENGL 100. A student exempted from ENGL 100 must substitute a 3-credit Liberal Arts Elective. This course should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS105, Introduction to Human Services, 3 cr. A minimum grade of C is required in HUMS 105. |
Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| PSYC103, Introduction to Psychology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| SOCI101, Introduction to Sociology, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| Choose one from the courses listed below: Minimum credits required: 3
|
Spring Term 1
Minimum Total Semester Credits: 15
| ENGL101, Academic Writing II, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS200, Generalist Social Work Practice Skills, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| Choose one from the courses listed below: Minimum credits required: 3
|
|
Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
POSC@ |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
|
Select a minimum of 3 credits from the courses listed below:
Choose from ANTH 202, CDSC 101, CRJU 105, HUMS/CRJU 104, HUMS 111, HUMS 114, HUMS/ECHD 125, HUMS 128, HUMS/SOCI 206, HUMS/CRJU 212, HUMS/ECHD 225, or SOCI 203. ANTH202, Cultural Anthropology, 3 cr. CDSC101, Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, 4 cr. CRJU105, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 3 cr. HUMS104, Introduction to Corrections, 3 cr. HUMS111, Introduction to Aging and Elder Studies, 3 cr. HUMS114, The Process of Group Communication, 3 cr. HUMS125, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 3 cr. HUMS128, The Family: Strength-Based Intervention, 3 cr. HUMS206, Juvenile Delinquency, 3 cr. HUMS212, Community Corrections, 3 cr. HUMS225, Early Childhood Curriculum Development, 3 cr. SOCI203, Sociology of Race, Power, and Privilege, 3 cr. |
Use Schedule Search for electives |
SUNY General Education & Tompkins Cortland Liberal Arts courses
Note: The @ symbol represents any course number or discipline. For example, BIOL @ means any course with a Biology course prefix. An @ alone means one course in any course discipline with any course number.
Degree Requirements
Micro-Credential: Direct Support Professional*
Minimum Credits for Graduation:
12 credits
A micro-credential is a for-credit defined set of courses that take less time to complete than a degree or even a certificate! Micro-credentials are typically designed to teach specific, in-demand skills in collaboration with local employers or job needs.
Micro-credentials offer a valuable career credential upon completion, and courses can also be applied to an exiting degree or certificate program.
* Please contact admissions. Financial aid restrictions apply. Student must complete 50% of micro-credential coursework at TC3 to earn credential.
Direct Support Professionals work with individuals with physical and/or intellectual challenges to become more integrated into their environments and communities. The Direct Support Credential requires completion of four courses:
Direct Support Professional
Total Credits: 12
| ENGL100, Academic Writing I, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS105, Introduction to Human Services, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS107, Introduction to Disability Studies, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
| HUMS128, The Family: Strength-Based Intervention, 3 cr. | Schedule: Sp, Su, Fa, Wi |
Degree Requirements
Micro-Credential: Residential Aide*
Minimum Credits for Graduation:
15 credits
ENGL 101 Academic Writing II
3 Credits
HLTH 207 or HLTH208 Drug Studies or Alcohol & Alcoholism
3 Credits
PSYC 103 Introduction to Psychology
3 Credits
CDSC 101 or HUMS 105 Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling or Introduction to Human Services
3 Credits
CDSC 210 or HUMS 114 Group Counseling: Theory & Practice or The Process of Group Communication
3 Credits
Academic Writing II
This course develops and refines student writing in an academic context. Students engage and respond to challenging texts as they develop critical thinking skills. They learn to support their ideas with credible, authoritative information from academic sources and to recognize audience, purpose, and bias. Special sections may center on a theme. ENGL 101 fulfills the SUNY General Education Basic Communication requirement.
Drug Studies
This course deals with current problems, views, and attitudes concerning psychoactive drugs and their usage. Students explore the effects of drugs on human physiology and interpersonal functioning. They are encouraged to consider their own relationship with chemicals and to evaluate information related to specific subject matter.
Alcohol and Alcoholism
This course is a basic study of the drug alcohol and the disease alcoholism. All facets of the subject are discussed, including the sociological, psychological, and physiological. Experts who represent various areas, such as the medical profession, the law, rehabilitation, counseling, and psychiatry are called upon to share their knowledge and expertise with the class. An honest and practical look is taken at a drug affecting most of us in some way.
Introduction to Psychology
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Prevalent psychological theories and research will be introduced. Topics may include: psychological research, biology and behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, cognition, development, emotion, motivation, personality, mental disorders, therapy and social psychology.
Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling
This course is designed to provide an introduction to clinical interviewing and substance abuse counseling. Students explore and practice basic and essential dimensions of interviewing techniques, methodology, and applications. Students gain insight into theoretical, practical, and ethical issues associated with chemical dependency counseling. Guidelines associated with core skills of the helping relationship and confidentiality are explored.
Introduction to Human Services
The purpose of this course is to identify agencies in the community that provide human services. Emphasis is placed on examination of the particular mission, objectives, organization, staffing patterns, and funding of such agencies. The interaction of various roles of the human service network is also examined. The course is intended for human service students, as well as for interested community members. The instructional modes include lecture, seminar, agency visits and presentations.
Group Counseling: Theory & Practice
This course is devoted to group theory and interventions with chemically dependent individuals. A variety of theoretical perspectives and empirically supported approaches are reviewed. Techniques for assessment, treatment, and care coordination are discussed. This course includes material on special populations, best practices, and relapse issues.
The Process of Group Communication
This course examines group process and its relationship to service organizations. Students study norms, roles, group rules, power, and leadership of small groups. Students experience and evaluate new techniques and methods of working with small groups in a human service setting.
* Please contact admissions. Financial aid restrictions apply. Student must complete 50% of micro-credential coursework at TC3 to earn credential.
Student Showcase
Sarah Paradiso
Sarah Paradiso Q&A
Brought to the College by the cost and convenience of our ASAP program with Keuka College, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the Tompkins Cortland campus, Sarah Paradiso, found a community that was more welcoming than she even imagined. Now she’s president of the Alliance for Recovery Community at the College and well on her way to making a lasting contribution to our campus and community.
Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?
I decided to start my journey at Tompkins Cortland mainly because of the cost and location. Then I discovered the ASAP program with Keuka college, and knew this was the place to be.
How is your college experience at Tompkins Cortland preparing you for what comes next (career and/or transfer)?
I intend on transferring to Keuka college for my BSW. I was accepted to the ASAP program. So now I can stay on a campus I know and get my next degree.
What do you hope to go on to do after graduation (career and/or transfer, etc.)?
Once I graduate in December with my associate degree, I plan on finding a job in the field while I get my BSW. I am leaning toward the macro side of social work. I want to work in community outreach surrounding mental health in its various forms.
Who at TC3 has had the greatest positive impact on your experience?
The professors I have encountered have made me feel at home. They can see me. It is a feeling unlike any other. I know that they all respect me as I do them. I thought it would feel more like working, but classes have been empowering.
What are you involved in on campus (jobs, sports, clubs, organizations, study abroad) and how has it added to your overall college experience?
I have made a ton of solid connections here. I was fearful when I started that I would be "the old lady" in classes – turns out I wasn't. I have made friends with fellow students both younger and older than myself. Then I realized I should get involved. I was a part of several events on campus last year. It really made me feel like a part of the student body. This semester I was asked to be the president of the Alliance for Recovery Community at Tompkins Cortland, and this has made my experience much more satisfying. Now I'm getting other students involved with supporting students. It has been surreal.