Welcome to Human Services
What is Human Services
Human Service workers are in the profession of helping others. Human Services embodies the spirit of many professions. We work as educators, counselors, social workers and advocates. Our graduates work in schools, governmetal agencies and in public and private agencies around the Pacific Northwest.
The Skagit Valley College Human Services program was developed in the late 70's and offers an Associates in Technical Arts (A.T.A.) degree. There are two program options which are the Generalist and Chemical Dependency tracks. We work closely with local universities to provide transfer options for those who wish to pursue a B.A. in Human Services. Most students choose enter the workplace as Human Services professionals upon completion of our A.T.A. program.
Program Description
The Human Services (HSERV) program prepares students for entry-level work in a broad range of human service agencies. Typical job titles include counselor aides, chemical dependency professionals, residential treatment workers, case managers, outreach workers, activity workers and community workers. The program has a core of courses that all students must complete for the ATA degree in either the Generalist or Chemical Dependency emphasis. In their second quarter, students determine which HSERV emphasis they will pursue. Students must enroll in HSERV 198, Pre-Practicum Seminar, which prepares students for practicum in an agency. After a student's first quarter, the department faculty will serve as the students advisors.The Human Services program includes classroom training in interpersonal communications, counseling, ethics, case management, crisis intervention, chemical dependency and practicum (work-based experience) in human service agencies. Many courses are offered sequentially and students are expected to take courses in sequence.
Students interested in transferring to a four-year college should see their Human Services advisor for assistance in program planning.
Generalist or Chemical Dependency track; the choice is yours!
The Generalist track provides students with a well-rounded Human Services education. Students in this track pursue classes and practicum experience that prepares them for an entry-level job in a vast number of human and social service careers. Visit our Generalist FAQ page to find out more!
For further information about Generalist track contact Jere Lafollette jere.lafollette@skagit.edu or call (360) 416-7749.
The Chemical Dependency (C.D.) track is available for those students wishing to pursue a career in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field. This track fulfills the educational requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health for those interested in obtaining Chemical Dependency Professional (C.D.P) designation. Visit our CD FAQ page to find out more!
For further information please contact Bob Malphrus via email or by calling (360) 416-7704.
Our students work together as a cohesive group towards completing their degrees.
Entry into the Program
Please apply to the Admissions Office. Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter, and advanced standing may be requested for some courses. For more information, contact Bob Malphrus or the Admissions Office. If you are a returning student, someone who has previous college coursework that you need considered for transfer or anyone who has a degree please click here for more information.Financial Aid
For questions regarding financial aid or scholarship information please contact the Financial Aid office.Work-Based Learning
Students will integrate their classroom learning with on-the-job experience by completing a total of 15 credits (450 work hours) of supervised practicum work. Students enrolled in Practicum (HSERV 199) also enroll concurrently in the Practicum Seminar (HSERV 200).Associate in Technical Arts Degree (ATA)
An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100 level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major.Generalist Emphasis Sample Schedule | Chemical Dependency Emphasis Sample Schedule
Program Certificates
Individual Technical CertificateAn Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval.