Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science - 66 credits
Limited transferability
Program contact: Division of Allied Health and Human Services, (815) 921-3200.

Program overview

Graduates of this program are prepared for jobs as a paraprofessional in mental health, corrections, and other community social service agencies dedicated to human service. Course work focuses on learning how to assess, plan, work toward problem resolution, and assist in meeting human needs. It is important to note that the Human Services program is not preparation for a B.S.W. in Social Work. Although course work transfers to some private four-year schools, program credits do not transfer to state universities.

Work and employment

Program graduates typically become generalists in the human services field. They are prepared to work under counselors, psychologists, and social workers in the area of human services.

More about the program

Students should complete an application for enrollment in the Human Services Program prior to enrolling in courses in the program. HSR 101 – Introduction to Human Services and ENG 101 – Composition I must be taken prior to or concurrently with enrollment in other Human Services courses. The HSR 101 prerequisite may be waived for students who wish to take a HSR course as a general elective, for professional development, or for personal interest and who are not pursuing the AAS in Human Services. For details, call the program chair’s office at (815) 921-3253.

Certificate available:
–    Substance Abuse Counseling

Human Services Course Requirements:                 (42 credits)
      HSR    101    Introduction to Human Services            (3)
*    HSR    102    Introduction to Group Processes            (3)
*    HSR     110     Survey of Counseling Theories            (3)
*    HSR    120    Introduction to Development Disabilities    (3)
*    HSR    140    Survey of Psychiatric Rehabilitation        (3)
*    HSR    201    Interpersonal Behavior                 (3)
*    HSR    203    Family Services                    (3)
*    HSR    205    Field Placement I                    (1-4)    
*    HSR    206    Field Placement II                    (2)
*    HSR    211    Interviewing Techniques                (3)
*    HSR     250    Special Topics in Human Services            (3)
Electives: Select 9 credits from the following:
     CRM    125     Criminal Procedures and Civil Rights        (3)
      FWS    235    Alcohol and Drug Education                (3)
      CRM    225     Juvenile Procedures                    (3)
*    HSR    231    Substance Abuse Treatment                (4)
*    HSR    232    Substance Abuse Rules and Regulations        (3)
*    HSR     250     Special Topics in Human Services            (3)
*    HSR     260     Independent Study in Human Services        (1-3)

General Education Course Requirements:                 (24 credits)
Requirements: 18 credits
*  ENG     101     Composition I                        (3)
*   SPH     131     Fundamentals of Communication            (3)
    PSY     170     General Psychology                    (3)
    SOC     190     Introduction to Sociology                (3)
*   PSY     270     Life-Span Development Psychology (3)
*   SOC    299     Marriage and Family                    (3)
          
Electives: Select 6 credits
*    ENG    103     Composition II                    (3)
            MTH 115 or greater                     (3-5)
            Science (AST 202), (BIO 100 or higher),
            (CHM 105 or higher),
            (GEL 101 or higher),
            (PHY 201 or higher)                 (3-5)

Note: Some courses are not offered every semester/term. Refer to course descriptions in this catalog for the semester/term when a course will be offered.

*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course descriptions.