Human Services: Career Associate

The Human Services: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the human services and social assistance fields. This comprehensive program provides students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to assist individuals and families facing personal, social, or economic challenges. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and fieldwork, students gain a thorough understanding of human development, counseling techniques, ethics, and cultural competence. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including mental health, substance abuse, case management, crisis intervention, and community resources, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions in various social service settings. The program emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and professional communication, enabling graduates to effectively collaborate with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Upon completion, students are prepared to pursue certificate options, further education, or immediate employment in settings such as community agencies, schools, healthcare organizations, and government departments. The Human Services: Career Associate degree at Harrisburg Area Community College is an excellent stepping stone for individuals passionate about making a positive impact in their communities and dedicated to helping others improve their quality of life.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Electives  15 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
HUMS 100 Introduction to Human Services  3 
HUMS 215 Fieldwork Practicum  4 

Other Required Courses   
PSYC 101 General Psychology (Core B)  3 
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology (D)  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

General Human Services

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families to plan treatments and/or services

Perform case management responsibilities in a variety of settings

Explain the ethics and laws applicable to the human service field

Recognize the characteristics of culturally diverse populations

Drug and Alcohol Services

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families to plan treatments and/or services

Discuss the use of drugs and alcohol from a historical, social, biological,  and psychological perspective

Discuss the current models of drug and alcohol prevention and treatment

Conduct effective crisis and brief intervention counseling techniques and strategies

Identify the symptoms and behaviors that constitute the basis for diagnostic assessments

Explain  the ethics and laws applicable to the drug alcohol field

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Human Services: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level positions in the human services field. This program focuses on developing an understanding of the social, emotional, and physical needs of diverse populations, including individuals experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse problems, homelessness, aging, and other social challenges. Students are equipped with effective communication techniques, ethical principles, and intervention strategies that prepare them to support clients in various settings such as community organizations, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies.

The curriculum typically includes courses in social psychology, human development, crisis intervention, counseling techniques, case management, and ethical practices in human services. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supervised fieldwork, students gain practical experience applying their skills in real-world environments. This experiential learning component enhances employability and prepares graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or advancement into further education.

Graduates of the Human Services: Career Associate program are prepared to work in positions such as case aides, support specialists, behavioral health technicians, or community outreach workers. They may assist licensed professionals, coordinate services, and provide direct support to individuals and families in need. The program emphasizes cultural competence, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving, which are critical competencies in the human services field.

Harrisburg Area Community College ensures that its programs align with industry standards and meet the requirements of relevant certification bodies where applicable. The Career Associate degree typically takes about two years of full-time study to complete and may offer flexible schedules or online options for working students. Graduates are encouraged to pursue additional certifications or degrees to expand their career opportunities and professional growth in the human services sector.

Overall, the Human Services: Career Associate program is suitable for individuals passionate about helping others and committed to making a positive impact in their communities. The program's comprehensive approach prepares students to address complex social issues, advocate for underserved populations, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams in various human services environments.