Human Services Certificate Program

Human Services Certificate

Human Services Certificate Overview

The Human Services certificate program teaches basic generalist human services skills and ethics, and also provides a foundation in the social services. This certificate will increase a student's opportunities for employment and advancement in human services work.

All courses required for the certificate also meet requirements for the Human Services A.S. degree. A student who earns the Certificate will also have completed approximately half the credits required for the Human Services A.S. degree.

The 29-credit Human Services certificate program prepares graduates for careers in social services and other community organizations. The certificate is a great way for students to begin their education to determine if human services is a field for them.

The courses required for the certificate program emphasize human service methods and community resources. Students are able to practice group work in a controlled classroom environment and have real world experience in the field work practicum and seminar courses. The practicum is supervised and students have the opportunity to interact with clients in particular agencies. Working with the program faculty, students are matched to agencies based on their skills and interests.

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Contact Us

Dr. Kari Dupuis, Program Advisor
kdupuis@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4506

Learn More

  • Job Growth and Wages

    Employment of human service workers is projected to grow 26 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than for all occupations. The 2017 mean average income for human service workers was $33,120.

  • Job Titles/Career Options
    • Client Support Worker
    • Direct Care Staff
    • Program Assistant
  • Local Employers
    • Brien Center
    • Service Net
    • Christian Center
    • Berkshire County ARC
    • United Way
    • Pediatric Development Center
    • Berkshire Children and Families
    • Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center (Girls Inc.)
    • Council on Aging
    • United Cerebral Palsy
  • Suggested Pathway to Graduation

    The following is a suggestion for completing this program in one year. The actual time needed to complete the program may vary according to each student’s individual needs.

    First Semester
    ENG-101 Composition I 3
    HSV-135 Intro to Community Resources 3
    PSY-107 Introductory Psychology 3
    SOC-105 Introductory Sociology 3
    Total Credit Hours: 14
    Second Semester
    HSV-111 Human Service Methods 3
    HSV-151 Field Work Seminar I 1
    HSV-161 Field Practicum I 2
    HSV-280 Group and Professional Development 3
    PSY-204 Human Growth and Development 3
    Total Credit Hours: 15
Talented faculty who work in the field know what students will encounter in the profession, and send them out with the skills necessary to do the work.

Dr. Kari Dupuis, Program Advisor