Social Work and Human Services
Empowering People
Social work is a profession dedicated to promoting positive change and well-being in individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Social workers possess a deep understanding of human development, behavior, history, policy, and advocacy within various social, economic, and cultural contexts. As a student, you'll gain valuable knowledge of the core principles and practices of social work, while also engaging in hands-on experiences working with diverse populations, particularly those facing vulnerability, oppression, or poverty.
| medal Icon Social Work and Human Service | Associate of Science Degree |
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Program Information
This degree prepares students for entry-level employment in the social work and human services field. The program can also be tailored for transfer into the CSU system, including Humboldt State University’s B.A. in Social Work, when paired with the Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education Breadth.
All students are advised to seek the assistance of a counselor or adviser when planning their course sequence to ensure their coursework supports their educational goals.
Our Social Work and Human Services program is grounded in social science theory but includes important, hands-on, practical field experience. This applied academic approach provides students with the training they need to secure living wage jobs in this growing field.
Students in this program are educated and trained through the Generalist Practice Model to address social injustices and barriers to their client’s overall well-being. Social Work is an expansive career path for students who are empathetic, motivated, willing to engage in self-reflection and comfortable with an individual’s right to self-determination.
Department Contact:
Carolyn Perkins, Associate Professor (she/her/hers)
707-476-4354
- Child welfare specialists
- Social and human service assistants
- Health educators
- Social science research assistants
- Social work case managers
- Apply the basic theoretical principles, competencies, skills, and attitudes of social work and human services professionals.
- Demonstrate comprehension of the various ethical issues that arise in the context of social welfare service delivery and how to appropriately respond to them.
- Engage diversity and difference from a perspective of cultural humility in the performance of client advocacy.
- Outline current institutional structures and policy initiatives as they relate to the social work field in the United States using a historical lens.
Social Work and Human Service Faculty
Social Work and Human Services
"While some degree programs lock a person in to a particular focus, Social Work is a field that encourages and values a person's ability to remain flexible throughout their career. This portability allows individuals to evolve their careers as they themselves change over time."
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