Human Services

The major in human services provides the student with an academic background and real field-work experience for entry-level positions in various human services agencies. It also prepares the student for upper-division work in human services and other behavioral sciences. The field is interdisciplinary with the overall career goal of helping people.

Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a “C” or “P” (pass) grade in each course, the student will be eligible for an Associate of Arts degree.

Estimates are based on data from Tableau as well as current registration in student orientations. This also includes both first and second semester (HMSV B5 Internship Course) students. Enrollment and Completion rates are as follows:
2020-2021: Enrollment: 86, Completion: 69
2021-2022: Enrollment: 73, Completion: 22
2022-2023: Enrollment: 50, Completion: 21
2023-2024: Enrollment: 75, Completion: 45+

In accordance with the Bakersfield College mission, the Human Services program supports our diverse student population by offering an Associate of Arts designed with general education courses and courses foundational to careers that specialize in helping humans. As students evolve through the Human Services curriculum, they will acquire workplace skills for effective functioning and communication in interpersonal and group settings, including problem-solving, active listening, decision making, conflict management, professional report writing, and understanding and actively appreciating differences across ages, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class.   

The program aligns with the master planning of the college in the following ways:
Strategic Direction: Leadership and Engagement
The program is committed to expanding partnerships within Kern County to meet the needs of the community. Specifically, the plan includes a greater effort in marketing the Human Services degree and certificate, developing more partnering internships with agencies with a goal of preparing graduates for much needed jobs and services within those rural communities.  

Strategic Direction: Student Progression and Completion
In an effort to eliminate barriers that cause students difficulties in completing their degree, the program is continually increasing the number of internship placements, increasing number of sections of required courses, and increasing required course offerings at more rural sites. The program is also seeking a dedicated Human Services faculty member.

The major in human services provides the student with an academic background and real field-work experience for entry-level positions in various human services agencies. It also prepares the student for upper-division work in human services and other behavioral sciences. The field is interdisciplinary with the overall career goal of helping people.

Upon completion of graduation requirements and the required degree courses with at least a “C” or “P” (pass) grade in each course, the student will be eligible for an Associate of Arts degree.
 
Program Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to differentiate the historical perspectives, theories, and methods used within the human services discipline. 
2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to analyze social problems and policies, and identify and evaluate services that meet the needs of disadvantaged populations. They will also be able to examine and argue the societal factors that contribute to social service needs.
3. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will implement cultural competence and interpersonal and social skills when interacting with diverse populations.
4. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to interpret the legal and professional responsibilities associated with a career in human services. They will also be able to demonstrate ethical decision-making steps within the human services system and specifically when dealing with case management.

Human Services Associate of Arts Degree (Total 19)

Core Courses (Total 16)

HMSV B40 - Introduction to Human Services (3 Units)

HMSV B5A-Human Services Level 1 (2 Units)
HMSV B5B- Human Services Level 2 (2 Units)
SOCI B1 - Introduction to Sociology (3 Units)

PSYC C1000 - Introduction to Psychology (3 Units)
SOCI B45 - Minority Relations (3 Units)

List A: (Total 3)

Complete the following number of credits: 3

PSYC B40 - Introduction to Lifespan Psychology (3 Units)

CHDV B21 - Child Growth and Development: Birth Through Adolescence (3 Units)

Major Total:                     19.0      Units

GE Pattern:                     41.0     Units

Total Degree:                   60.0      Units

Term 1 (15 of units)
HMSV B40 Introduction to Human Services (3 units)
SOCIB1 Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
Area 1 C: Oral Communication (3 units)
Area 1 A: English Composition (3 units)
Area 3: Arts (3 units)

Term 2 (15 units)
HMSV B5A Human Services Level 1 (2 units)
Area1 B: Critical Thinking and Composition (3 units)
Area 2: Mathematics (3 units)
Area 5: Physical Science Course (3 units)
PSYCC1000 Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
Elective course (1 unit)

Term 3 (15 units)
HMSV B5B Human Services Level 2 (2 units)
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences with embedded lab (4 units)
List A: Choose Any (3 units)

 Elective course (3 units)

Term 4 (15 units)
SOCI B45 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (3 units)
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
Area 6: Ethnic Studies (3 units)
Area 3: 3B Arts and Humanities (3 units)
Elective course (3 units)