Why Human Services?

Are you interested in: working with people; working on the front lines in agencies and offices that help clients in need of emotional support; or helping people reach their goals, access needed services or adjust to life's ever-changing demands? If so, then human services is for you! And the timing couldn't be better. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in human service is projected to grow faster than most other fields over the next 10 years. This projection reflects recent changes in government and health-care industry focus on prevention instead of treatment. Furthermore, increased funding is expected to continue as new programs and services are developed to meet the needs of our growing population.

I always recommend and encourage young students and adults looking to continue their education to attend SUNY Orange. I loved the College, the intimate class settings and the professors. I am confident that future students will feel the same.

- Barbara Martinez

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 Why Human Services at SUNY Orange?

The answer is as simple as economics: quality for cost. Our outstanding success rate for students completing a bachelor's degree, along with our tremendously affordable tuition rates, makes SUNY Orange the logical place to start on your road to a career in human services, psychology or social work. Our dedicated and experienced faculty will provide individual guidance to help you reach your educational and career goals. Our program has been designed to allow students to enter the workforce in an entry level position in direct care or management. If you decide to continue your studies, you will have the educational foundation and skills to choose just the right field for you.

Top five reasons you should study Human Services at SUNY Orange

• You will work one-on-one with an advisor and develop a portfolio of your work, knowledge and skills.
• You will have the knowledge and skills that human services agencies require.
• You will learn, through field experiences, how to work effectively within a complex bureaucracy.
• You will explore many options before committing to an academic concentration.
• Our experienced faculty members share your passion and are waiting to mentor you toward your personal and professional goals.
  
  

Program Description

The Associate in Science degree program in Human Services prepares graduates to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, sociology, or social work. Because of the broad liberal arts component, concentration in psychology and sociology with field experiences in at least two human services settings, the program also prepares the graduate for employment as a direct care worker.

The primary goal of the curriculum is the development of critical thinking and clinical problem solving skills as they relate to populations served by human service settings. The program offers introductory coursework in human services, psychology and sociology, writing skills directly related to the human services field, and field experiences in at least two human service settings.

Most courses are offered each year, often in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Field Placement courses in human services are offered each year: Field Placement 1 in the Fall semester, and Field Placement 2 in the Spring. The course of study may be pursued on a part-time basis, daytime or evening. Some courses are available on Saturdays.

This program was developed in support of both the Coalition for Direct Care Providers and the New York State Family Development Training and Credentialing Program goals.

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have high school equivalency diplomas (GEDs). If students are not high school graduates, they may be eligible for admission to the College's 24 Credit Hour Program. If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.

Human Services field placement sites are responsible for the criminal background checks of students from SUNY Orange. Human Services field placement sites retain the right to deny placement based on the results of the criminal background check and will inform the College when this occurs. In the event that a student is denied placement, as a result of the criminal background check, the Behavioral Sciences department chair will meet with the student to discuss options.