Human Services
Do you enjoy working with people and helping them reach their goals? Then a career in Human Services may be a great fit for you. Pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree in a field that is projected to grow in demand over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Our Human Services Program consists of four terms plus work experience, preparing you for a variety of career opportunities.
Develop skills in planning and case management, assessment and referrals, interviewing and behavioral observations, and working with individuals and groups. Become familiar with learning and behavior disabilities, mental illness, dementia and other related disorders. Whether you choose to work in a treatment center, social service agency or supported living program, you’ll develop the foundational skills you need right here while earning your Associate in Applied Science degree.
Practical experience along with the advanced coursework during the second year ensures that you know what to expect when entering the workforce and, even better, that you’ll be ready for it. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for entry-level employment or to transfer to a four-year college or university. If you transfer to a four-year institution, you may choose to specialize your skill-set by focusing on social work, psychology, counseling or education/special education.
Faculty Contact
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Amy Ver Mulm Professor, Human Services Program 712-362-7977 | avermulm@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
DSV 125 – Behavior Management
Students will develop the beginning skills of observing and managing the behavior of others individually or in groups. This course introduces students to beginning behavior teaching methods and situations. Teaches how-to skills, such as observing, recording, designing, implementing and evaluating behavior programs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
HSV 284 – Case Management
This course introduces students to the value base of human services and helping professions. Addresses strategies and practices used in assessing and evaluating client needs, establishing and identifying resources and making appropriate referrals. Intake interviews and assessments are explored. Students will develop knowledge and basic skills in the area of programming and developing support systems and community resources. Students will increase awareness of working with high risk populations.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
Term 2
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
HSV 162 – Intro to Human Disabilities & Services
Introduces classifications, etiology, characteristics, educational and vocational considerations of persons with disabilities.
DSV 160 – Counseling Skills
This is an introductory course in applied counseling techniques. Students are introduced to a variety of facilitative skills and counseling concepts and work through the interviewing process in simulated helping services settings.
HSV 225 – Counseling Techniques
This is an introductory course in applied counseling techniques. Students are introduced to a variety of facilitative skills and counseling concepts and work through the interviewing process in simulated helping service settings.
Choose either DSV 160 or HSV 225
Term 3
DSV 941 – Practicum
Practical field experience in phases of operation and duties relating to human services, paraeducation, health or rehabilitation. Focus is program writing, data collection, documentation, job skills, and participant outcome.
HSC 114 – Medical Terminology
Studies medical terminology, including spelling and definitions.
Term 4
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
DSV 155 – Services & Vocational Planning
Focus is on available support services and vocational aspects of rehabilitation. Content includes identification of job tasks, occupational characteristics and job matching. Students gain understanding of the need for services and the referral process. Job analysis and labor market surveys are completed. Students will develop an appreciation of the psychosocial adjustment aspects of living with a disability. This course will cover both physical and mental disabilities and services available. Students will participate with Service Learning projects.
SOC 115 – Social Problems†
Applies basic scientific sociological concepts and principles to the examination of contemporary social issues such as crime, poverty, violence, and inequality.
PSY 121 – Developmental Psychology
Studies human development from conception through the lifespan. Physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral aspects are studied in the classroom, by lecture, file/video, projects, and observation and by reading the literature.
CRJ 201 – Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile justice system is examined from historical constitutional and operational perspectives. Theories concerning juvenile delinquency are explored.
CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice
Survey of the American criminal justice system, the early, middle and late stages of the criminal justice system are analyzed within the framework of law and research.
Choose either PSY 121, CRJ 201 or CRJ 100
Math: 3 credits
Term 5
HSV 140 – Social Work and Social Welfare
Goals, values and legal aspects of the social work professionals. Roles of social workers in human service institutions. Service learning experience at an agency is included.
SOC 120 – Marriage and Family†
The sociological study of the family and family-related issues in cultural, cross-cultural, historical, and social context.
SOC 200 – Minority Group Relations†
Survey of the contributions that various minorities have made to the development of the United States.
CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice
Survey of the American criminal justice system, the early, middle and late stages of the criminal justice system are analyzed within the framework of law and research.
CRJ 201 – Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile justice system is examined from historical constitutional and operational perspectives. Theories concerning juvenile delinquency are explored.
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
SOC 160 – Introduction to Social Work
An introductory course in social welfare systems and social work practice that surveys the historical development of the social work profession in conjunction with the development of the social welfare services in the United States.
SOC 110 – Intro to Sociology†
A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.
Choose either CRJ 100, CRJ 201 or MAT 157
Choose either SOC 160 or SOC 110
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
