Program:
Community Health

Degree Awarded:
Certificate in Human Services

Length of Program:
Students with associate’s degree: 3 semesters
First-time college students: 3–4 semesters

Application Deadlines:
Accepted year-round
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Degree Overview

The Certificate in Human Services allows you to establish an understanding of human service agency structure and assist with client needs. Career opportunities within clinical environments, non-profits or community agencies are available for those who complete this certificate option. The flexible online format allows you to utilize your experience within the field to complete fieldwork requirements.

The 21-credit hour Human Services certificate is ideal for individuals who have a passion for helping others. This is a diverse group and may include children and families, the elderly, homeless, immigrants, people with addictions, people with disabilities and many more.

Coursework will cover an overview of the systems in which human services are offered, an exploration of family dynamics, trauma informed care, community engagement, social change, and crisis intervention, among others. In your final semester of the program, students will complete either a fieldwork experience or an EA (ethics, empathy and advocacy) core course. Those who already have work experience in the field will have the option to take an EA core course; students who do not yet have work experience in the field will be required to take the fieldwork course. This flexibility prevents experienced students from having to take time off work to fulfill fieldwork requirements, and instead provides instruction in an area specific to their career interests and life experience. It also provides a valuable, hands-on learning opportunity for students new to the field. This hands-on experience provides you with opportunities for observation and participation that are not available in traditional classroom work. 

Courses are offered year-round and on a part- or full-time basis. Students entering the program with little or no college experience may complete their prerequisite courses at Clarkson College.

After successful completion of the Human Services certificate program, you will be knowledgeable of the role and purpose of human service agencies, the forces that influence them, and the variety of clients they may serve.

Required Courses for Human Services Certificate

General Education courses

These courses are available at Clarkson College or qualifying courses may transfer. Students with an associate’s degree or higher in a health care-related field may have the prerequisites waived after review by the admitting program director.

Courses Semester Hours
EN 101 (ENG 101) - English Composition I 3
EN 102 (ENG 102) - English Composition II 3
MA 130 (MAT 130) - College Algebra 3
ST 310 (MAT 310) - Statistics 3
HM 224 (HIM 224) - Anatomy and Physiology OR
BI 211 (BIO 211) - Human Anatomy - Lecture and Lab AND
BI 213 (BIO 213) - Human Physiology - Lecture and Lab
4
4
4
Total Semester Hours 16
Required courses
Courses Semester Hours
CHL 266 - Social Policy and Human Services 3
◊ CHL 244 - Vulnerable Populations 3
CHL 245 - Family Dynamics 1
CHL 249 - Crisis Intervention 1
CHL 252 - Information and Referral 2
CHL 253 - Understanding the Criminal Justice System 2
◊ CHL 353 - Community Engagement and Social Change 3
◊ CHL 400 - Community Health Fieldwork (concentration related) OR
EA Core (EEA Core) - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy AND
CHL 243 - Trauma Informed Care OR
PY 200 (PSY 200) - Human Development
2
3
3
3

Total Semester Hours: 20-21

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Find out more information about costs, tuition, and fees.

Scholarships

Learn which scholarships you are eligible for as an in-coming or current student.
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Financial Aid

Explore the various loan and grant opportunities available to help fund your education.
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Undergraduate Tuition

Cost per Credit Hour
$651


Cost per Semester
$7,962 - Full-time (12 hrs)
$3,981 - Part-time (6 hrs)

Tuition
Undergraduate Tuition$651 / credit-hour
Fees - Included in cost per semester
Enrollment Fee for first time students $150/ each
Degree Specific Fees - Not included in cost per semester
Lab Fee - General Education $40/ class

Career Overview

Median Salary

$47,000
Payscale.com, 2019

Job Outlook

The human services sector will have faster-than-average expansion by 10%, with more than 257,700 jobs added from 2014 to 2024
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Career Options

  • Administration
  • Correctional institutions
  • Grant writing
  • Health & wellness centers
  • Home health, palliative care & hospice agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Independent, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Insurance companies
  • Medical clinics
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Research
  • Shelters
  • Social service agencies
  • Substance abuse programs
  • Women’s health agencies
  • Case Manager
  • Program Director
  • Patient Advocate
  • Health Navigator
  • Promotora
  • Human Services Specialist
  • Family Services Worker

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.