Human and Social Services - AAS (2202)
Division: Social Sciences Division
The A.A.S. degree in Human and Social Services is accredited by the Board of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE), https://www.cshse.org/.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements (21 Credits) | ||
| Written & Oral Communication (6) | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 |
| Society & Human Behavior (9) | ||
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3 |
| SOC 108 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| ANT 101, ANT 105, ECO 101, ECO 102, POL 104, PSY 102, PSY 219, SOC 101, SOC 219 | ||
| Humanistic Perspective (3) | ||
| Select any English Literature Course | 3 | |
or Select one of the following courses: | ||
or Select any History (HST) course | ||
| Technological Competency (3) | ||
| CIS 131 | Micro Computers in Business | 3 |
| Major Requirements (30 Credits) | ||
| PSY 209 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| or PSY 225 | Child&Adolescent Abnormal Psy. | |
| PSY 230 | Life-Span Developmental Psy. | 3 |
| PSY 251 | Counsel & Treat of Addictions | 3 |
| SOC 111 | Helper Theory | 3 |
| SOC 121 | Soc Svcs Policies & Procs I | 3 |
| SOC 228 | Hum & Soc Svcs Fieldwork I | 3 |
| SOC 229 | Hum & Soc Svcs Internship I | 3 |
| SOC 230 | Hum & Soc Svcs Fieldwork II | 3 |
| SOC 231 | Hum & Soc Svcs Internship II | 3 |
| SOC 250 | Alc & Drug Abuse in Amer. Soc. | 3 |
| Additional Course Requirements (9 Credits) | ||
| Select any three of the following courses: | 9 | |
| CJI 211, PSY 210, PSY 232, PSY 250 (recommended), REL 105, SOC 113, SOC 153, SOC 201, SOC 207, SOC 252 * | ||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- *
PSY 250 is strongly recommended as the third course to fulfill the Program's Social Work Concentration.
Notes:
- For an explanation of why General Education courses are included in this Program, please refer to the Section on General Education for an explanation of its Purpose and Requirements.
- This plan assumes the student is eligible to enroll in College Level Courses (designated as 100 +, e.g., ENG 101 College Composition I, HST 101 World Civilization I, MTH 100 Intro. to College Mathematics). Placement results will determine College Level Readiness in English and Mathematics.
Human and Social Services

Curriculum Code: 2202
Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
The A.A.S. degree in Human and Social Services is accredited by the Board of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE), https://www.cshse.org/.
Why major in Human and Social Services?
The Human and Social Services program provides an opportunity for students interested in Human and Social Services careers to receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Upon graduation, the students will have gained a broad-based professional education in preparation for a wide variety of employment opportunities such as: Community and Social Service Specialists; Social Services Assistants; Human Services Case Managers; Community Health Workers; Gerontology Worker; and Social Worker Aid, etc. The Human and Social Services program also provides the foundation for students who wish to become Social Workers, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Clergy Counselors, Psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
If I major in Human and Social Services, can I transfer to an upper-division college or University?
This program is designed for immediate employment. However, four year institutions will apply most or all of your courses toward a bachelor’s degree, depending upon their program requirements. Consult your departmental advisor to obtain information about transferability. Most of our students transfer to Rutgers University, Kean University and Montclair University. Students pursing the Clergy Counselor option are, upon graduation, accepted into the Pillar College Clergy Counseling Program.
Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?
Based on your placement, you may have to take developmental courses in mathematics, English and/or reading before taking courses at the 100 level and above.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?
If you do not need developmental coursework, you can complete the degree in two years or less by taking an average of 15 credits each semester. You may shorten the time required by taking summer courses.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Students will be able to utilize their strong and diverse knowledge base and clinical/practical experience in the delivery of human services to clients
- Students will be able to explain the historical and philosophical foundation of human services
- Students will be able to utilize theoretical framework and empirical evidence to understand development and the interactions among human systems- individuals, groups, families, organizations, communities and societies
- Students will be able to analyze and assess the needs of clients or client groups
- Students will be able conduct various types of mental health assessments for screening clients/patients
- Students will be able to utilize the knowledge of organizational and social policies, human systems, the conditions that influence human functioning, evidence-based practices, and client-specific data to advocate on behalf of clients
Program Outcomes
https://www.essex.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Human-and-Social-Services-AAS-Student-Outcomes.pdf
Where should I direct specific questions about this program?
Call the Division of Social Sciences at (973) 877-3250.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Students will be able to utilize their strong and diverse knowledge base and clinical/practical experience in the delivery of human services to clients
- Students will be able to explain the historical and philosophical foundation of human services
- Students will be able to utilize theoretical framework and empirical evidence to understand development and the interactions among human systems- individuals, groups, families, organizations, communities and societies
- Students will be able to analyze and assess the needs of clients or client groups
- Students will be able conduct various types of mental health assessments for screening clients/patients
- Students will be able to utilize the knowledge of organizational and social policies, human systems, the conditions that influence human functioning, evidence-based practices, and client-specific data to advocate on behalf of clients
Program Outcomes
https://www.essex.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Human-and-Social-Services-AAS-Student-Outcomes.pdf