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What will I learn in class?

Whether you're interested in starting your career in human services or enhancing current knowledge and skills for a job promotion, South Suburban College's Human Services Associate program can prepare you for the complexities of addressing the psycho-social needs of others. In addition to basic general education coursework, specialized human services classes will help you to develop entry-level skills in interpersonal and group dynamics, needs assessment, and intervention strategies. In addition, two internship experiences allow you to apply theory in selected clinical settings. As a student in the Human Services Associate program, you will complete two semesters of core courses. Then, you can select from one of five option areas to complete your programs. Options include social work, mental health (psychology), substance abuse counseling, elder care, sign language, and domestic violence counseling. The option you choose should reflect your choice of employment settings after graduation.

Can I start with just a few courses and work toward a degree or certificate?

Yes, South Suburban College's Human Services Associate program is structured to help you meet your goals. You can enroll in courses offered during day or evening hours to meet even the busiest schedule. The program can be completed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

This cirriculum is designed to transfer in whole or in part to the following 4-year colleges and universities: Governors State University, National Louis University, University of St. Francis, and Chicago State University.

What is the employment outlook?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Services will be among the fastest growing career area through the year 2005. Entry-level salaries range from $14,000 to $20,000 per year, with experienced workers earning as much as $25,000.

South Suburban College's Educational Guarantee

As an expression of pride, confidence and accountability in our education and work force preparation, South Suburban College guarantees the technical and information skill competency of all Associate of Applied Science degree graduates. If a graduate is judged by an employer to be lacking in entry-level skills, the student is entitled to up to 25 percent tuition-free credit hours of additional skill retraining.

What do current students and graduates think of the program?

"South Suburban College provides a sincere commitment to the education and development of its students. The faculty in the Human Services Associate program have experience that transcends the classroom. The curriculum is reflective of the way the world really works and its diversity. In SSC's Human Services Associate program, you will utilize your natural interpersonal skills in a professional manner. You will be empowered!"
-Malecia Johnson, 1996 Human Services Associate degree graduate

To read more about the Human Services Program
at South Suburban College, please read:

Human Services Program Brochure (1.64 MB)
(Adobe Reader required)
"Celebrating Diversity" (1.7 MB) (Acrobat Reader)
"Human Services Careers" (112 KB) (Acrobat Reader)