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Human Services Specialist Certificate

This program roadmap represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. This roadmap is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability. For counseling appointments call 916.608.6510. 

Total Units:
27

First Year

Semester 1

15 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PSYC C1000 Z
General Principles
3
F, S
SWHS 300 Z
Introduction to Social Work & Human Services
3
F, S
SWHS 302 Z
Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations
3
F, S
SWHS 331
Cross Cultural Psychology or
3
F, S
PSYC 368
Cross Cultural Psychology
3
F, S
SWHS 350
Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services
3
F, S
Z At least one section of this course is offered with free textbooks and is labeled as zero textbook costs (ZTC). If it is a GE area class or elective, there may be several ZTC offerings to fulfill the GE requirement. Use the Free Textbook filter to find these courses. Learn more on the ZTC page of the college website.

Semester 2

12 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
SWHS Elective 1
3
F, S
SWHS Elective 1
3
SWHS 360
Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services
3
SWHS 302
F, S
SWHS 366
Practices in Human Services
3
SWHS 300
Spring Only

SWHS Elective List:

ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)

  ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)

  ECE 312 Child Development (3)

  ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)

  ENGWR 302 Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)

  HIST 331 Women in American History (3)

  PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)

  PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)

  PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)

  PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)

  PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)

  PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)

  SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)

  SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)

  SOC 301 Social Problems (3)

  SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)

  SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)

  SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)

  SWHS 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)

  SWHS 365 Techniques of Group Counseling (3)

  SWHS 367 Advanced Practices in Human Services (3)

  SWHS 494 Topics in Human Services (0.5 - 4)

  SWHS 498 Work Experience in Human Services (0.5 - 4)


Notes

Please note that SWHS 350 is only scheduled in the Fall term, and SWHS 360 & 366 are only scheduled in the Spring term.


Program Description: The Human Services Specialist certificate program in Social Work/Human Services prepares students for employment in paraprofessional positions in human service settings. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and techniques for working with individuals and groups. This program is aligned with coursework for the SWHS General AA degree, allowing students to continue forward in their career and educational pathways, if desired.


Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published April 09, 2025

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