Human Services
A Life-Changing Career Choice
Our Human Services program prepares you for a rewarding career helping others overcome life challenges. You'll learn essential skills in active listening, critical thinking and social advocacy while gaining knowledge about mental health, addiction, poverty and other social issues. Through hands-on practicum experiences, you'll be ready to work with diverse populations from children to older adults in community agencies, treatment centers and social service organizations. Make a real difference with your human services degree from SCC.
PROGRAM GOALS
Expert Communication Skills
You'll learn how to effectively connect with clients, understand their needs and communicate clearly in various support settings. These foundational skills enable you to build trust and rapport with the people you serve.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
You'll learn to recognize how cultural backgrounds influence perspectives and needs, allowing you to adapt your approach to serve all clients effectively. This cultural competence is crucial for addressing social barriers in today's diverse communities.
Ethical Case Management Practices
You'll develop skills to organize client information, track progress, maintain confidentiality, and connect clients with appropriate resources. These professional practices ensure you can provide comprehensive support while meeting industry standards.
Human Services
A.A.S.
Locations: Lincoln / Hybrid
The Human Services degree prepares you for a rewarding career helping others overcome life challenges. We will teach you the skills needed to work in social service agencies supporting diverse populations from children to older adults.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$10,630
CREDIT HOURS
67.5
PROGRAM LENGTH
4 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Certificate
Locations: Lincoln / Hybrid
The Human Services – Alcohol & Drug Counseling specialization provides comprehensive training in physical, mental and social aspects of substance use disorders. You’ll develop specialized skills needed to work in treatment centers and community agencies helping individuals overcome addiction challenges.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$4,167
CREDIT HOURS
24
PROGRAM LENGTH
2 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring / Summer
Peer Support
Certifcate
Locations: Lincoln / Hybrid
The Human Services – Peer Support specialization transforms your lived experiences with mental health or substance use challenges into a powerful career helping others. You’ll learn how to leverage your personal experiences to connect with and support others facing similar struggles.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$2,263
CREDIT HOURS
16
PROGRAM LENGTH
2 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
WHY SCC?
What can I do with a human services degree?
You can work in social service agencies helping diverse populations overcome challenges. Our program prepares you to support individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, poverty, and other social barriers. Graduates work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in various community settings.
Is the human services program flexible for working students?
Our Human Services program offers excellent flexibility to meet your needs. Classes are available both in-person and some are online, and you can attend full-time or part-time to help you balance education with work and family responsibilities.
What makes SCC's human services program different from others?
Our program provides unmatched hands-on experience through different practicum placements throughout your degree. You will practice communication skills through role-playing, case studies and engaged learning experiences. This real-world experience prepares you for the workforce.
Can I specialize in alcohol and drug counseling or peer support?
You can complete coursework to earn an Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate that meets Nebraska's educational requirements for licensure. We also offer a unique Peer Support Certificate that meets Nebraska’s educational requirements.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Social and Human Service Associate
Social and Human Service Associates provide client services in areas such as mental health, addiction recovery, rehabilitation and family support. They assist clients in identifying needs, finding community resources, and completing applications for assistance.
Residential Case Manager
Residential Case Managers provide support to individuals living in group homes, treatment facilities or transitional housing. They supervise daily activities, assist with life skills development, implement treatment plans and maintain a safe living environment.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors work with individuals struggling with alcohol, drug and other addiction issues. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, lead individual and group counseling sessions, and support recovery.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
- Accreditation
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Checklist (PDF)
- Peer Support Checklist (PDF)
- Human Services Checklist (PDF)
Accreditation
The Human Services Program is nationally accredited by:
Council for Standards in Human Service Education
3337 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
571-257-3959
Curriculum is approved by the State of Nebraska, Department of Behavior Health, Office of Consumer Affairs.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution:
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.