Educational Programs

Summer Term
Begins May 29
Register Today!

We have added a number of general education liberal arts and sciences classes to this year's summer schedule, along with several career and technical courses.

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Why MCTC

MCTC was the launching pad for my education and career. After graduating from MCTC with a Human Services A.A. degree, I earned a B.S. in Social Work from Metropolitan State University, and then went to earn an M.A. in Social Work and Human Services Management from the University of Minnesota. MCTC's Human Services curriculum provided me with a solid educational foundation. It covered core principles such as the fundamentals of case noting, and also gave a broad introduction to topics such as one-on-one and group therapy. The faculty members were all very supportive and had skill sets that complemented the courses they taught. MCTC was a great place—it gave me a running start and opened up several opportunities for me over the years.

- Tarita Tyson, Alumna
Community & Compliance Liaison, Ramsey County Children & Family Services

MCTC Foundation Scholarships

The MCTC Foundation awards numerous scholarships each year to students in need as well as to students with high academic potential. During the 2010-2011 school year, the MCTC Foundation awarded over $387,000 to 291 students. Scholarship information for the 2012-2013 school year is now available. Please refer to the scholarship packet to see available scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship application deadline is May 25, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in T.2500.

Download the MCTC Scholarship packet

Human Services

Program description

With a Human Services Diploma or A.S. degree, you can help and advocate for those with social, emotional, physical or developmental challenges. The program integrates theory and skills practice and emphasizes peer interaction and group learning projects. Throughout the program, you will gain the skills you need to make a difference people’s lives.

Program Start and location

You may enroll in the Human Services program in the fall or spring term. Classes are held on the MCTC campus.

Degree options and requirements

Human Services A.S. Degree—60 credits
Human Services Diploma—36 credits

Click here for program and course information.

What you will learn

  • MCTC’s Human Services program prepares you to work in community settings to assist and advocate for people who face social, emotional or developmental challenges and barriers.
  • The program integrates theory and skills practice and emphasizes peer interaction and group learning projects.
  • You will be able to take advantage of a variety of courses that focus on the history of the human services field, social policy, multicultural factors, system change and advocacy.
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  • Throughout the program, you will get to know and work with faculty and other students who want to make a difference in people’s lives.
  • Experienced instructors will teach you interviewing, basic case management and group skills using lecture, role-play and media feedback. A supervised, semester-long community service internship will give you a chance to put your skills to work and gain valuable experience in the field.
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Points of pride

  • You’ll learn by doing in the Human Services program, gaining the confidence and skills you need to succeed in today’s job market.
  • You’ll build a solid career foundation with community service and extensive fieldwork assignments.
  • Performance-based evaluations provide valuable feedback for your personal and professional development.
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  • As part of MCTC’s diverse student body, you’ll gain the cross-cultural perspective that today’s human services employers are looking for.
  • Achieve your career goals: MCTC has a history of consistently high job-placement rates.
  • MCTC’s strong network of relationships with community employers opens the door to valuable internship and employment opportunities.
  • Human Services students develop strong peer groups as they learn to support each other through group projects, self-exploration and role-playing.
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Where you could work

  • Family outreach and advocacy programs
  • Youth service organizations
  • Nonprofit and government social service agencies
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  • Schools and educational settings
  • Group homes and residential care programs
  • Job training programs
  • Community centers
  • Culturally-focused service agencies
  • Housing resource programs
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Potential job titles

  • Human or Social Services Assistant
  • Social Services Technician
  • Addictions Counselor Assistant
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  • Casework Assistant
  • Casework Specialist
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Occupational outlook

The demand for human services professionals is increasing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the field is expected to grow by nearly 23 percent by 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Factors behind the growth: More trained assistants are needed to care for our aging population, and for people who are homeless, have mental and physical disabilities or are in treatment for substance abuse.

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

  • A 240-hour internship is required for the A.S. degree. Many graduates consider it to be the highlight of the program.
  • Students in the diploma program have the opportunity to do a summer internship.
  • You will have many opportunities for fieldwork in the community and group or individual volunteer projects.

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Click here for articulation agreement information.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.