Human Services
MCTC's Human Services Program will prepare 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.
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, roleplay and video 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. To be eligible for your internship, you must successfully complete a State of Minnesota criminal background check.
Many graduates transfer to bachelor's degree programs. MCTC has an articulation agreement with Metropolitan State University.
Degrees, diplomas and certificates
- Human Services A.S. Degree
- articulation: B.A., Human Services, Metropolitan State University
- Human Services Diploma
Refer to the 2009-10 College Catalog for the requirements to degrees, diplomas and/or certificates available through the Human Services program.
Read MCTC's articulation agreements with other colleges and universities.
Faculty/staff listing
Frequently asked questions
- How much will I pay for tuition and fees?
- The cost per credit tuition rates for both residents and non-residents may be found on the “How much are tuition and fees” webpage located in the Current Students section of our website. Also, financial aid is available to qualified students.
- What additional requirements are needed to enter the Human Services program?
- You must fulfill certain academic requirements to begin coursework in this program. Additional requirements include you successfully completing a state of MN criminal background check in order to complete an internship. A comprehensive listing of requirements is available on the website.
- Do I need to take the internship?
- If you intend to complete the Associate Degree in Human Services, you will need to take the 240-hour internship.
- What is the purpose of the internship?
- The purpose of the internship is to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate, improve and expand upon the skills and knowledge developed in their academic programs and to prepare them for employment in the field. This "capstone" experience has been described by many graduates as the "highlight" of the program.
- Where would I work once I complete the Human Services training?
- As a graduate of this program, you may qualify for entry level positions in career family outreach and advocacy programs, youth service organizations, non-profit and government social service agencies, school and educational settings, group homes, community centers, culturally focused service agencies, and housing resource programs.
- What preparation does the Human Services Program offer?
- In general, there are two directions that Human Services course work might take you. One is employment preparation: to give you adequate helping skills for entry level work in the field. The second direction is transfer preparation: some students decide to continue their education toward bachelor's degrees, and transfer their Human Services course work elsewhere.
- Which degree will I earn with the diploma in Human Services?
- You will earn the Associate in Science Degree (A.S.): 32 credits in Liberal Arts,and 30 credits in Human Services Program. Total: 62 credits
- Can I get the Diploma without the Degree?
- Yes, for those whose training is time-limited, the Diploma is a good option. The Diploma can be earned by taking only the Human Service Program courses plus six credits of general education. However, many employers want at least an Associate Degree; so, the Diploma with the Associate Degree is usually recommended. some students start with the Diploma and continue with degree requirements part-time while working.
- Does the A.S. transfer to four-year colleges and universities?
- In general, yes, although the number of credits that transfer varies depending on the college or university to which you transfer. Each four-year college has its own policy about which credits will transfer. Our program has transfer agreements with a number of other colleges. Transfer agreements with other colleges vary. Once you have decided whether and where you want to transfer, it is up to you to investigate the transfer policies or requirements of that college or university. In general, the A.A. (Associate in Arts) degree is a more efficient transfer degree because it has more credits in the liberal arts. However, many transfer students decide on the A.S./Diploma option because they also want the occupational preparation it offers. Many Human Services students transfer to Bachelor's degree programs because of increased competition in the job market or to increase their job skills.
- What types of programs/majors do Human Service students choose for transfer?
- Most students choose a related program such as social work, psychology, family social science, criminal justice, or a four-year Human Services program. Students choose both direct-service work and administration, and most choose Minnesota colleges within our geographic area, for example Metropolitan State University (Human Services or Social Work major) and Augsburg College (Social Work major).
- What types of jobs do Human Services workers find?
- The National Organization of Human Services Education defines a human service worker as one who performs a variety of therapeutic, supportive, and preventive functions for people with emotional, developmental, social, or physical problems or barriers. The key word is variety. The following is a partial list of job titles which graduates and interns have held, which illustrates the variety of work for which human service worker are hired: Case Manager, Youth Counselor, Intake Worker, Human Service Technician or Specialist, Residential Counselor (from varied agencies; working with youth, adults with disabilities, etc.), Child Care Counselor, Juvenile Correction Officer, Community Program Assistant, Social Service Case Aide, Mental Health Worker, Financial Worker, Assistant Program Director, Group Home Supervisor, Women's Advocate, Children's Advocate, Correction Officer, Parent Support Worker, Volunteer Coordinator, Family Preservationist, Program Director, Youth Worker, Emergency Assistance Worker, Teacher Aide, Employment Counselor. (See our recent graduate Success Stories.)
- Can I get a job in the field without a Human Services Diploma or a degree?
- In some cases you can, but more employers are requiring an Associate Degree as a minimum credential. To upgrade your job or salary, most employers require additional education.
- Who is a typical Human Service student?
- Our students have ranged in age from 18-80. Diversity is the key word for our students in age, ethnic group, socio-economic group, and educational background. The diversity at MCTC is one of our greatest assets. Human Service students attend full-time and part-time; many are employed; some do volunteer work; many receive financial aid, and many are parents. Whatever your situation, you will most likely "fit in" at MCTC.
- How long will it take to complete the program?
- As long or as short as you wish, or can manage. Human Service students can attend full-time students take 12-15 credits. At that rate, you can finish your degree and diploma in approximately two years full-time. If you attend part-time, you need to adjust your timeline accordingly. (Many students' credit loads are determined/influenced by their financial aid). Students completing the Diploma only, can complete in three semesters (full-time).
- What makes MCTC the best choice to start a career in Human Services?
- With high levels of peer interaction, group learning projects, and student/faculty interaction, you will receive a solid foundation through community service and field work assignments. Through performance-based evaluations, you will achieve personal and professional development. MCTC offers a culturally divers student body and has consistently high job placement rates.
- Where can I get more information?
- Refer to the faculty/staff listing above to contact someone about the Human Services program.
