The Human Services degree is designed for students who wish to work in a wide variety of settings with a focus on helping others. The Human Services associate degree is articulated for transfer to most bachelor’s level Social Work programs in New Mexico.
The Human Services degree accommodates students’ diverse learning in these areas: substance abuse counseling, child development, family studies, sociology, psychology, and criminal justice.
Students have the option of pursuing a certificate in Child Development, Infant Family Studies, Community Health Worker or Substance Abuse Counselor within the Human Services Degree by selecting the appropriate Program Approved Electives. Students pursuing the Community Health Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor certificates must complete the certificate requirements before taking the field experiences courses. These students are advised to fulfill their Program Approved electives for the AA degree by following the term-by-term information in the certificates.
Students can take specified electives to apply toward a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) or obtain a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling to satisfy program electives.
Students interested in pursuing credentials for Substance Abuse Counseling should contact the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board (NMCTPB) at www.rld.state.nm.us.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Educational Opportunities
An associate degree in Human Services is often required to obtain assistant positions in social services. Social workers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or higher. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) can provide opportunities for advancement into human services management. Graduates from the program may transfer to designated four-year institutions that grant bachelor’s degrees in Social Work or Human Services. The Human Services concentration is specifically articulated for transfer to New Mexico Highlands University’s (Rio Rancho and Albuquerque) bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Selected Program Approved Electives in the Human Services degree may be used toward completing one of certificates listed above. Students interested in pursuing one of these educational options should speak to an Academic Coach.
Students pursuing a degree in Social Work have the opportunity to work with many types of people in a variety of settings. They may work with children and families, older adults, or people with mental illnesses in addition to many other areas of social services just to name a few. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, and government agencies. The duties of a social worker or social services assistant may include planning group therapy, assisting clients with applying for social programs such as Medicare and welfare, and maintaining accurate client records.
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