Mar 28, 2024  
2018 - 2020 CNM Catalog, Volume 50 
    
2018 - 2020 CNM Catalog, Volume 50 [The CNM Academic Year includes Fall, Spring, Summer Terms]

Human Services, Associate of Arts


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School of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)

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.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

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.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

Financial Aid Considerations

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.

Related Certificates:

Child Development, Certificate of Achievement 
Infant Family Studies, Certificate of Achievement 
Community Health Worker, Certificate of Achievement 
Substance Abuse Counselor, Certificate of Completion 

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. 

Child Development Approved Electives *
Infant Family Studies Approved Electives* *
Community Health Worker Approved Electives  * * *
Substance Abuse Counselor Electives  * * * *

Career Opportunities

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.

Courses


Associate of Arts in Human Services 60-62 credit hours


Program Approved Electives: 12 Hours


Cultural Studies Electives


Community Health Worker Electives


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