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Bachelor of Science in Human Services

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Program Overview

Make your community and society a better place through skilled support services and compassionate care.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

  • Four-Year BS Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Human Services at AIC?

The Human Services program at American International College is designed to provide essential coursework and training for roles in human services, social work, or counseling. This four-year degree prepares students for entry-level positions and lays the foundation for advanced roles through master’s degrees and necessary certifications, including qualification to take the licensure exam in Massachusetts as an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC). 

Human service professionals play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families to meet basic needs, improve well-being, and enhance community quality of life through health programs. Graduates can find employment in diverse settings, including mental health facilities, children’s service agencies, substance abuse treatment facilities, domestic abuse shelters, victim services programs, and social service agencies, making this degree a valuable asset for those committed to making a positive impact in society.

What to Expect

  • Internships: Partnerships with local nonprofit organizations offer hands-on experience through internship placements to make a difference even while you’re still in school.
  • Teaching assistant opportunities: Guide the learning process as a junior or senior, engaging new students in psychology topics.
  • Jump-start your graduate education: Eligible seniors can take one to two graduate-level courses at the undergraduate rate. As you begin a master’s degree at AIC, your motivation will pay off in terms of time and cost savings.

Program Details

AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services program prepares students for the essential, community-building work of supporting individuals, children, and families in need.

  • Understand the core principles, history, and methods of Human Services, including the roles and functions of social work and behavioral sciences in addressing societal needs.
  • Develop skills in assessing and addressing the needs of individuals, families, and communities, utilizing case management and social work principles.
  • Apply ethical principles and demonstrate cultural sensitivity in professional practice, ensuring inclusive and equitable service delivery.
  • Utilize sociological research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of human services programs and interventions, contributing to evidence-based practice.
  • Gain specialized knowledge in addiction counseling, substance use disorders, and nonprofit governance to effectively manage and support human services organizations.

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Services:

  • AEM3400: Nonprofit Governance 
  • PSY1200: Introduction to Psychology 
  • PSY2450: Developmental Psychology 
  • PSY3600: Abnormal Psychology 
  • SOC1100: Introduction to Sociology 
  • SOC2631: Sociological Research Methods 
  • SWK2010: Addiction and Substance Use Disorders* 
  • SWK3510: Law and Ethics in Human Services 
  • SOC4500 Capstone: Implementing Human Services Solutions*

Choose one course from the following:

  • SWK2000: Introduction to Behavior Science for Human Services* 
  • SWK2401 Introduction to Social Work

Choose one course from the following:

  • SWK3300: Principles of Case Management* 
  • SWK3201 Social Case Work*

Choose one course from the following:

  • SOC4000: Practicum I* 
  • SWK4899: Internship in Social Work

Choose 4 courses from the following (12 credits):

  • INT2450 or SOC3440: Health Psychology/Sociology of Health and Illness
  • SOC2600 or INT2100: Class, Status and Power/ Power, Identity and Privilege 
  • SOC3630 or PSY2414: Gender in Society/Psych of Human Sexuality
  • SWK2020: Psychopharmacology for Counselors* 
  • SWK2030: Drugs and Society* 
  • SWK3010: Individual Addiction Counseling* 
  • SWK3020: Group Addiction Counseling*

Note: Course marked with an asterisk (*) are required for those seeking licensure as an alcohol and drug addition counselor in Massachusetts. Completion of these courses, in addition to SWK4010, Practicum II, qualify the individual to take the licensure exam administered by state. 

Addiction Counseling courses (9 courses, 29 credits): SWK2000, SWK2010, SWK2020, SWK2030, SWK3010, SWK3020, SWK3300, SWK4000, SWK4010

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Minor Courses: Students must complete all courses listed here to earn a Minor in Sociology:

  • AEM3400 Nonprofit Governance 
  • SWK2000* or SWK2401: Introduction to Behavior Science for Human Services*/Introduction to Social Work 
  • SWK2010: Addiction and Substance Use Disorders* 
  • SWK3300* or SWK3201: Principles of Case Management*/Social Case Work
  • SWK3510: Law and Ethics in Human Services

Choose one course from the following:

  • PSY3600 Abnormal Psychology 
  • SWK2020: Psychopharmacology for Counselors* 
  • SWK2030: Drugs and Society *
  • SWK3010: Individual Addiction Counseling* 
  • SWK3020: Group Addiction Counseling*

Note: Course marked with an asterisk (*) are required for those seeking licensure as an alcohol and drug addition counselor in Massachusetts. Completion of these courses, in addition to SWK4010, Practicum II, qualify the individual to take the licensure exam administered by state.

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Human Services at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Community and Human Services Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Undergraduate Tuition and Costs

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

All Undergraduate Scholarships

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Human Services program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

AIC’s many clubs, student organizations, and service opportunities let you meet like-minded, driven individuals as you channel your creative passions:

  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations.
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact our Assistant Dean for program-specific questions or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Sandra Sego, PhD
Assistant Dean, Division of Life and Social Sciences

Phone: 413.205.3207
Email: sandra.sego@aic.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

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Student Success Advising

Saremi Center for Career Development

Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA)

What Can You Do with a Human Services Degree?

Job Titles

AIC Human Services Management majors begin careers as:

  • Program Coordinators
  • Family Support Workers
  • Community Outreach Specialists
  • Behavioral Technicians
  • Case Managers
  • Probation Officers

Salary Expectations

Each year through 2034, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 310,000 openings in the community and social services fields, including for:

Internship Opportunities

A key facet of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences is the opportunity for internships with local companies and organizations that provide real-world experiences. AIC students have found internship positions with:

  • Behavioral Health Network (BHN)
  • ServiceNet, Inc
  • Helix Human Services
  • Gandara Center
  • Center for Human Development (CHD)
  • Department of Youth Services (DYS)

Related Programs

Channel your passion for making the world a better place into a meaningful career path with any of these other programs offered at AIC:

An AIC Psychology majors presents their research to a group of faculty and peers at a poster event

Psychology, BS

An AIC Sociology major has a conversation with a faculty member

Sociology, BA

Public Health, BS

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success:

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