Associate in Applied Science-Transfer, Social and Human Services
Two-year Degree
90 Units
The Social and Human Services Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree program provides education for students who want to enter the helping professions. The Social and Human Services Program is built on the core principles of diversity and inclusion, social justice, and strengths-based practice.
The Social and Human Services program prepares students to provide information, support, care, and advocacy for those facing life challenges. Human Services professionals may work in a variety of settings with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Courses are offered in online scheduled, hybrid, and in-person formats. An explanation of course formats can be found here.
Students may choose a Generalist or Addiction Studies track. Students acquire knowledge and skills through an outcomes-based curriculum that supports critical analysis, problem solving, professional development, and experiential learning. In the last third of the program, students enroll in a community-based field practicum completing 220 hours of supervised learning.
After admission to Seattle Central, make an appointment with the Division Counselor to determine eligibility to enter the program. Bring a copy of your placement test results and/or college transcripts with you when you meet with the Counselor.
Entrance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis after prerequisites have been met.
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Workforce Funding
This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:
This degree prepares students for transfer into Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree programs. The Seattle Colleges offer compatible bachelor’s degrees that create educational pathways, build on two-year technical degrees, and expand career opportunities.
Students should contact the appropriate college division dean or Advising Center for a current list of baccalaureate institutions accepting the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
5
Units
ENGL& 102
Composition II
5
ENGL& 102: Composition II
Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
5
Units
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics
5
MATH& 146: Introduction to Statistics
(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
PSYC& 100
General Psychology
5
PSYC& 100: General Psychology
Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning, cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. Additional topics may include: emotions, perception, motivation, intelligence, genes and evolution, and health.
5
Units
PSYC& 200
Lifespan Psychology
5
PSYC& 200: Lifespan Psychology
Survey of human physical, psychological, and sociocultural development from conception through death. Emphasis on major developmental theories, research and research methods of studying lifespan development.
5
Units
Core Requirements
Complete 10 courses. 2.0 minimum grade.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 100
Introduction to Human Services
5
SHS 100: Introduction to Human Services
Provides an overview of the social and human services field from the perspective of the individual human services worker. Explores societal conditions, assumptions, and needs that impact delivery of services. Includes discussion of areas of knowledge, professional values, and skills. Examines the characteristics of the human services agency, including professional roles, career opportunities, and challenges.
5
Units
SHS 103
Social Welfare Policy
5
SHS 103: Social Welfare Policy
Introduction to social welfare policy, social justice, and systems. Emphasis on social welfare policies, systems, and services designed to respond to social issues: public welfare, child welfare, mental health, chemical dependency, aging, poverty, health, disabilities, and corrections.
5
Units
SHS 106
Principles of Interviewing and Counseling
5
SHS 106: Principles of Interviewing and Counseling
Intro to beginning-level interviewing and counseling skills in multicultural settings. Demonstration of human services values and knowledge of diverse populations' needs through counseling techniques: developing relationships; identifying problems, solutions, and goals; and evaluating progress.
5
Units
SHS 108
Group Dynamics & Counseling
5
SHS 108: Group Dynamics & Counseling
Introduction to group work, including group processes, communication patterns, group and individual goal-setting, leadership, and decision-making. Includes group participation, role-playing, and simulations.
5
Units
SHS 210
Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice
3
SHS 210: Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice
Examines U.S. society and the diversity within it, as well as the effects of societal structures on clients. Topics include an overview of general principles of cultural diversity and cross-cultural services delivery to individuals from many diverse backgrounds.
3
Units
SHS 230
Suicide Risk Assessment
3
SHS 230: Suicide Risk Assessment
This class provides an introduction to suicide assessment and prevention. Students will be introduced to topics such as signs and symptoms of suicidal/self-harm behavior, facts and myths about suicidal behavior, conducting an assessment interview, risk factors and protective factors, the treatment of suicidal individuals, the contagion effect, and self-care for those working with suicidal/self-harm individuals.
3
Units
SHS 235
Drug Addiction and Society
5
SHS 235: Drug Addiction and Society
Introduction to misuse of and addiction to psychoactive drugs. Includes history, theories, current research, and treatment practices, and the nature of successful recovery as well as prevention concepts.
5
Units
SHS 255
Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders
5
SHS 255: Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders
Overview of mental health and co-occurring disorders. Identification of referral processes, treatment options, barriers unique to this population, services available to the co-occurring disorder consumer in the context of culture, race and ethnicity
5
Units
SHS 270
Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies
5
SHS 270: Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies
Explores the WA Administrative Codes, federal codes, and professional codes of ethics that apply to human services and substance use disorder professionals. Examines ethical theory, ethical decision-making, and ethical practice in a multicultural context. Meets educational requirements for courses for Substance Use Professional included in WAC 246-811-030.
5
Units
SHS 280
Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies
3
SHS 280: Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies
Examines the roles of human services and substance use disorder professional case managers. Students explore all aspects of case management, including service coordination, screening, ASAM Criteria, assessment and treatment planning.
3
Units
Technical Specialty Courses
Complete either Generalist Studies Set or Addiction Studies Set. 2.0 minimum grade.
Generalist Set (21 units)
SHS 121 - Introduction to Care Navigation, 5 units
SHS 205 - Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care, 5 units
SHS 209 - Grief and Loss in Social and Human Services, 5 units
SHS 197 - Field Practicum: Social and Human Services, 3 units
SHS 198 - Field Practicum: Social and Human Services, 3 units
Addiction Studies Set (22 units)
SHS 150 - HIV/AIDS Brief Risk Intervention, 1 unit
SHS 231 - Pharmacology of Addictions, 5 units
SHS 232 - Addiction, Adolescents and Family Systems, 5 units
SHS 233 - Addictions Counseling, 5 units
CDS 197 - Field Practicum: Chemical Dependency, 3 units
CDS 198 - Field Practicum: Chemical Dependency, 3 units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 121
Introduction to Care Navigation
5
SHS 121: Introduction to Care Navigation
Introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice care navigation for the benefit of the client. Focus on human services and healthcare systems, social determinants of health, health literacy, chronic illness, risk and protective factors. The first of two courses leading to a certificate in care navigation.
5
Units
SHS 205
Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care
5
SHS 205: Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care
Intro to crisis intervention and trauma-informed care techniques for the beginning mental health/human services professional. Students will develop assessment techniques and interviewing skills with populations experiencing mental health concerns, physical health concerns, substance abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner and domestic violence, bereavement, suicide, and other crises.
5
Units
SHS 209
Grief and Loss In Social and Human Services
5
SHS 209: Grief and Loss In Social and Human Services
Explores both the grief and loss experiences in the context of the helping professions. Analyzes models and types of grief and loss. Researches resources and interventions for clients in the social and human services. Examines transitions, situations, and circumstances that result in grief and loss, as well as cultural responses to them.
5
Units
SHS 197
Field Placement: Social and Human Services
3
SHS 197: Field Placement: Social and Human Services
Supervised community-based field experience in which students apply knowledge and develop skills by working in public and private agencies and organizations. Prereq: Permission
3
Units
SHS 198
Field Placement: Social and Human Services
3
SHS 198: Field Placement: Social and Human Services
Work experience in human services agencies, with individual and group supervision provided by agency professionals to share experiences and further develop work-related skills.
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
Please visit the Enroll Now page for everything you need to do.
Provides an overview of the social and human services field from the perspective of the individual human services worker. Explores societal conditions, assumptions, and needs that impact delivery of services. Includes discussion of areas of knowledge, professional values, and skills. Examines the characteristics of the human services agency, including professional roles, career opportunities, and challenges.
5
Units
SHS 121
Introduction to Care Navigation
5
SHS 121: Introduction to Care Navigation
Introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice care navigation for the benefit of the client. Focus on human services and healthcare systems, social determinants of health, health literacy, chronic illness, risk and protective factors. The first of two courses leading to a certificate in care navigation.
5
Units
SHS 235
Drug Addiction and Society
5
SHS 235: Drug Addiction and Society
Introduction to misuse of and addiction to psychoactive drugs. Includes history, theories, current research, and treatment practices, and the nature of successful recovery as well as prevention concepts.
5
Units
Quarter 2,
15 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 103
Social Welfare Policy
5
SHS 103: Social Welfare Policy
Introduction to social welfare policy, social justice, and systems. Emphasis on social welfare policies, systems, and services designed to respond to social issues: public welfare, child welfare, mental health, chemical dependency, aging, poverty, health, disabilities, and corrections.
5
Units
SHS 106
Principles of Interviewing and Counseling
5
SHS 106: Principles of Interviewing and Counseling
Intro to beginning-level interviewing and counseling skills in multicultural settings. Demonstration of human services values and knowledge of diverse populations' needs through counseling techniques: developing relationships; identifying problems, solutions, and goals; and evaluating progress.
5
Units
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
ENGL& 101: English Composition I
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
5
Units
Quarter 3,
18 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 108
Group Dynamics & Counseling
5
SHS 108: Group Dynamics & Counseling
Introduction to group work, including group processes, communication patterns, group and individual goal-setting, leadership, and decision-making. Includes group participation, role-playing, and simulations.
5
Units
SHS 209
Grief and Loss In Social and Human Services
5
SHS 209: Grief and Loss In Social and Human Services
Explores both the grief and loss experiences in the context of the helping professions. Analyzes models and types of grief and loss. Researches resources and interventions for clients in the social and human services. Examines transitions, situations, and circumstances that result in grief and loss, as well as cultural responses to them.
5
Units
SHS 210
Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice
3
SHS 210: Intro to Diversity In Human Services Practice
Examines U.S. society and the diversity within it, as well as the effects of societal structures on clients. Topics include an overview of general principles of cultural diversity and cross-cultural services delivery to individuals from many diverse backgrounds.
3
Units
ENGL& 102
Composition II
5
ENGL& 102: Composition II
Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
5
Units
Quarter 4,
10 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
PSYC& 100
General Psychology
5
PSYC& 100: General Psychology
Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning, cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. Additional topics may include: emotions, perception, motivation, intelligence, genes and evolution, and health.
5
Units
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics
5
MATH& 146: Introduction to Statistics
(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
Quarter 5,
11 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 230
Suicide Risk Assessment
3
SHS 230: Suicide Risk Assessment
This class provides an introduction to suicide assessment and prevention. Students will be introduced to topics such as signs and symptoms of suicidal/self-harm behavior, facts and myths about suicidal behavior, conducting an assessment interview, risk factors and protective factors, the treatment of suicidal individuals, the contagion effect, and self-care for those working with suicidal/self-harm individuals.
3
Units
SHS 270
Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies
5
SHS 270: Ethics in Human Services and Addiction Studies
Explores the WA Administrative Codes, federal codes, and professional codes of ethics that apply to human services and substance use disorder professionals. Examines ethical theory, ethical decision-making, and ethical practice in a multicultural context. Meets educational requirements for courses for Substance Use Professional included in WAC 246-811-030.
5
Units
SHS 280
Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies
3
SHS 280: Case Management in SHS and Addiction Studies
Examines the roles of human services and substance use disorder professional case managers. Students explore all aspects of case management, including service coordination, screening, ASAM Criteria, assessment and treatment planning.
3
Units
Quarter 6,
13 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 197
Field Placement: Social and Human Services
3
SHS 197: Field Placement: Social and Human Services
Supervised community-based field experience in which students apply knowledge and develop skills by working in public and private agencies and organizations. Prereq: Permission
3
Units
SHS 205
Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care
5
SHS 205: Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed Care
Intro to crisis intervention and trauma-informed care techniques for the beginning mental health/human services professional. Students will develop assessment techniques and interviewing skills with populations experiencing mental health concerns, physical health concerns, substance abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner and domestic violence, bereavement, suicide, and other crises.
5
Units
SHS 255
Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders
5
SHS 255: Mental Health and Co-Occuring Disorders
Overview of mental health and co-occurring disorders. Identification of referral processes, treatment options, barriers unique to this population, services available to the co-occurring disorder consumer in the context of culture, race and ethnicity
5
Units
Quarter 7,
8 Units
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
SHS 198
Field Placement: Social and Human Services
3
SHS 198: Field Placement: Social and Human Services
Work experience in human services agencies, with individual and group supervision provided by agency professionals to share experiences and further develop work-related skills.
3
Units
PSYC& 200
Lifespan Psychology
5
PSYC& 200: Lifespan Psychology
Survey of human physical, psychological, and sociocultural development from conception through death. Emphasis on major developmental theories, research and research methods of studying lifespan development.
Why the Social and Human Services Program is the best for future helping professionals
A Social and Human Services degree is a broad interdisciplinary field that offers an abundance of diverse career opportunities.
Courses are offered in a variety of modalities including face-to-face, virtual and hybrid classes. Courses are also offered during day and evening hours.
Course enrollment is 25-30 students, providing opportunities to work closely with faculty and peers.
Community-based field experience provides students with hands-on experiential learning under professional supervision.
The degree provides a pathway to advanced degrees including a Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP) to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Applied Behavioral Science.
As a student in the Social & Human Services Associate’s degree programs, you may choose to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP). By participating in GAP, you will be directly admitted to the ABS program when you have met the following conditions:
Complete Seattle Central College’s AAS-T degree in Social & Human Services or AAS-T degree in Social & Human Services with Addiction Studies Certificate
Meet a minimum requirement of a 2.75 cumulative GPA