Human Services, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counseling, AAS

The Human Services (HSERV) program prepares students for employment in a broad range of social service agencies. Typical job titles include substance use disorder treatment professionals, residential treatment workers, case managers, and outreach and community workers. The program has a core of courses that all students must complete for the Associate in Applied Science Degree, AAS with either a Generalist or Substance Use Disorder Counseling emphasis. By their second quarter, students determine which HSERV emphasis they will pursue. Students must enroll in HSERV 198 - Pre-Practicum Seminar which prepares students for practicum (work-based experience) in an agency. After a student’s first quarter, the HSERV full-time faculty will serve as the student’s advisors.

The Human Services program includes classroom training in interpersonal communications, counseling, ethics, case management, substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention. An agency-based practicum experience is also required. Many courses are offered sequentially and students are expected to take courses in sequence.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year college should see a counselor or their Human Services advisor for assistance in program planning. Please note this is a Professional/Technical program and does not offer a standard transfer degree. For information on articulation agreements with university programs, see the Associate in Applied Science degree information below. The department chair’s phone number is 360.416.7749. Returning students who have already earned college degrees and who are interested in taking the coursework necessary to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUD), the person to contact will be announced.

Degree Intent and Transfer Options

Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS (BAS-EC) and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.