Associate of Arts in Social Services
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The associate of arts in social services degree is offered statewide. The field of social services encompasses organized activities, intervention methods and counseling for persons with physical, mental or social disabilities. This program is designed to provide specialized education and training to students who wish to work in this field. Courses are offered which examine the resources, issues and policies of the social service system. An important aspect, "career experience," includes field placement in a social service agency. The diversity of agencies serving clients provides a wide range of choices for field placement, which allows students to practice their acquired knowledge and skills and obtain valuable on-the-job training. Students may earn the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community certification as they work on the degree.
The program offers opportunities to develop the skills required to work as a paraprofessional or as a program coordinator in a convalescent, geriatric, rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment, mental retardation or mental health facility. Graduates find employment in boarding homes, nursing homes, hospitals and comprehensive mental health centers, as well as in public and private community service agencies. Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to:
- understand the concepts and services necessary for service provision in the realm of behavioral health and human services
- screen clients for service eligibility, conduct intake histories and orient clients to services
- understand the philosophy and goals of psycho-social rehabilitation
- write individual support plans utilizing case management and psycho-social rehabilitation practices
- assist clients in achieving their goals for assisted and independent living and protection of their rights
- utilize a range of interviewing techniques to help clients solve their problems and deal effectively with situations
- understand the goals and practice of group process techniques
- identify a range of social problems and the diversity of clientele in order to recommend appropriate referrals based on client needs and interests
- successfully transfer into baccalaureate degrees, particularly the Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services on the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are admitted for both the fall and spring semesters and may attend full or part time. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for admission. Students needing preparatory work in reading, English or mathematics may need additional time to complete all degree requirements.
TRANSFER:
The associate degree program curriculum is designed to prepare students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills suitable for entry-level positions in many social service agencies. Students wishing to continue their education may transfer to baccalaureate programs. All credits earned for the associate of arts in social services degree will transfer to the bachelor of science in mental health and human services degree and the bachelor of arts in social science degree. Graduates will enter these programs with third-year standing. For students interested in human/social service administration, a transfer opportunity exists with junior standing to the bachelor of science in public administration degree. Other articulation agreements provide transfer options into select programs at the University of Maine at Farmington and the University of Southern Maine.
DEGREE:
Upon successful completion of the program requirements (62 credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.00), the student will be awarded an associate of arts in social services degree.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
GENERAL EDUCATION:
- COMMUNICATIONS: 3 credit hours from COM101, 102, 104, or 106
- ENGLISH: ENG101
- FINE ARTS: 3 credit hours from ARH105, 106, ART211, DRA265, 280, INT129, MUS123, 160, 180, 333, 334
- HUMANITIES: 3 credit hours from ENG102W, 202W, 203W, 250W, 251W; any HTY; any humanities; any PHI; POS390; WST101W
- MATHEMATICS: 3 credit hours from MAT100 or higher-level math
- NATURAL SCIENCE: 4 credit hours from any laboratory science
- SOCIAL SCIENCE: 6 credit hours from PSY100 and SOC101
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
- HUS101, 210, 212, HUS215 or PSY220; PSY218 or HUS224, PSY232, 308, 330; SOC201, 305
- GENERAL ELECTIVES: 6 credit hours
Associate of Arts in Social Services Sample Curriculum: Augusta Campus, Lewiston-Auburn Campus, and Statewide
FIRST YEAR
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| ENG101 College Writing | 3 | MAT100 Mathematics and Its Applications | 3 |
| COMXXX COM101, 102, 104, or 106 | 3 | XXXXXX Humanities Elective | 3 |
| HUS101 Introduction to Social Service Systems | 3 | SOC101 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PSY100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 | PSY232 Crisis Counseling | 3 |
| XXXXXX Elective | 3 | XXXXXX Elective | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 15 | TOTAL HOURS | 15 |
SECOND YEAR
| Third Semester | Fourth Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| XXXXXX Laboratory Science | 4 | SOC201 Social Problems | 3 |
| PSY218 Community Mental Health Care OR SOC305 Group Process | 3 | HUS224 Fund. of Community Practice & Involvement | 3 |
| PSY308 Human Development | 3 | HUS215 Introduction to Therapeutic Activities OR PSY220 Psychosocial Rehabilitation | 3 |
| PSY330 Interviewing and Counseling | 3 | HUS210 Career Exp. In Social & Rehab. Services | 4 |
| HUS212 Case Management | 3 | XXXXXX Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 16 | TOTAL HOURS | 16 |