Human Services Certificate

Program Statement

The Human Services Certificate attracts a diverse student population who share a common desire to work with and help people. This 24 credit Certificate provides academic, theoretical and skills-based knowledge to obtain an entry-level position in human services or an upgrade of existing professional knowledge, for those already working in the field.

Program Mission Statement 

Bristol Community College’s Human Services Program provides an accessible, innovative, and inclusive education which prepares ethical and socially responsible graduates to serve individuals, groups and communities by respecting the dignity and welfare of all people, promoting self-determination, honoring diversity, advocating for social justice, and being catalysts for shaping a just, humane and sustainable world.

Program Learning Outcomes 

• Demonstrate ethical and professional practice through a culturally competent framework with a variety of populations in diverse settings.
• Using a social justice lens, students identify the connections between social welfare policies and the delivery of and access to social services.
• Demonstrate helping skills to engage in culturally responsive practice with clients.
• Examine personal biases, values, beliefs and experiences and the impact they have on assessing clients, building impartial relationships, and providing services.
• Use a multidisciplinary lens to assess clients in their environment and provide relevant services.

Program Information

• All courses in the Certificate apply to the Associate in Science in Human Services degree.
• SER 291 includes a 125 hour supervised agency internship that places special time demands on students and is ideally taken in the last year of study. A criminal background check (CORI and/or SORI) and/or drug test may be required by and at the discretion of the field experience host location prior to participation in the field experience.
• Faculty will work individually with students to select the best field experience for each student's background, but please know placement sites may be limited.
• Consider applying for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). 

After Bristol

Students who graduate with this Certificate can obtain positions as entry-level human services providers. Students may also continue at Bristol to earn the Associate in Science in Human Services degree.