Catalog 2025-2026

Social Services - Associate in Arts

  • Education

GERN,MNTL,SOWK,SUBS

Social Service Concentrations

Aging and Older Adults

Aging and older adult workers perform various functions in supporting healthy aging and caregiving. They are employed by nursing homes, adult day care centers, senior centers, hospitals, and private care. Aging and older adult workers are trained to assist older clients with daily living, physical care, recreation, and supportive companionship.

Mental Health

Mental health workers are trained to assist people who have mild to severe emotional problems and mental illnesses. They may find employment in group homes, hospitals, mental health agencies, community centers and assisted living programs designed to help clients of all ages achieve functional independence to their maximum capacity. They may function as advocates, intake interviewers, case aides, home visitors, program coordinators and counselors to children. Three internships are an integral part of each student’s professional preparation program.

Social Work

Social work students are provided with foundation courses that prepare them to be social service providers in a wide variety of agency program and community settings with clients of all ages. From advocacy and social activism to therapeutic assistance to children and families, social workers impact all phases of a client’s life. Three internships are an integral part of each student’s program of study and there are a variety of B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs available in Rhode Island for advanced study.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use workers are trained in clinical skills that prepare them for employment in prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitative treatment programs with adolescents and adults at risk or suffering from addictive and compulsive disorders. Three internships are an integral part of each student’s professional preparation, and CCRI courses are a firm foundation for Rhode Island’s licensure credential. Rhode Island College (RIC) offers a B.S. in Behavioral Health Studies, and the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI (SUMHLC) provides training for the Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)  in Rhode Island.

Program Learning Outcomes

Aging and Older Adults Concentration

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  1. Understand the historical roots of human services, current legislation affecting service delivery, public and private attitudes influencing legislation, interpretation of policies related to human services, and the broader socio-political issues that affect human service systems.
  2. Understand the significance of information literacy in human services.
  3. Demonstrate awareness of cultural humility and the ability to create genuine and empathic relationships, problem-solve effectively, interpersonal styles, limitations, and conflict, sustaining behaviors congruent with the profession's values and ethics.
  4. Discuss and address the scope of conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning.
  5. Summarize knowledge and theory of the interactions of human systems, including individual, interpersonal, group, family, organizational, community, and societal.
  6. Apply knowledge and skill development in systematic analysis of service needs; planning appropriate strategies, services, and implementation; and evaluation of outcomes.
  7. Apply knowledge of the aging process to assess and develop individualized care plans that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of older adults in various care settings.
  8. Implement knowledge and skills in direct service delivery and appropriate interventions.
  9. Incorporate human services values and attitudes and promote understanding of ethics and their application in practice.

Mental Health Concentration

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  1. Apply professional written and oral communication skills through responsible use of digital technology in research informed practice.
  2. Identify and adhere to ethical standard.
  3. Use historical information to understand the current world, and develop an ability to consider issues from a global perspective.
  4. Understand how individuals interact among groups; and develop an understanding of the beliefs, values, traditions, and practices of people from other cultures.
  5. Identify core principles in Social Work, including the values and ethics of the profession.
  6. Demonstrate professional working skills with individuals, groups and communities.

Social Work Concentration

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  1. Apply professional written and oral communication skills through responsible use of digital technology in research informed practice.
  2. Identify and adhere to ethical standard.
  3. Use historical information to understand the current world, and develop an ability to consider issues from a global perspective.
  4. Understand how individuals interact among groups; and develop an understanding of the beliefs, values, traditions, and practices of people from other cultures.
  5. Identify core principles in Social Work, including the values and ethics of the profession.
  6. Demonstrate professional working skills with individuals, groups and communities.

Substance Use Disorders Concentration

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  1. Apply professional written and oral communication skills through responsible use of digital technology in research informed practice.
  2. Identify and adhere to ethical standard.
  3. Use historical information to understand the current world, and develop an ability to consider issues from a global perspective.
  4. Understand how individuals interact among groups; and develop an understanding of the beliefs, values, traditions, and practices of people from other cultures.
  5. Identify core principles in Social Work, including the values and ethics of the profession.
  6. Demonstrate professional working skills with individuals, groups and communities.

Requirements

General Education Requirements
ENGL 1010Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 1; HUMN; Written Communication; Information Literacy3
Mathematics Elective MSCI3-4
PSYC 2010General Psychology 1; SSCI; Critical Thinking; Scientific Reasoning4
PSYC 2020Social Psychology 1; SSCI; Critical Thinking; Scientific Reasoning3
PSYC 2030Developmental Psychology 1; SSCI; Critical Thinking; Scientific Reasoning3
Science Elective 33-5
Social Science Elective 46
Choose ONE of the following: 13
Fine Arts Elective HUMN
Literature Elective HUMN
World Languages Elective HUMN
Choose ONE of the following: 13
SOCS 1010
General Sociology SSCI; Information Literacy; Diverse Perspectives
SOCS 2040
Race and Ethnic Relations SSCI; Critical Thinking; Diverse Perspectives
Subtotal31-34
Major Education Requirements
HMNS 1010Introduction to Helping and Human Services 13
HMNS 1040Drugs and Human Behavior4
HMNS 1200Practicum I: Service Learning^ 15
HMNS 2110Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare4
HMNS 2130Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals 13
HMNS 2135Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice3
or HMNS 2230 Individuals, Families and Small Groups
HMNS 2200Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning 13
HMNS 2340Field Experience Seminar II-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^3
or HMNS 2360 Field Experience Seminar II-Mental Health/Substance Use^
HMNS 2440Field Experience Seminar III-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^ 13
or HMNS 2460 Field Experience Seminar III-Mental Health and Substance Use^
HMNS 2900Human Services Capstone 13
Human Services Elective 53
Subtotal37
Total Hours68-71
1

Courses/requirements that may not be substituted or waived.

2

Courses/requirements that may not be substituted or waived.
See this page for complete list of courses that fulfill the LITR, FINE or LANG attribute.

3

Courses/requirements that may not be substituted or waived.
A lab science is recommended for transfer.
Selection of math and science courses for transfer should be done in consultation with a Human Services faculty adviser during the first semester of study.

4

Courses/requirements that may not be substituted or waived.
Choose six credits from Categories 1–4.

5

Select one course from Category 5.

^

Work-based learning course

Category Choices for Social Science and Human Services Electives

Category 1
PSYC 1030Psychology of Personal Adjustment3
Category 2
SOCS 2020Marriage and Family3
SOCS 2040Race and Ethnic Relations3
SOCS 2300Criminology3
Category 3
ECON 2030Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON 2040Principles of Macroeconomics3
Category 4
POLS 1010American Government and Politics3
Category 5
HMNS 1090Foundations of Aging, Older Adults, and Caregiving3
HMNS 2070Characteristics and Needs of Special Populations3
HMNS 2135Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice3
HMNS 2150Parent and Child Relations3
HMNS 2202Mental Health and Wellness3
HMNS 2208Case Management3
HMNS 2220Social Work Program and Policy Analysis 13
HMNS 2230Individuals, Families and Small Groups3
Field II experience outside one's concentration.
1

Social Work Program and Policy Analysis (HMNS 2220) meets RIC transfer requirements.

Recommended Course Sequence

Aging and Older Adults Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Hours
ENGL 1010 Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 3
HMNS 1010 Introduction to Helping and Human Services 3
HMNS 2200 Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning 3
PSYC 2010 General Psychology 4
Mathematics Elective 3
 Hours16
Semester 2
HMNS 1090 Foundations of Gerontology and Elder Care 3
HMNS 1200 Practicum I: Service Learning^ 5
HMNS 2110 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 4
PSYC 2020 Social Psychology 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
SOCS 1010
 General Sociology  
SOCS 2040
 Race and Ethnic Relations  
 Hours18
Year 2
Semester 1
HMNS 2130 Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals 3
HMNS 2340 Field Experience Seminar II-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^ 3
PSYC 2030 Developmental Psychology 3
Social Science Elective 3
Social Science Elective 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
Fine Arts Elective
  
Literature Elective
  
World Languages Elective
  
 Hours18
Semester 2
HMNS 1040 Drugs and Human Behavior 4
HMNS 2440 Field Experience Seminar III-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^ 3
HMNS 2900 Human Services Capstone 3
Science Elective 3-5
Choose ONE of the following: 3
HMNS 2135
 Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice  
HMNS 2230
 Individuals, Families and Small Groups  
 Hours16-18
 Total Hours68-70
^

Work-based learning course

Mental Health Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Hours
ENGL 1010 Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 3
HMNS 1010 Introduction to Helping and Human Services 3
HMNS 2200 Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning 3
PSYC 2010 General Psychology 4
Mathematics Elective 3
 Hours16
Semester 2
HMNS 1040 Drugs and Human Behavior 4
HMNS 1200 Practicum I: Service Learning^ 5
HMNS 2110 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 4
PSYC 2020 Social Psychology 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
SOCS 1010
 General Sociology  
SOCS 2040
 Race and Ethnic Relations  
 Hours19
Year 2
Semester 1
HMNS 2130 Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals 3
HMNS 2360 Field Experience Seminar II-Mental Health/Substance Use^ 3
PSYC 2030 Developmental Psychology 3
Social Science Elective 3
Social Science Elective 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
Fine Arts Elective
  
Literature Elective
  
World Languages Elective
  
 Hours18
Semester 2
HMNS 2460 Field Experience Seminar III-Mental Health and Substance Use^ 3
HMNS 2900 Human Services Capstone 3
Science Elective 3-5
Elective 1 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
HMNS 2135
 Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice  
HMNS 2230
 Individuals, Families and Small Groups  
 Hours15-17
 Total Hours68-70
1

See approved list

2

See approved list: Literature, Fine Arts, or Language

^

Work-based learning course

Social Work Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Hours
ENGL 1010 Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 3
HMNS 1010 Introduction to Helping and Human Services 3
HMNS 2200 Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning 3
PSYC 2010 General Psychology 4
Mathematics Elective 3
 Hours16
Semester 2
HMNS 1040 Drugs and Human Behavior 4
HMNS 1200 Practicum I: Service Learning^ 5
HMNS 2110 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 4
PSYC 2020 Social Psychology 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
SOCS 1010
 General Sociology  
SOCS 2040
 Race and Ethnic Relations  
 Hours19
Year 2
Semester 1
HMNS 2130 Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals 3
HMNS 2340 Field Experience Seminar II-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^ 3
PSYC 2030 Developmental Psychology 3
Social Science Elective 3
Social Science Elective 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
Fine Arts Elective
  
Literature Elective
  
World Languages Elective
  
 Hours18
Semester 2
HMNS 2440 Field Experience Seminar III-Social Work, Aging, and Older Adults^ 3
HMNS 2900 Human Services Capstone (Capstone) 3
Science Elective 1 3-5
Elective 2 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
HMNS 2135
 Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice  
HMNS 2230
 Individuals, Families and Small Groups  
 Hours15-17
 Total Hours68-70
1

See approved list

2

See approved list

3

See approved list: Literature, Fine Arts, or Language

^

Work-based learning course

Substance Use Disorders Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Hours
ENGL 1010 Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) 3
HMNS 1010 Introduction to Helping and Human Services 3
HMNS 2200 Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning 3
Mathematics Elective 3
Program ElectiveHuman Services 4
 Hours16
Semester 2
HMNS 1040 Drugs and Human Behavior 4
HMNS 1200 Practicum I: Service Learning^ 5
HMNS 2130 Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals 3
PSYC 2020 Social Psychology 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
SOCS 1010
 General Sociology  
SOCS 2040
 Race and Ethnic Relations  
 Hours18
Year 2
Semester 1
HMNS 2110 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare 4
HMNS 2360 Field Experience Seminar II-Mental Health/Substance Use^ 3
PSYC 2030 Developmental Psychology 3
Social Science Elective 3
Social Science Elective 3
Choose ONE of the following: 3
Fine Arts Elective
  
Literature Elective
  
World Languages Elective
  
 Hours19
Semester 2
HMNS 2460 Field Experience Seminar III-Mental Health and Substance Use^ 3
HMNS 2900 Human Services Capstone (Capstone) 3
Science Elective 1 3-5
Program ElectiveHuman Services Approved Elective 3
Choose ONE of the followig: 3
HMNS 2135
 Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice  
HMNS 2230
 Individuals, Families and Small Groups  
 Hours15-17
 Total Hours68-70
1

See approved list

2

See approved list: Literature, Fine Arts, or Language

^

Work-based learning course

Transfer Information

The Human Services program at CCRI has a solid articulation transfer agreement with the School of Social Work at RIC that provides full transfer of all courses completed for the social work major toward the B.S.W. Students must follow the new transfer guide or obtain copies from their Human Services faculty advisers.

Note: Students enrolled in the Human Services program must earn a grade of C or better in all Human Services courses. Students should consider transfer requirements when selecting math and science courses.

Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.