human-services
human-services

HUMAN SERVICES

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

About our Human Services
Associate Degree

The Human Services program is designed to prepare individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for employment and/or future study in the human service field. Successful graduates work with individuals of all ages confronting disabling mental health issues, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and other behavioral health conditions. The Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services is designed primarily for students seeking to enter the workforce after graduation or to advance their career at their place of employment. 

Graduates of the program qualify for Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification and are eligible for Ed Tech II certification. In addition to the Human Services A.A.S. degree we offer a one-year Behavioral Health Certificate program that is specifically designed to meet the requirements for certification as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C). MHRT/C certification is required by the state of Maine for work as an entry-level mental health practitioner. Associate degree candidates need not apply separately to the SMCC Certificate program in order to qualify for MHRT/C certification.

Out-of-State Licensure Information

If you are completing this program and will be seeking licensure in another state, please download our Out-of-State Licensure document.

Graduation Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of human systems — individual, group, organization, community and society — and their major interactions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of human development, group dynamics, organizational structure, how communities are organized, how national policy is set, and how social systems interact in producing human problems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the conditions that promote optimal functioning or the classes of deviation that limit desired functioning in the major human systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major models of causation that are concerned with the promotion of healthy functioning and treatment-rehabilitation.
  • Identify and select interventions that promote growth and goal attainment. Graduates will be able to conduct a competent problem analysis and select strategies, services or interventions that are appropriate to helping their clients attain a desired outcome.

What opportunities does this program provide?

SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:

  • Home Health Aide
  • Elderly Caregiver
  • Youth Worker
  • Community Assistant
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Case Aide
  • Community Advocate
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Social Services Assistant
  • Human Resources Specialist

Continue Your Education

SMCC graduates have used our transfer agreements to continue their education at:

  • Johnson & Wales University
  • Maine College of Art
  • Mount Holyoke College
  • Saint Joseph’s College
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Thomas College
  • University of Maine
  • University of New England
  • University of Southern Maine
  • Wellesley College

To view our seamless transfer agreements, visit our Transfer webpage.

Available transfer agreements for this program include:

Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time

62-credit-hours-4-semesters

Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.

Interested in viewing full program and course details?

Are you a current student?

Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.

Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.

Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.

students-SMCC-Maine

Costs & Financial Aid

This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)

Want to learn more?

Fill out a quick form and we’ll reach out to provide more info.

Ready to apply?

Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.

Contact Us:

Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.edu 

Department Chair: Tom Richardson, 207-741-5655 or trichardson@smccME.edu

A three-credit class averages

LESS THAN
$400

Full-time tuition & fees

$3,880
PER YEAR

*Additional program costs may apply.

3 CAMPUSES

South Portland, Brunswick & Online