Human Services
Learn how to positively impact the lives of children, adults, families, and those
battling addiction through our on-campus and online Chemical Dependency Counseling,
Child and Family Services, and Human Services programs. 
Human Services is the name we give to a diversified field that covers multiple degree and certificate programs at the college: AAS Human Services, AAS Chemical Dependency Counseling, AS Child and Family Services, Community Residence Aide Certificate, and Direct Support Professional Microcredentials.
Our programs prepare students for a broad range of careers in helping those in need. The program features both classroom instruction and practical training, including internships that will develop your skills in a real-life setting. You'll learn about human behavior and social problems and how individuals interface with various systems to address these issues.
Graduates of our Human Services programs are prepared to enter the workforce in entry-level positions or transfer their credits to baccalaureate-granting institutions for advanced education and training.
Learn more about our Human Services programs from our students and faculty:
Program Description: Supporting children and their families is not only a critical need within our society, but also a rewarding career choice. In the Child and Family Services Program, you will gain knowledge and develop the necessary skills to provide help to families in need of support and services. The coursework within the degree provides a basis in the liberal arts as well as more focused skills such as counseling. As part of the program, students will visit community-based agencies that serve children and families and complete an internship to acquire first-hand experience in the field. These experiences will prepare you for entry-level work as well as transfer to a bachelor’s program in Social Work, Human Services, or another related field. Family advocate, social worker, child protective services, preventive services, care management worker.
Career Possibilities: Family advocate, social worker, child protective services, preventive services, care management worker.
What’s Next: Transfer for a bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related fields
Program Description: From time to time, all people need help. Helping others is the essence of human services. As a student in our Human Services program, you will develop the foundational skills and knowledge that support effective helping. Courses focusing on human services and counseling skills are supported by liberal arts offerings including psychology and sociology. Community-based agencies that serve the most vulnerable including children, the poor, the elderly and the developmentally disabled host our students for field trips, volunteer opportunities and as interns. These real-world experiences prepare you for work directly in the field and/or transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services and other related majors.
Career Possibilities: Substance abuse counselor, Social worker, Care manager, Child protective services case worker, Psychologist. Some career paths require additional education or training.
What’s Next: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in a field such as education, human services, social science or social work, or enter the workforce.
Program Description: North Country’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program prepares you to help individuals, families and communities coping with the scourge of addiction. In addition to coursework in counseling, psychology, pharmacology, and human services, you’ll work in the field with substance abuse counselors serving the North Country. This required internship puts you on the front lines of the fight against substance abuse; participating agencies specialize in in-patient and outpatient counseling, adolescent treatment and substance abuse prevention. Graduates of the program will have fulfilled the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services requirements to complete 350 hours of education and training, and are eligible to apply for status as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) trainee.
Career Possibilities: Substance abuse counselor, Substance abuse prevention specialist, Social worker, Psychologist. Some career paths require additional education or training.
What’s next: Transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in social work, psychology, human services and/or pursue employment in the profession.
Description: Those who have developmental disabilities, just like those who do not, desire to live full and meaningful lives. However, their life circumstances often require them to receive support from professionals to help them do so. Our certificate helps prepare you for this life-affirming work by focusing on knowledge and skills central to effectively working with those who have developmental disabilities. As with our Human Services AAS degree, you will receive hands-on expertise with agencies that serve the developmentally disabled including field trips, volunteer opportunities and internship placements.
Career Possibilities: Substance abuse counselor, Substance abuse prevention specialist, Social worker, Psychologist. Some career paths require additional education or training.
What’s next: Transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in social work, psychology, human services and/or pursue employment in the profession.
Description: The college offers a trio of Direct Support Professional microcredential programs – levels I, II and III. If you have any questions or are ready to register, please fill out our application form.
Interested in our NEW Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate program?
"The education and instruction I received at NCCC prepared me for my continued education and the entrance into the work force by encouraging my strengths. This wonderful college empowered me to see my worth and capabilities."
Read more stories from Human Services program alumni