Chair

Professor Soyeon Cho
Academic Building, room A-805
Phone: 718-260-5135

Description

Human Services is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through direct support, advocacy, and resource navigation. It integrates social, cultural, economic, and psychological perspectives to address diverse human needs.

City Tech’s accredited Human Services program blends professional and liberal arts education, equipping students with the skills needed for careers in social services. Coursework covers counseling, case management, advocacy, research, and field practice, with an emphasis on hands-on experience. Students gain real-world exposure through internships in hospitals, schools, shelters, and community agencies.

Key Areas of Study

1. Psychology: Understanding human behavior and mental health.

2. Social Work: Learning the principles of providing care and advocacy for individuals in need.

3. Public Health: Focusing on community health issues and services.

4. Sociology: Studying social behavior and societal structures.

5. Ethics: Learning about the moral implications of working with diverse populations.

6. Cultural Competency: Understanding the needs of different populations, including marginalized groups.

7. Case Management: Developing skills to assess client needs, create service plans, and track progress.

Skills Developed in the Human Services Program

Students in the Human Services (HUS) program gain a wide range of professional and interpersonal skills, including:

• Counseling and Communication

  • Active listening and supportive communication.

  • Helping clients manage personal and emotional challenges.

• Case Management

  • Assessing client needs and coordinating care.

  • Connecting clients with essential resources and services.

• Advocacy

  • Supporting and empowering clients and communities.

  • Navigating social service systems effectively.

• Group Facilitation

  • Leading groups, workshops, and community education activities.

  • Managing group dynamics and promoting participation.

• Documentation and Professional Writing

  • Writing clear, accurate, and professional case notes and reports.

  • Maintaining organized client records.

• Cultural Competency

  • Understanding diverse cultures and populations.

  • Providing respectful, inclusive, and equitable services.

• Ethical and Professional Decision-Making

  • Applying professional ethical standards.

  • Making informed decisions to support client well-being.

• Leadership and Teamwork

  • Collaborating effectively in professional teams.

  • Developing skills for leadership and supervisory roles.

• Research and Program Development (advanced skills at the Bachelor’s level)

  • Creating and evaluating social service programs.

  • Using research to enhance service quality and effectiveness.

• Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution

  • Managing difficult situations and resolving conflicts professionally.

  • Supporting clients through urgent or crisis situations.

• Organizational and Time Management

  • Managing multiple cases or projects efficiently.

  • Prioritizing responsibilities effectively.

These are just some of the key skills students learn. The Human Services program provides many additional opportunities for skill-building through coursework, internships, workshops, and professional networking events, ensuring students graduate ready for diverse and rewarding careers in human services.

Graduates enter fields such as mental health, child and family welfare, aging services, public health, victim advocacy, and criminal justice. Common roles include case manager, counselor, patient advocate, and outreach worker. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees in social work, mental health counseling, or public health, further expanding their career opportunities.

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of Human Services degrees can pursue various careers, such as:

• Social Worker (with additional certification or licensure)

• Case Manager

• Mental Health Technician

• Substance Abuse Counselor

• Community Outreach Coordinator

• Youth Advocate

• Public Health Educator

• Rehabilitation Counselor

With its strong generalist curriculum and accreditation, City Tech’s Human Services program provides a solid foundation for meaningful, service-driven careers.

Mission

The mission of the Human Services Department at New York City College of Technology is to educate students to be change agents, working with individuals, groups, and communities.

Degree Programs

The Human Services program follows a clear 2+2 structure. Students first complete an associate degree (two years), and then can continue seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree (two additional years). This flexible structure helps students progressively build skills and knowledge toward their academic and career goals.

The associate in applied science in program prepares students for entry-level positions in the human services field. The curriculum combines a strong liberal arts foundation with essential courses in human services. Courses are offered during the day, evening, and weekends to accommodate students' diverse schedules.

Students will:

• Gain foundational skills in counseling, case management, advocacy, and social service practice.

• Complete a practical internship in community organizations, hospitals, schools, or shelters.

• Be prepared for immediate employment or continuation into the bachelor’s degree.

The bachelor of science in program prepares students for mid-level professional positions within social welfare organizations. Graduates pursue careers as case managers, counselors, social services supervisors, senior center directors, child welfare workers, group residence supervisors, outreach workers, public health workers, mental health associates, substance abuse counselors, vocational counselors, probation and parole officers, and more.

Students will:

• Deepen their knowledge with advanced coursework in mental health, aging, public health, research, leadership, and social justice.

• Participate in specialized internships, gaining professional experience and skills directly relevant to their career goals.

• Develop a strong foundation for pursuing graduate studies in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Public Health, and related disciplines.

The 2+2 structure at City Tech allows students to build their careers step-by-step, starting with practical entry-level training and advancing toward more specialized professional roles.

Special Programs and Opportunities

Internships are an essential part of City Tech’s accredited Human Services program. Through supervised placements, students gain real-world experience working directly in social service settings.

Associate Degree Internship (Field Experience I & II):

• Students complete two semesters of internships.

• Placements include community organizations, schools, shelters, or healthcare facilities.

• Students learn foundational skills such as helping clients, documenting cases, and connecting people to community resources.

Bachelor’s Degree Internship (Field Experience III & IV)

• Students complete an additional two semesters of advanced internships.

• Placements are in settings such as hospitals, behavioral health centers, and public health programs.

• Students take on advanced roles including counseling, case management, running groups, developing programs, and advocacy.

Internships often lead directly to job opportunities, with many students finding employment through their placements. Students also benefit from scholarships, career workshops, and networking events to support their professional growth.

Accreditation

Our degree programs are accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education.

Advisory Commission