About

Social Work & Human Services Program

Group photo at We Are Not Alone Tour
Students at the We Are Not Alone Tour

The Human Services certificate and associate degree is a hands-on, performance-based program designed to prepare you for a career in human services and social services. You'll develop practical skills for the workplace, gain real-world experience through local internships, and build a foundation that also meets lower-division requirements for bachelor's degrees in related fields.

Accreditations

CCAPP Accredited — Addiction Studies CAADE Accredited — Addiction Studies
 

Career Options for Graduates

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles in the helping professions — in schools, clinics, community organizations, and government agencies.

  • Child/Client Advocate
  • Wellness Coach
  • Sober Living Counselor
  • Therapeutic Residential Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Assistant Case Manager
  • County or State Eligibility Screener
  • Disability Advocate
  • Domestic Violence Advocate

Cost & Financial Aid

SRJC is a public community college — one of the most affordable paths to a career in human services.

Program Units

  • Associate Degree: minimum 60 units
  • Certificate: 34–42 units, depending on emphasis
  • Books and materials are an additional cost
  • Out-of-state and international students pay higher fees

Financial Aid

  • California Promise Grant may waive fees for qualifying students
  • Many other forms of financial aid are available
  • Contact the Financial Aid Office: (707) 527-4471
For current tuition and fee amounts, visit the SRJC Tuition & Fees page (opens external site).

How to Enroll

The program starts each fall and spring semester. Follow these steps to get enrolled and on your way.

Take the English and Math assessments
If pursuing an Associate Degree, completing English and Math in your first year will set you up for success.
Meet with an academic counselor
A counselor will help you plan your full educational pathway and confirm which courses to take first. This step is highly recommended before enrolling.
Enroll for the upcoming semester
Fall enrollment opens in April  ·  Spring enrollment opens in November

Begin your first semester with these three core courses:

  • SWHS 90 – Introduction to Human Services
  • SWHS 80 – Introduction to Addiction Studies
  • SWHS 87 – Ethical Issues in Social Work and Human Services

A complete list of required courses is available in the class schedule, college catalog, and under certificate programs and majors online.

Coursework

Courses are designed to build practical skills for working directly with people in the community.

What you'll study

  • Introduction to social work, human services, and addiction studies
  • Prevention, pharmacology, and family systems in addiction
  • Counseling skills — individual, group, and case management
  • Ethics and professional practice in social work
  • Co-occurring disorders and specialized practicum training
  • Identity, cultural diversity, and advocacy
  • Supervised fieldwork and internship experience