The Community and Human Services (CHS) provides academic preparation for students who plan further study and careers in human services, nonprofit administration, social work, community development, and psychology.
It focuses on building student understanding of helping skills, such as assessment and problem-solving, which are used in services ranging from case management to community development. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach to empowering communities and developing the knowledge and skills necessary for the provision of social services. Students can explore and articulate how their faith life informs their chosen academic and professional pathways.
Program Student Learning Goals
Curriculum (focus on Social Work)
Curriculum (focus on Psychology)
FIELD EXPERIENCE
The field experience is an essential element of the Esperanza College program for students to gain first-hand experience in the Community and Human Services field. This is a valuable part of an Esperanza College education as it provides students with the opportunity to put their classroom knowledge into practice in the professional world.
Students in the community and human services concentration complete a mandatory 42–45-hour field experience in a community or government agency. Some of these experiences have included assisting in counseling, client intake, working with clients, and assessment. Students can expect to gain invaluable experience, connections, and an understanding of the workings of the field.
Upon matriculation into the program, students will be informed of field experience placement and timeline from the Director of the concentration.
Examples of field experience have included the following:
NOTE: The above list features places where students have worked for field experience. Field experience is NOT considered an internship since it is a volunteer experience.
Four Year Plan
The Community and Human Services program provides a strong foundation for further coursework towards a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing their associate degree at Esperanza College, students can continue towards their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. The exact number of credits transferred is determined by each receiving institution, but those who choose to continue within Eastern University can do so without missing a beat: the two years of undergraduate work along with the initial prerequisites of the program will be counted toward the degree without any loss of credits. Graduates in community and human services are prepared for further coursework towards a bachelor’s degree through Eastern University in the following areas of the social sciences:
Career Path
Many of our students are interested in working for government and community agencies as case and care managers, social work assistants, housing counselors, and non-profit administrators.
