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Social Work/Human Services

Overview

The Folsom Lake College Social Work & Human Services (SWHS) Program is a Career Education program. Our stackable certificates and associate degree prepare students for immediate employment in paraprofessional and associate level careers in social service settings. Students who earn the Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate (18 units) can take additional units in the program to earn the Human Services Specialist Certificate (27 units), and the SWHS General AA (60 units).

Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies, including interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and culturally responsive practice. Through our capstone practicum courses (SWHS 366 & 367), this academic program also provides students with a unique opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to practice through volunteer or work experience in a community-based social service setting.

The Associate Degree for Transfer in SWHS prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities to continue their social work education. Those interested in transferring should meet with a counselor to select and plan the courses for your major, as transfer institutions vary widely in the courses required for undergraduate preparation.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Social Work & Human Services
  • A.A. in Social Work/Human Services, General
  • Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate
  • Human Services Specialist Certificate
  • Division Dean Dr. Rose Giordano
  • Department Chair Dr. Jill Bradshaw
  • Phone (916) 361-6330
  • Email giordar@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Social Work & Human Services

The Associate in Arts in Social Work and Human Services for Transfer degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Human Services should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower-division preparation in the major.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CAL-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.


Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3) 3 - 4
   or BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
   or BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
   or ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3) 3
   or ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology 3
STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4) 3 - 4
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
SWHS 300 Introduction to Social Work & Human Services 3
SWHS 366 Practices in Human Services 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
   or ENGL C1001H Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
Total Units: 27 - 29

The Associate in Arts in Social Work & Human Services for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify and describe the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a social work/human services paraprofessional.
  • identify social service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
  • describe the ethical standards for social work/ human services paraprofessionals and demonstrate effective use of an ethical decision-making model.  
  • demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using the core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
  • evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services paraprofessional.
  • demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in economics, psychology, sociology, and social work.

Career Information

The Social Work & Human Services degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transition to four-year Social Work programs which prepare students for advanced studies in a variety of graduate programs and for entry level positions in a variety of social service settings. Social Workers with graduate degrees and professional licensure have a broad range of employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, clinical practice, community organizing, policy, advocacy, research, and teaching. Social Workers work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Social Work/Human Services, General

The A.A. degree program in Social Work/Human Services prepares students for employment in paraprofessional positions in human service settings and prepares students for transfer to 4-year colleges or universities to continue their education toward advanced degrees and potential licensure in Social Work or related fields. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and techniques for working with individuals and groups.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
SWHS 300 Introduction to Social Work & Human Services 3
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations 3
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3) 3
SWHS 350 Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services 3
SWHS 360 Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services 3
SWHS 366 Practices in Human Services 3
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 365 Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
SWHS 367 Advanced Practices in Human Services (3)
SWHS 494 Topics in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
SWHS 498 Work Experience in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 30

The Social Work/Human Services, General Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • define, describe, and demonstrate the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
  • discuss and analyze human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
  • describe the ethical standards for Human Services & Social Work professionals and demonstrate effective use of a ethical decision-making model.  
  • demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
  • identify and demonstrate effective techniques for working with individuals and/or groups.
  • evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services paraprofessional.
  • demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology, sociology and/or social work.
  • demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and introductory statistics.

Career Information

Job titles may include, but are not limited to: Case Manager; Behavioral Technician; Social and Human Service Specialist; Residential Advisors; Health Educator; Community Health Worker; Rehabilitation Specialist;  Social and Community Service Specialist; Advocate; Mental/Behavioral Health Specialist; Peer Mentor/Peer Specialist; Service Coordinator

Certificates of Achievement

Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate

The Human Services Paraprofessional Certificate prepares students for employment in entry-level paraprofessional positions in human services settings. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, and ethical & professional behavior. This program is aligned with coursework for the Human Services Specialist Certificate and SWHS General AA degree, allowing students to continue forward in their career and educational pathways, if desired.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
SWHS 300 Introduction to Social Work & Human Services 3
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations 3
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3) 3
SWHS 350 Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services 3
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 360 Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services (3)
SWHS 365 Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify, describe, and perform the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
  • identify human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
  • accurately describe ethical standards for Human Services professionals and an ethical decision-making model.
  • demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse populations.

Career Information

Career Opportunities - Job titles include: Social and Human Service Assistants; Direct Care Support; In-Home Health Assistant; Residential Assistant; Day Program Assistant; Rehabilitation Assistant; Social and Community Service Assistant; Peer Mentor.


Human Services Specialist Certificate

The Human Services Specialist certificate program in Social Work/Human Services prepares students for employment in paraprofessional positions in human service settings. Coursework focuses on skill development around core competencies for basic practice, including: interpersonal communication, case notes/writing/documentation, critical thinking, professional identity development, ethical and professional behavior, advocacy and social justice, cultural humility, and techniques for working with individuals and groups. This program is aligned with coursework for the SWHS General AA degree, allowing students to continue forward in their career and educational pathways, if desired.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
SWHS 300 Introduction to Social Work & Human Services 3
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations 3
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3) 3
SWHS 350 Ethical Issues in Social Work/Human Services 3
SWHS 360 Techniques for Interviewing and Case Management Services 3
SWHS 366 Practices in Human Services 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
PHIL 310 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 340 Introduction to Chemical Dependency (3)
SWHS 365 Techniques for Working with Groups (3)
SWHS 367 Advanced Practices in Human Services (3)
SWHS 494 Topics in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
SWHS 498 Work Experience in Human Services (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 27

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • define, describe, and demonstrate the basic skills, duties and responsibilities of a human services paraprofessional.
  • discuss and analyze human service and welfare systems, policies, and programs.
  • describe the ethical standards for Human Services & Social Work professionals and demonstrate effective use of a ethical decision-making model. 
  • demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using core principles of equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person-centered practice.
  • identify and demonstrate effective techniques for working with individuals and/or groups.
  • evaluate developing identity as a skilled, ethical, and self-reflective social work/human services. paraprofessional
  • demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology, sociology and/or social work.

Career Information

Job titles may include, but are not limited to: Social and Human Service Specialist; Residential Specialist; Health Education specialist; Community Health Assistant; Rehabilitation Specialist;  Social and Community Service Specialist; Mental/Behavioral Health Specialist; Peer Mentor/Peer Specialist

Catalog