Student in business professional attire standing outside.

Social and Human Services

A.A.S.
Certificate
Diploma
High School Option
Skills Development

Let Us Help You Help Others

Are you seeking a career that involves making a difference for others? That’s exactly what you’ll do with your Social & Human Services degree, diploma, or certificate from South Piedmont Community College.

With Social & Human Services credentials from South Piedmont, you’ll be ready for entry-level positions providing social, community, and educational services.

Our alumni are making a difference, giving hope and help to those who need it most. 

Ready for a career that makes a difference? Get started today.

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The Program Options

2 Years
The Social and Human Services curriculum will prepare you for entry-level positions at institutions and agencies that provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, you will take courses that prepare you for specialization in specific human service areas.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1.5 Years 38 Credit Hours
The Social and Human Services curriculum will prepare you for entry-level positions at institutions and agencies that provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, you will take courses that prepare you for specialization in specific human service areas.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Semester 16 Credit Hours
The Social and Human Services Gerontology certificate will prepare you to specialize in direct service delivery work with older adults and their families. The curriculum provides both theoretical and applied models for understanding issues of aging.

Certificates are primarily pursued by Social and Human Services degree-seeking students who want an added credential upon graduation or students who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering or enhancing their human services skills and knowledge.

Note: Classes with the GRO prefix are ONLY offered in the spring semester.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Semester 17 Credit Hours
The Social and Human Services Substance Abuse Certificate will prepare you to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented educational activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, and managing community-based programs. This certificate may assist students in meeting the educational requirements for certification and/or licensure from the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

Certificates are primarily pursued by Social and Human Services degree-seeking students who want an added credential upon graduation or individuals who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering or enhancing their human services skills and knowledge.

Note: Courses with SAB prefix are only offered in the fall semester.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Semester 16 Credit Hours
The Social and Human Services Social Services certificate will prepare you for direct service delivery work at social service agencies. The curriculum will enable you to link theory and practice through interactive classroom activities that develop a skill-based academic foundation.

Certificates are primarily pursued by Social and Human Services degree-seeking students who want an added credential upon graduation or individuals who already have advanced degrees and are interested in furthering or enhancing their human services skills and knowledge.

Noe: Courses with SWK prefix are only offered in the spring semester.

Mode

Online/in-person

Prerequisites

None

1 Year 13 Credit Hours
The Social and Human Services Social Services certificate will prepare you for direct service delivery work in social service agencies. The curriculum will enable you to link theory and practice through interactive classroom activities that develop a skill-based academic foundation.

Prerequisites

None

11 Weeks 144 Credit Hours
The Community Health Worker certification will prepare you to advocate for community health needs, provide basic health education and outreach, connect clients to health and social services, build cultural competency and communication skills, and support chronic disease prevention and management. After completing this program, you will be prepared to work as a community health worker in a variety of settings. 

Mode

Online

Prerequisites

None

4


This program offers four options, including a degree, diploma, certificate, and high school pathway.

Transfer


We have articulation agreements with four-year universities, allowing you to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

$76


The cost of in-state tuition for South Piedmont’s curriculum programs is just $76 per credit hour, making us the most affordable higher education option in Anson and Union counties.

FAQ

A Social and Human Services degree prepares students to help individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Students learn counseling techniques, case management, crisis intervention, human behavior, and community resource coordination.

Graduates can pursue entry-level careers in social services, mental health agencies, family services organizations, youth programs, community outreach, corrections, rehabilitation services, and nonprofit organizations. Many students also continue their education in social work, counseling, psychology, or related fields.

Social and Human Services is a rewarding career field for people who enjoy helping others and making a difference in their communities. Demand for trained professionals continues to grow as organizations seek qualified employees to support individuals and families facing a variety of challenges.

Students can complete South Piedmont’s Social and Human Services degree n approximately two years when attending full-time. Part-time options may also be available for working adults who need a more flexible schedule. Certificate and diploma options take less time to complete.

Students develop skills in interviewing, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, communication, problem-solving, advocacy, and community resource coordination. These skills are valuable in a wide range of human services and social services careers.

Many students use their associate degree as a foundation for continued study in social work, human services, counseling, or related fields. South Piedmont advisors can help students explore transfer options based on their educational goals.

No prior experience is required. The program is designed for students who are new to the field as well as professionals who want to advance their careers or transition into helping professions.

South Piedmont offers affordable tuition, supportive faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and career-focused training that prepares students for real-world Human Services careers. Students gain practical knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in community and social service settings.

South Piedmont’s Work-Based Learning program will connect you with local employers where you can gain real-world, hands-on experience in the field. 

You’ll Learn to Understand and Help People

As a student in South Piedmont’s Social & Human Services program, you’ll learn to work with a variety of clients, including older adults, at-risk adolescents, people with developmental disabilities, victims of domestic violence, homeless individuals, and those dealing with substance abuse, chronic illness, or who are in need of vocational rehabilitation.

You’ll learn to assess their needs, match them with appropriate services, and provide support to help them access the services that will help them overcome their current challenges. You’ll build your skills during fieldwork opportunities at agencies throughout our region.

The Main Building on South Piedmont's OCH campus.
Keturah Key in front of the Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity building.

Your First Step to a Fulfilling Career

I drive by South Piedmont on my way to work, and every day, I have such a feeling of gratitude for where my education took me. Everything started to fall into place when I chose South Piedmont.

Keturah Key, Social & Human Services graduate and executive director of the Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity

Build Your Professional Experience Now

South Piedmont’s Work-Based Learning program will help you gain professional in-field experience before you even graduate.

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HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Get in Touch

We’re excited to talk to you about your future and how we can help you reach your goals. Reach out today!