Major code AA2344*

College of Health Sciences and Professions  
Department of Social Work  
Morton Hall 416
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1269
https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/social-work/human-services-technology-major

Mary Jane Preece, Human Services Technology Program Director/contact person
preecem@ohio.edu

Available at the following locations:

• Chillicothe
• Lancaster
• Southern

Program Overview

The Human Services Technology (HST) program offers a two-year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. HST courses are offered online or via videoconference. The program offers a generalist approach, placing graduates in a position to choose their path among many diverse settings. Human Services workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, daycare centers, elected office, assistants to clinicians in private practice, prisons, and in numerous community agencies. 

The HST Practicum courses (HST 2921 and HST 2922), similar to internships, provide students the opportunity for real-world, first-hand experiences with a wide range of populations. This is an opportunity for the student to explore their interests and learn about career opportunities and future planning. Placements are available in a variety of settings and programs such as mental health, chemical dependency, social services, domestic violence, adult and juvenile corrections, prevention services, children services, and community action programs, among others. Faculty and on-site supervision is provided throughout the practicum experience.

While enrolled in the program, students can apply for the Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Preliminary and Renewal credential through the State of Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, and, upon graduation, graduates can apply for the Social Work Assistant (SWA) License via the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. The HST Program includes clinical knowledge and experience and can lead to a bachelor’s degree in Social Work upon graduation. 

*This program was previously AA5201 which awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be AA2344 and will award the Associate of Applied Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the human service technology major, students will be able to:

• Apply skills to diverse settings, including mental health facilities, prisons, social service agencies, and nursing homes.
• Complete a practicum that demonstrates the development of their professional and ethical helping attitudes, values, and beliefs.
• Demonstrate a greater understanding of the culture and diversity of clients.
• Identify evidence-based methods to educate and interact with clients using intervention techniques and strategies.
• Implement the necessary academic skills to pursue additional degrees and certifications.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No admission requirements beyond Ohio University admission requirements.

Change of Program Requirements

No selective or limited admission requirements are required of Human Services Technology majors.

External Transfer Admission

Students are encouraged to meet with Mary Jane Preece, the Program Coordinator, or an Academic Advisor to discuss the transfer of coursework from another institution. preecem@ohio.edu

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The Human Services Technology program (HST) offers a two-year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program offers a generalist approach, which provides knowledge and skills applicable to a diversity of settings (e.g., mental health, social services, corrections, etc.) Students may be eligible to apply for a Social Work licensure in the State of Ohio and/or a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license in the State of Ohio dependent upon current licensure or certification laws, practicum work experience, and supervision specifications.

The HST curriculum allows graduates to further their education by completing a bachelor’s degree in social work, communication, criminal justice, technical and applied studies (B.T.A.S. in a social service track) or in specialized studies with as few as two additional years of full-time study. The HST program is part of the Social Work department, allowing students to connect with the Social Work faculty as they progress through the program. Students are also encouraged to progress to either a Master of Education degree majoring in counseling or a Master of Social Work degree.

Graduates may find employment in areas such as human service worker, case manager, chemical dependency counselor assistant, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health technician, prevention specialist, community outreach worker, life skills counselor, children’s advocacy worker, or gerontology aide. The social service agencies in which our graduates may expect to find employment are too numerous to list (i.e., child protection services, case management services, mental health centers, adoptions agencies, foster care services).

Requirements