https://www.pcc.edu/programs/child-family-studies/
Career Program and Description
The Child and Family Studies department offers associate degrees and certificates in early childhood education and human services for those interested in working with children, families, individuals and communities. Due to an increased focus on the importance of early learning and a rising demand for social services, national and statewide job growth and employment is projected to be much higher than average.
Family and Human Services
The Family and Human Services (HUS) program uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for entry-level human service work including case management, home visiting, family service work/advocacy, social and human service support, and much more. Family and human service professionals assist in providing services in a wide variety of fields such as psychology, rehabilitation, social services, and social work. Human service graduates work in a diversity of environments, including Head Start, for-profit and non-profit social service agencies, programs for the aging, programs serving children, youth and families, and state and local governments.
The HUS coursework is designed to meet the needs of working students. Coursework for the Foundation in Human Services Career Pathway Certificate and AAS degree can be completed through a combination of courses offered online, in the evening, and on Saturdays.
Portland Community College has a pathway agreement with Portland State University's School of Social Work. Students who complete the AAS in Family and Human Services (HUS) may transfer up to 100% their degree credit toward the BS in Child, Youth, and Family Studies degree program.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science
Family and Human Services
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Foundations in Human Services
Academic Prerequisites
- Students should be prepared to enter WR 121 and MTH 20. Many HUS courses, core interdisciplinary courses, and concentration area electives require both WR 121 and MTH 20 as prerequisites. Students who do not meet these requirements may need extended time to complete the program.
Academic Requirements
- Students earning the AAS degree in Family and Human Services must meet college graduation requirements including general education, math, and English competencies.
- Students must take HUS 101 and HUS 102 within the first term of the program.
- Students should take HUS 121 within the first or second term of the program.
- Students are required to secure their own field placement sites. Admittance to Field Experience is based on previously completed coursework, site availability, and department permission.
- In order to earn the AAS degree in Family and Human Services students must complete:
- All HUS, PSY, ECE, SOC, GRN, AD, HEC, HE, CG, and CJA courses with a grade of "C" or "P" or better (as applicable).
- All field experience courses and seminars.
- Students must satisfy MTH 58/MTH 65 as a degree requirement.
- In order to earn the Foundations in Human Services Less than One-Year Career Pathway Certificate students must complete:
- All HUS courses with a grade of "C" or "P" or better (as applicable).
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- An initial advising/information session with a Child and Family Studies department advisor.
Non-Academic Requirements
- Criminal Background Check
- Field placement sites may require students to undergo a criminal background check prior to placement. Costs associated with this requirement are the sole responsibility of the student.
- PCC does not have the authority to determine if a student's past or current criminal background will prohibit them from working in the human services field. It is the student's responsibility to review ORS 443.004 and the information regarding disqualifying crimes provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Developmental Disabilities programs; the Developmental Disabilities programs; the Oregon Health Authority, Addictions and Mental Health Division; and the Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division.
- Counseling
- The field of human services is intense, dynamic, and emotionally challenging. Working in the field may bring up strong emotions as well as current, past, and unresolved psychological trauma. It is strongly recommended that students enrolled in the HUS program seek professional counseling while participating in the program. Free and confidential counseling services are available to all PCC students at no cost through PCC Counseling Services.
- The Family and Human Services program is designed as a career pathway to accommodate full and part-time students.
Family and Human Services AAS Degree
Minimum 90 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Family and Human Services Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 101 | Addiction | 3 |
| AD 104 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| AD 160 | Basic Counseling | 4 |
| ECE 124 | Multicultural Practices: Exploring Our Views | 3 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| HUS 101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 121 | Family and Human Systems | 3 |
| HUS 131 | Models and Systems of Human Service Delivery | 3 |
| HUS 141 | Direct Service Methods | 3 |
| HUS 151 | Introduction to Case Management | 3 |
| HUS 221 | Issues and Trends in Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 230A | Field Experience Seminar I: Family and Human Services | 2 |
| HUS 230B | Field Experience Seminar II: Family and Human Services | 2 |
| HUS 230C | Field Experience Seminar III: Family and Human Services | 2 |
| HUS 241 | Planning and Evaluation in Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 250 | Field Experience I: Family and Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 260 | Field Experience II: Family and Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 270 | Field Experience III: Family and Human Services | 3 |
| PSY 201A | Introduction to Psychology - Part 1 * | 4 |
| or PSY 202A | Introduction to Psychology - Part 2 | |
| PSY 215 | Human Development | 4 |
| PSY 239 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology * | 4 |
| Any PE Course | 1 | |
| Concentration Area Electives 1 | 13 | |
| General Education: 2 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- *
Could be used as General Education.
- 1
Students are advised to focus on a single concentration area, but are permitted to select courses from any of the Concentration Area Electives.
Family and Human Services Concentration Area Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 13 credits from any concentration area: | ||
| Gerontology | ||
| GRN 175 | The Aging Mind | 2 |
| GRN 233 | Supporting End of Life | 4 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 245 | 1 | |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 2 |
| Parenting Education and Family Life | ||
| HEC 140 | Introduction to Family Life Education | 3 |
| HEC 201 | Family Partnerships in Education | 3 |
| HEC 212 | Parent-Child Relations | 3 |
| HEC 226 | Child Development * | 4 |
| PSY 222 | Family & Intimate Relationships * | 4 |
| Early Childhood Education | ||
| ECE 104 | Gender and Sexuality in Early Childhood | 1 |
| ECE 120 | Introduction to Early Education and Family Studies | 3 |
| ECE 121 | Observation and Guidance I | 3 |
| ECE 175A | Infant/Toddler Caregiving: Learning and Development | 1 |
| ECE 175C | Infant/Toddler Caregiving: Social/Emotional Growth | 1 |
| ECE 189 | Building Relationships with Infants, Toddlers, and Families | 1 |
| ECE 196 | Teaming and Communication in ECE Settings | 2 |
| ECE 224 | Multicultural Practice: Curriculum & Implementation | 3 |
| ECE 234 | Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 236 | Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| HE 262 | Children's Health | 4 |
| HUS 115 | Infant and Toddler Mental Health | 3 |
| Addictions and Counseling | ||
| AD 102 | Drug Use and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 105 | Aging & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 107 | Addiction Recovery Mentor | 3 |
| AD 110 | Substance Abuse Prevention | 3 |
| Criminal Justice | ||
| CJA 100 | Professions in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJA 101 | Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice Professions | 3 |
| CJA 111 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Police | 3 |
| CJA 112 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Courts | 3 |
| CJA 113 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - Corrections | 3 |
| CJA 114 | Introduction to Juvenile Process | 3 |
| Human Services Generalist (any Concentration Area Elective will meet Human Service Generalist requirement) | ||
| CG 144 | Introduction to Assertiveness | 1 |
| CG 145 | Stress Management | 2 |
| CG 146 | Value Clarification | 1 |
| CG 147 | Decision Making | 1 |
| CG 191 | Exploring Identity and Diversity for College Success | 4 |
| HUS 103 | Introduction to Home Visiting | 2 |
| HUS 104 | Introduction to Trauma Informed Care | 1 |
| HUS 105 | Introduction to Crisis Intervention | 1 |
| HUS 106 | Mental Health First Aid: Youth | 1 |
| HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | 1 |
| Health and Wellness | ||
| HE 212 | Women's Health | 4 |
| HE 213 | Men's Health | 4 |
| HE 242 | Stress and Human Health | 4 |
| HE 250 | Personal Health | 3 |
| HE 251 | Community and Public Health | 4 |
| HE 262 | Children's Health | 4 |
| HE 264 | Food Systems and Public Health | 4 |
| HE 295 & PE 295 | Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab | 3 |
| PE 130A | Fitness Through Corrective Exercise I | 1 |
| PE 130B | Fitness Through Corrective Exercise II | 1 |
| PE 130C | Adapted Physical Education III | 1 |
| PE 182G | Tai Chi II | 1 |
| PE 182H | Individual Fitness | 1 |
| PE 182S | Tai Chi I | 1 |
| PE 184M | Meditation: Mind-Body Fitness I | 1 |
| PE 182W | Physical Activity for Weight Control I | 1 |
| PE 184N | Physical Activity for Weight Control II | 1 |
| PE 184Q | Meditation: Mind-Body Fitness II | 1 |
| Yoga Teacher Certificate: Students must enroll in the Yoga Teacher Certificate program through Exercise Science for this concentration area. | ||
| FT 100 | Emergency Response for Fitness Professionals | 1 |
| FT 120 | Foundations of Yoga Instruction | 3 |
| FT 121 | Advanced Yoga Instruction | 3 |
| FT 280Y | Yoga Teacher Practicum | 1 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| PE 182K | Yoga I | 1 |
| or PE 182I | Power Yoga | |
| or PE 182J | Gentle Yoga | |
| or PE 182L | Yoga II | |
| PE 283 | Professional Activities: Mind-Body Disciplines | 2 |
| Child Welfare | ||
| AD 108 | Adolescence and Addiction | 3 |
| HEC 201 | Family Partnerships in Education | 3 |
| HEC 226 | Child Development | 4 |
| HUS 106 | Mental Health First Aid: Youth | 1 |
| HUS 110 | Introduction to Child Welfare | 3 |
| HUS 115 | Infant and Toddler Mental Health | 3 |
| HUS 251 | Case Management in Child Welfare | 3 |
Foundations in Human Services Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 13 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Foundation in Human Services Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Family and Human Services AAS degree.
Foundations in Human Services Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HUS 101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 121 | Family and Human Systems | 3 |
| HUS 131 | Models and Systems of Human Service Delivery | 3 |
| HUS 141 | Direct Service Methods | 3 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
HUS 101. Introduction to Human Services. 3 Credits.
Introduces the history, scope and context of human services, including how the profession evolved. Includes a survey of the present conditions in the field, contemporary trends, issues, and outcomes of service delivery. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 102. Mental Health First Aid: Adult. 1 Credit.
Provides key skills to help adults who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Covers mental health literacy, including identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental illness. Audit available.
HUS 103. Introduction to Home Visiting. 2 Credits.
Introduces the philosophy and practice of home visiting. Examines the strategies and issues of home visiting in a variety of contexts. Audit available.
HUS 104. Introduction to Trauma Informed Care. 1 Credit.
Introduces the core principles of trauma informed care. Explores the types of trauma and the effect on clients and human service professionals. Audit available.
HUS 105. Introduction to Crisis Intervention. 1 Credit.
Introduces a theoretical and practical approach to understanding crisis intervention. Addresses crisis intervention techniques and community resources. Audit available.
HUS 106. Mental Health First Aid: Youth. 1 Credit.
Provides key skills to help an adolescent (12-18 years) who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Covers common mental health disorders and potential crises such as helping a young person who is having a panic attack, is contemplating suicide, or is struggling with substance use disorders. Required: Full attendance is mandatory to meet Youth Mental Health First Aid certification requirements from the National Council on Behavioral Health. Audit available.
HUS 107. Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult. 1 Credit.
Provides key skills to help older adults and those dealing with later-life issues who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Covers mental health literacy, including identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental illness. Audit available.
HUS 110. Introduction to Child Welfare. 3 Credits.
Introduces the history, mission, scope and context of child welfare services and practice, including the underlying philosophy of the field. Includes a survey of the present conditions, cultural and relationship issues, and outcomes of service delivery in both public and private child welfare settings. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 115. Infant and Toddler Mental Health. 3 Credits.
Introduces the concepts and practices associated with the social and emotional well being of infants and toddlers. Covers attachment theory, promoting parent-child relationships, culturally responsive caregiving practices, and Resources for Infant Educators (RIE). Audit available.
HUS 121. Family and Human Systems. 3 Credits.
Introduces the structure and dynamics of organizations, communities, and society as well as the nature of individuals and groups. Provides an understanding of human systems, including individual, interpersonal, group, family, organizational, community and societal. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 131. Models and Systems of Human Service Delivery. 3 Credits.
Explores the scope of conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning, such as social, economic, biological, psychosocial and cultural systems. Covers the range and characteristics of human services delivery systems, including populations served. Requires: 20 hours of Community Based Learning (CBL). Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 141. Direct Service Methods. 3 Credits.
Introduces theory, knowledge, and skills needed to provide direct services and appropriate interventions to clients and client groups. Covers major methods of direct service delivery, including interviewing, group facilitation, and crisis intervention. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 151. Introduction to Case Management. 3 Credits.
Introduces the principles, practices, models, and issues involved in case management. Covers skill development including assessment, intake interviewing, service delivery, and information management. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Prerequisite/concurrent: HUS 101, HUS 102, HUS 141, HUS 131, and HUS 121. Audit available.
HUS 221. Issues and Trends in Human Services. 3 Credits.
Explores values and ethics intrinsic to the human services profession, including standards outlined by the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). Covers awareness of personal values, cultural bias, style, and philosophies, including how these personal characteristics affect service delivery. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Prerequisite/concurrent: HUS 131 and HUS 141. Audit available.
HUS 230A. Field Experience Seminar I: Family and Human Services. 2 Credits.
Supports the development of skills for successful field experience placements. Covers working under supervision, teamwork, stress, professional boundaries and related professional issues. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Corequisite: HUS 250.
HUS 230B. Field Experience Seminar II: Family and Human Services. 2 Credits.
Supports the development of skills for successful field experience placements. Covers working under supervision, teamwork, stress, and professional boundaries and related professional issues. Prerequisites: HUS 250, HUS 230A, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Corequisite: HUS 260.
HUS 230C. Field Experience Seminar III: Family and Human Services. 2 Credits.
Supports the development of skills for successful field experience placements. Covers working under supervision, teamwork, stress, professional boundaries, professional certification and related professional issues. Prerequisites: HUS 260, HUS 230B, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Corequisite: HUS 270.
HUS 241. Planning and Evaluation in Human Services. 3 Credits.
Presents knowledge and skill development in the systematic analysis of service needs, including planning appropriate strategies, implementation of services and evaluation of outcomes. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Prerequisite/concurrent: HUS 131 and HUS 141. Audit available.
HUS 250. Field Experience I: Family and Human Services. 3 Credits.
Covers the integration of knowledge, theory, skills, and behaviors needed to work in a human service setting. Supports the development of practical skills, experience, and professional interests under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor. Prerequisites: HUS 151, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement and department permission required. Corequisite: HUS 230A.
HUS 251. Case Management in Child Welfare. 3 Credits.
Introduces population-specific principles, practices, models, and issues involved in case management in child welfare. Covers skill building practice for family assessments, trauma informed interviewing, dual relationship service delivery, information management, and basics of testifying. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
HUS 260. Field Experience II: Family and Human Services. 3 Credits.
Covers the integration of knowledge, theory, skills, and behaviors needed to work in a human service setting. Supports the development of practical skills, experience, and professional interests under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor. Department permission required. Corequisite: HUS 230B. Prerequisite: HUS 250, HUS 230A, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement.
HUS 270. Field Experience III: Family and Human Services. 3 Credits.
Covers the integration of knowledge, theory, skills, and behaviors needed to work in a human service setting. Supports the development of practical skills, experience, and professional interests under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor. Department permission required. Corequisite: HUS 230C. Prerequisites: HUS 260, HUS 230B, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement.