A.A. Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade)

The Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade) Program develops the knowledge and competence of students interested in teaching or working in related careers with children birth through fourth grade. The Program provides a sound theoretical foundation in principles of child growth and development from the prenatal period through the primary years, as well as a functional understanding of programs and curricula appropriate for young children. Skills emphasized include child observation, curriculum planning for diverse learners, advocacy and interpersonal and communication abilities.

A.A. Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th grades)

The Education: Middle Level (4th to 8th grades) Program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. After successful completion of the Program, students receive an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree. Most graduates then transfer to a four-year institution where they earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Education and are eligible for Certification to teach Grades 4-8. The curriculum helps students to apply the knowledge, concepts and skills essential for successful elementary/middle years instruction.

A.A. Psychology

Psychology is an excellent liberal arts major that allows you to explore and better understand the mind, how it functions and how it is influenced by biological, cultural and economic factors. Yet, there is also a practical advantage to studying psychology. Our students often report that they better understand themselves, and their relationships and other life experiences. Psychology is at play in practically every experience of our lives. It has been studied by individuals who have made their mark in a variety of fields within and beyond psychology including law, medicine and the arts.

A.A.S. ASL/English Interpreting

The ASL/English Interpreting (INT) curriculum prepares students to work as professional interpreters with Deaf and non-deaf (hearing) people. The goal of the ASL/English interpreter is to make communication as complete and equal as possible for both Deaf and non-deaf participants by accurately conveying the thoughts, feelings, words, attitudes and meanings of the message, whether it is expressed in spoken English, American Sign Language (ASL) or other forms of signed communication. Thus, interpreters must be bilingual, skilled in both English and ASL, and bicultural, knowledgeable about the cultures of both Deaf and non-deaf people.

A.A.S. Behavioral Health and Human Services

This curriculum is designed for students interested in working with people in need. Students will have the opportunity to study human behavior and human development within the context of the psychological, social and biophysical environments in which people live. They will develop skills needed to work with others both one-on-one and in groups. They will develop the value base from which they will practice and learn the ethical standards of the helping professions. They will learn to appreciate and work in a multicultural environment. As a major part of their study, they will also have the opportunity to work directly with people in need by being assigned two field placements with agencies and institutions in the community.

Human Services (Academic Certificate)

The Human Services certificate program of study is primarily for persons in Human Service agencies who wish to expand their career options and for students expressing an interest in the field. Career options include social and human service assistants, community and social service specialists, personal and home care aides, counselor aides and mental health technicians. Students will be provided with courses that will help in their development of core academic skills in reading, writing, mathematics and computer literacy. They will also be provided with core helping skills by taking key courses in Behavioral Health and Human Services, in areas such as group dynamics and case management. Students will also do one practicum, which may be completed at their place of employment. Along with the core helping skills, students will be introduced to job-specific helping courses in fields of practice such as addictions, disabilities, gerontology or youth work. Students will also select either Child Abuse and Family Violence or Crisis Intervention to complete the certificate.

Recovery Leadership (Proficiency Certificate)

The Recovery Leadership Proficiency Certificate will provide students with a coherent framework of understanding that encompasses issues related to youth development, spirituality, recovery, resilience and transformation, leadership styles, and conflict resolution in the human service field. This certificate prepares students to work within facilities and organizations such as faith-based ministries, community and collegiate recovery programs, and youth-oriented programs geared toward substance use and misuse prevention and intervention. This certificate will also provide continuing education credits (CEUs) for professionals, such as social workers, nurses, psychologists, and other human service workers interested the field of addiction and recovery leadership. The certificate is also a pathway for student cohorts who are participants in the Office of Collegiate Recovery. When completed, courses in the certificate may be applied to the BHHS Associate in Applied Science degree.