Pre-Social Work

The field of human services focuses on meeting human needs by applying methods, practices and technologies from a vast, interdisciplinary knowledge base. Problem prevention and remediation as well as improving quality of life are primary objectives of human services professionals. Accessibility, accountability and coordination are essential components of exemplary service delivery.

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Pre-Social Work

Contact Information

Cheryl Redinger

creding@inverhills.edu
651-450-3306
HH305

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

The Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.S. offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Social Work bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing the pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State Universities* enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor's degree programs in a related field.

The Pre-Social Work Pathway consists of the Required Pathway Curriculum and the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), to bring your credit total to 60 credits.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid. Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

*Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Watch the video to learn more about the Pre-Social Work program

Degrees

A.S., Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway Degree – 60 credits

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Required Pre-Social Work Pathway Curriculum – 38 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1100 Intro to Social Work 3 cr
HSER Electives Choose from the following or any HSER course(s):
  • HSER 1104 Multicultural Awareness in the Helping Professions
  • HSER 1112 Crisis Intervention
  • HSER 1117 Mental Disorder through the Lifespan
  • HSER 1123 Family Functions and Interactions
 6 cr
HSER 1179 Human Service Seminar 1 cr
HSER 1189 Internship 3 cr
BIOL 1114 Critical Issues In Human Biology 3 cr
MATH 1103 Statistics 4 cr
PSYC 1101 OR
PSYC 1201 		Introduction to Psychology OR
Introduction to Psychology with Laboratory 		4 cr
PSYC 1210 Lifespan Development 4 cr
SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology 4 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender 3 cr
POLS 1111 American Government 3 cr
Total Credits: 38

Additional General Education Requirements – 22 credits

The MnTC requires a minimum of 40 credits, some of which will be satisfied by the required pathway curriculum. You must complete the MnTC courses that are specifically designated below, such as ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills for MnTC Goal Area 1. You may choose the other courses from each goal area from the list located at: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

To streamline your degree, you are encouraged to choose MnTC Goal 1-6 courses that also meet MnTC Goal areas 8 and 10.

Goal Description Courses
Goal 1 Communication
  • ENGL 1108 Writing & Research Skills
  • ENG 1111 or 1114 or 1130
  • COMM 1100, 1110 or 2230
 3 cr
Goal 2 Critical Thinking
  • Satisfied by MnTC completion
 0-1 cr
Goal 3 Natural Science
1 course must include lab
  • Goal 3a Life Science BIOL 1114 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  • Goal 3b Physical Sciences course
 2 cr
Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
  • MATH 1103 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
 1 cr
Goal 5 History/Social Sciences/Behavioral Sciences
  • PSYC 1101 or 1201 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  • PSYC 1210 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  • SOC 1100 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
 3 cr
Goal 6 Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature
  • Goal 6a (Fine Arts) course
  • Goal 6b (Humanities/Literature) any course
  • Any additional Goal 6 course
 3 cr
Goal 7 Human Diversity
  • SOC 1127 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
 1 cr
Goal 8 Global Perspective
  • Goal 8 - may be satisfied by utilizing course from Goal 6
 1 cr
Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility
  • POLS 1111 - Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
 1 cr
Goal 10 People and the Environment
  • Goal 10 - may be satisified by utilizing course from Goal 3
 1 cr
Total Credits: 22

Recommended Course Of Study For Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree

Here is the recommended course of full-time study for the Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.S. degree. Note that not all courses will be available every semester. In many instances, you will be able to choose a specific course from a MnTC Goal Area. For a complete list of MnTC Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 1 - 15 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1100 Intro to Social Work* 3 cr
SOC 1100 Intro to Sociology*(MnTC Goal 5, 9) 4 cr
MATH 1103 Intro to Statistics* (MnTC Goal 4) 4 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (MnTC Goal 1, 2) 4 cr
Total Credits: 15

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 2 - 15 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER elective*   3 cr
ENG 1111, 1114 OR 1130 (MnTC Goal 1) 2-3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a   2-3 cr
COMM 1100, 1110 OR 2230 (MnTC Goal 1) 3 cr
PSYC 1101 OR
PSYC 1201 		Intro to Psychology* (MnTC Goal 2,5) OR
Intro to Psychology with Lab* (MnTC Goal 2, 5) 		4 cr
Total Credits: 15

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 3 - 15 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER elective*   3 cr
PSYC 1210 Lifespan Development* (MnTC Goal 5, 7) 4 cr
BIOL 1114 Critical Issues in Human Biology* (MnTC Goal 3a) 3 cr
BIOL 1110 Human Biology Lab & MnTC Goal 3b/10 without lab OR
MnTC Goal 3b/10 with lab 		4 cr
Total Credits: 15

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 4 - 15 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1179/1189 Seminar and Internship* 4 cr
MnTC Goal 6b   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b/8   3 cr
POLS 1111 American Government* 3 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender* 3 cr
Total Credits: 15

* Course required for major

Recommended Part-Time Course Of Study For Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree

Here is the recommended course of part-time study for the Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway A.S. degree. Note that not all courses will be available every semester. In many instances, you will be able to choose a specific course from a MnTC Goal Area. For a complete list of MnTC Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 1 - 7 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1100 Intro to Social Work* 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (MnTC Goal 1, 2) 4 cr
Total Credits: 7

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 2 - 7 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER elective *   3 cr
SOC 1100 Intro to Sociology*(MnTC Goal 5, 9) 4 cr
Total Credits: 7

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 3 - 8 credits

Course Number Title Credits
MATH 1103 Intro to Statistics* (MnTC Goal 4) 4 cr
PSYC 1101 OR
PSYC 1201 		Intro to Psychology* (MnTC Goal 2,5) OR
Intro to Psychology with Lab* (MnTC Goal 2,5) 		4 cr
Total Credits: 8

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 4 - 9 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER Elective*   3 cr
POLS 1111 American Government* 3 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender * 3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 5 - 9 credits

Course Number Title Credits
PSYC 1210 Lifespan Development*(MnTC Goal 5, 7) 4 cr
ENG 1111, 1114 OR 1130 (MnTC Goal 1) 2-3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a   2-3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 6 - 10 credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 6b   3 cr
BIOL 1114 Critical Issues in Human Biology* (MnTC Goal 3a) 3 cr
BIOL 1110 Human Biology Lab & MnTC Goal 3b/10 without lab OR
MnTC Goal 3b/10 with lab 		4 cr
Total Credits: 10

Pre-Social Work Pathway Semester 7 - 10 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1179/1189 Seminar and Internship* 4 cr
COMM 1100, 1110 OR 2230 (MnTC Goal 1) 3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b/8   3
Total Credits: 10

*Course required for major

Certificates

Human Services Assistant Certificate – 30 Credits

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain entry-level employment in the human services profession.

Students in this program will acquire theory, knowledge, skills and techniques to prepare them for employment. This program helps students confront directly the realities of a career focused on helping others. Students explore attitudes, thoughts and feelings as they affect their ability to work effectively with others as a human services generalist. Direct experience with human service consumers and agencies, through internship and class experiences, are essential features of this program. Students also can specialize in areas such as mental illness, mental retardation, chemical dependency, child development or aging by focusing their internship and course work in those areas.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid. Some courses within this program require a criminal background study to successfully complete. Please see the course description section of the catalog for more details. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide Gainful Employment Disclosure

Human Services Assistant Curriculum – 22 credits

Course Number Title Credits
HSER 1100 Introduction to Social Work 3 cr
HSER 1104 Multicultural Awareness in the Helping Profession 3 cr
HSER 1106 Basic Counseling Skills 3 cr
HSER 1107 Group Processes 3 cr
HSER 1112 Crisis Assessment and Intervention 3 cr
HSER 1123 Family Functions and Interactions 3 cr
HSER 1179 Human Services Seminar 1 cr
HSER 1189 Internship 3 cr
Total Credits: 22

Human Services Assistant Electives – 8 credits

Course Number Title Credits
Select from any HSER courses or any of the following:
EDU 1110 Education: Early Childhood Birth to Grade 3 3 cr
EDU 1128 Guidance/Communication and Development of Young Children 3 cr
EDU 1130 Early Childhood Education 3 cr
EDU 1132 Creative Activities for the Young Child 2 cr
EDU 1133 Children's Health, Nutrition, Physical Development, and the Effects of Drugs 3 cr
EDU 1136 Infant and Toddler Development 3 cr
EDU 1138 Children with Special Needs 3 cr
EDU 2008 Children's Mental Health 2 cr
EDU 2020 Foundations of Early Literacy 3 cr
EDU 2805 Introduction to Children's Literature 3 cr
CJS 1154 Juvenile Justice 3 cr
PSYC 1215 Child and Adolescent Psychology 3 cr
PSYC 1220 Adult and Aging Psychology 3 cr
HLTH 1130 Drug Use and Abuse 3 cr
INTS 1777 The Journey of Love 3 cr
INTS 1140 Human Sexuality 3 cr
Total Credits: 8
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Course Descriptions

HSER 1100  Introduction to Social Work   3.0 cr

Provides an introduction to the field of Social Work and Social Welfare. Course describes history, worker roles, and current career trends in the field. Students are required to participate in hands-on experience through service learning. This course is appropriate for anyone who might be interested in the helping profession.

HSER 1103  Adults with Disabilities   2.0 cr

Explores the various types of disabilities and how they impact the individual, the family unit, and society. A particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the unique behavioral, physical, cultural and psychological issues associated with each type of disability. NOTE: HSER1103 and INTS 1103 are co-listed; department should be selected at registration. Credit will be given in only one department. Students wanting to fulfill Goal 7 of the MTC must enroll in INTS 1103.

HSER 1104  Multicultural Awareness in the Helping Profession   3.0 cr

Examines attitudes and enhances knowledge and skills that are necessary to work effectively with culturally diverse populations in the human services field. Students will explore their own and others' cultural indentities, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Emphasis is placed on how to adjust services to the multicultural needs of individuals who are served.

HSER 1105  Loss and Grief   2.0 cr

Looks at dynamics of loss and grief across the lifespan. We will look at how grief impacts families and children, as well as exploring gender differences. We will incorporate journal assignments and experiential activities designed in the healing of each person's grief journey. Students will learn to identify, assess, and intervene in grief situations.

HSER 1106  Basic Counseling Skills   3.0 cr

Introduces basic counseling and interviewing skills. Students will learn and apply skills that range from basic attending and listening skills to chart documentation and treatment planning. Prerequisite: Recommended concurrent enrollment with HSER 1100.

HSER 1107  Group Processes   3.0 cr

Focuses on the development of communication skills and self-awareness important in the roles of group membership and leadership. Provides an understanding of the evolution and function of therapeutic groups. Emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills. Prereq: HSER 1100 and HSER 1106.

HSER 1112  Crisis Assessment and Intervention   3.0 cr

Presents basic concepts of crisis assessment, intervention, and referral. The application of strategies and techniques with a discussion of intervention, assessment, and referral models is included. An overview of interventions for specific crisis will be reviewed. An assessment model for making appropriate referrals is presented. Pre-requisite: HSER 1106.

HSER 1117  Mental Disorders Through the Life Span   3.0 cr

Introduces an overview of the range of mental disorders throughout the lifespan. Disorders covered include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance disorders, personality disorders, and disorders in children and the elderly. Students will learn to identify signs and symptoms of each disorder. They also will learn basic skills and therapeutic treatments that effectively help individuals who have mental disorders.

HSER 1121  Adolescent and Youth Work   2.0 cr

Focuses on learning about adolescents, identifying their developmental stage, tasks and goals, and how to work with them concerning their mental and physical health needs. Common adolescent crisis problems and cases will be explored, including assessment and intervention strategies. This course is for Human Service Students, counselors, other helping professionals, law enforcement personnel, teachers and parents.

HSER 1123  Family Functions and Interactions   3.0 cr

Studies the family with attention to its organization, function and dynamics. Emphasis is placed on the impact and effects of family on individual development. The course offers an introduction to family systems theory, normal and problematic family systems, and family functioning concepts. It also examines family violence including, social and psychological roots of violence. Chemical dependency and how it affects the family will also be discussed.

HSER 1125  Action Based Learning Experience   2.0 cr

Introduces students to an experientially based course that will be service learning oriented. Students will immerse themselves in the local community/culture partnering with local agencies in serving those individuals and families in need. Students will be traveling to out state or out of region localities.

HSER 1126  Ethical Issues in Human Services   2.0 cr

Presents an overview of ethical issues specific to Human Services including models for ethical decision making, legal and professional issues, professional codes of ethics, core values and personal issues.

HSER 1140  Human Sexuality   3.0 cr

Presents an interdisciplinary study of human sexuality in a pluralistic society. NOTE: HSER 1140 and INTS 1140 are co-listed; department should be selected at registration. Credit will be given in only one department. Students wishing to earn MnTC credits must enroll as INTS 1140.

HSER 1179  Human Services Seminar   1.0 cr

Provides an opportunity for human services students to create and implement projects for the development of personal knowledge and skill. Provides students the opportunity to receive support on internship progress. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study. This course must be taken concurrently with HSER 1189, Internship. The course may be repeated once. Prereq: Must take currently with HSER 1189, Internship.

HSER 1189  Internship   cr

Offers work experience in a human service agency, providing an opportunity to further develop skills. Through work experience, students will gain additional knowledge of human services practices and concepts. May be taken as two 3-credit courses or one 6-credit course. To complete the requirements of the course students will need to receive a criminal background clearance. Please refer to the Criminal Background section of the catalog for more information on the criminal background study. Prereq: Permission of human service faculty and previous human service coursework. Must take concurrently with HSER 1179, Human Services Seminar.

HSER 2250  Contemporary Human Services Topics   cr

Presents special topics in Human Services. Coursework explores current issues and challenges in human services. May be repeated under different topics.
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Transfer Pathways

With this transfer pathway, you will be able to transfer to the following majors:

  • At Bemidji State University: Social Work – BS
  • Metropolitan State University: Social Work – BSW
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Social Work – BSSW
  • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: TBD
  • Southwest Minnesota State University: Social Work – BS
  • St. Cloud State University: Social Work – BS
  • Winona State University: TBD
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Clubs & Organizations

Student Clubs

VIBE: Volunteering Individuals Brings Empowerment

Purpose: Empower individuals, families, and communities through volunteer work.

To learn more, contact:

Cheryl Redinger
Human Services Instructor
VIBE Faculty Advisor
651-450-3374

Professional Organizations

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Employment Information

Human services professionals typically work in social service agencies, community-based environments as well as institutional and residential settings. Levels of responsibility vary; some workers direct their own duties while others perform with direct supervision.

Due to the nature of the work, which involves direct contact with vulnerable individuals, job applicants are carefully screened for professional and personal qualifications. Employers seek applicants with relevant academic credentials, work experience and a history of volunteerism.

Traits and skills of human services professionals

  • Critical thinking
  • Decision-making
  • Clear understanding of fieldwork duties and responsibilities
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Emotional stability
  • Psychological health
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Behavioral self-regulation
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Caring
  • Empathy

Potential job titles in human services

  • Adult day care worker
  • Alcohol counselor
  • Assistant case manager
  • Behavioral management aide
  • Case management aide
  • Case monitor
  • Caseworker
  • Child abuse worker
  • Child advocate
  • Client advocate
  • Community action worker
  • Community organizer
  • Community outreach worker
  • Crisis intervention counselor
  • Drug abuse counselor
  • Eligibility counselor
  • Family support worker
  • Gerontology aide
  • Group activities aide
  • Group home worker
  • Halfway house counselor
  • Home health aide
  • Intake interviewer
  • Juvenile court liaison
  • Life skills instructor
  • Mental health aide
  • Neighborhood worker
  • Parole officer
  • Probation officer
  • Psychological aide
  • Rehabilitation caseworker
  • Residential counselor
  • Residential manager
  • Social service aide
  • Social services liaison
  • Social services technician
  • Social work assistant
  • Therapeutic assistant
  • Youth worker

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with earning an A.S. in Human Services Worker at Inver Hills.

Additional resources

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Why Inver Hills?

Completing your A.S. in Human Services Worker degree obligations at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. Make a difference in someone’s life by applying effective counseling skills in a variety of social and community service roles
  2. Investigate complex social problems and understand the effects on individuals, communities, and society
  3. Conduct advocacy and outreach alongside human services professionals
  4. Receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with human services faculty
  5. Get firsthand human services experience helping solve real-world problems
  6. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit card debt and auto loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

Are you thinking of a major in Human Services: Student Success Stories


Check out Sarah Green's The Helping Profession.

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