Human Services

Start a career helping people and making a difference in your community. Bakersfield College's Human Services program teaches you the skills needed to support children, families, and adults in many different settings. You will learn about mental health, disability services, elder care, and other areas where people need support.

Human Services can lead to jobs like case manager, crisis worker, housing counselor, youth worker, and many more. This program is a great choice for students who want a meaningful career helping others live safer, healthier, and more independent lives.

What is Human Services?

Human Services is a field that focuses on helping people meet basic needs such as food, housing, health care, and education. Professionals in this field support individuals and families who may be facing challenges like poverty, addiction, homelessness, or mental health issues.

People working in Human Services can be found in schools, non-profit groups, hospitals, government offices, and community agencies. The main goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and strengthen communities.

Is the Human Services program right for Me?

Human Services may be a good fit if you enjoy helping people and want to make a positive impact. Students in this field care about others, communicate well, and are patient and understanding.

Helpful traits include:

• Empathy and compassion
• Good communication
• Problem-solving skills
• Respect for different cultures
• Flexibility and organization
• A desire to support underserved communities

If you want a career with purpose, Human Services could be a great choice.

Degree and Certificate

Human Services Associate of Arts Degree

This degree prepares you for entry-level jobs in many Human Services agencies and gives you a strong foundation to continue your education in human services or other social science fields.

Human Services Job Skills Certificate

This certificate provides classroom learning and hands-on experience through internships. You will learn how to support people in need and practice your skills in real community settings.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers in Human Services

A Human Services degree can lead to many careers, including:

• Case manager
• Youth worker
• Community health worker
• Social service assistant
• Human services manager
• Advocate for families, seniors, or people with disabilities

This field offers many paths and the chance to grow or change your focus over time.

Internship Field

Bakersfield College partners with local agencies to give students real-world experience. Internships may include youth programs, advocacy groups, legal services, recovery programs, and family support services. These opportunities help you build confidence, skills, and connections in the field.

A career in Human Services is rewarding and meaningful. With compassion and dedication, you can make a real difference in the lives of people in your community.

Getting Started in Internship

Email the program coordinator for further information, to complete an orientation, and acquire program coordinator signature and clearance to register for the field internship course(s).

Field Coordinator: Heather Baeza
heather.baeza@bakersfieldcollge.edu

Graduates with a Human Services Associate of Arts may also choose to continue their education and pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Behavioral Sciences

Career & Learning Pathway: Social Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Pathway

Courses: Human Services (HMSV)