Human Services

Human Services

A.S. Degree, A.A.S. Degree, Certificate, Microcredentials

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Human Services

Helping people to help themselves is the common thread in Human Services, and the field is diverse and extensive. You may work in education, child care, social services, mental health, home health, or recreation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "The number of social and human service assistants is expected to grow by nearly 23 percent between 2008-2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due in large part to the aging population and increased demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment."

Field Experience

As part of your four-credit internship you will work in a human service agency. This field work course enables you to work for a minimum of 135 hours in direct care helping people to help themselves

Degree Requirements

Careers on Career Coach

Our graduates work as teachers in child development programs, child care workers in group homes, caregivers, examiners in social service agencies, recreation specialists in geriatric settings, and caregivers in centers for children who are developmentally disabled, among other positions. Recent graduates have been employed by Catholic Charities, Cortland County Community Action Program, Cortland Migrant Outreach Program, Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca, Franziska Racker Centers, Mental Health Association, Tompkins County, J.M. Murray Center, Tioga Opportunities, Inc., Tompkins Community Action/Headstart, Tompkins County Youth Advocate Program, Inc. Learn more about related jobs: 

Program Chairs

Patty Tvaroha

 

 

 

 

 

 


PATTY TVAROHA, MAAE

Associate Professor, Human Services

Patty Tvaroha is a proud alumnus of Tompkins Cortland’s Human Services program. After graduating from Tompkins Cortland in 1998, Patty transferred to SUNY Cortland to become the first student to complete the two plus two articulation agreement and earn a BS in Human Services.

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faculty-patmercer

PATRICK MERCER

Professor

When I was completing my undergraduate degrees in Recreation, Outdoor Management, and Leisure Commercial Management at Lock Haven University, I stumbled across a sign while rock climbing during spring break at Seneca Rocks in WV. It read, “Here ends the Realm of the Hiker...” As an Outdoor Educator and Associate Professor, I heed the message from this sign as I help people overcome their own challenges to experience something greater or more intense in the field of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

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Transfer Options

Recent transfer institutions include:

  • Binghamton University
  • SUNY College at Brockport
  • SUNY College at Canton
  • SUNY College at Cortland
  • Elmira College
  • Empire State College
  • SUNY College at Fredonia
  • Hunter College, City University of New York
  • Ithaca College
  • Keuka College
  • Syracuse University

 

Student Showcase

  • Sarah Paradiso

    Sarah Paradiso

    Sarah Paradiso Q&A

    Brought to the College by the cost and convenience of our ASAP program with Keuka College, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the Tompkins Cortland campus, Sarah Paradiso, found a community that was more welcoming than she even imagined. Now she’s president of the Alliance for Recovery Community at the College and well on her way to making a lasting contribution to our campus and community.

    Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

    I decided to start my journey at Tompkins Cortland mainly because of the cost and location. Then I discovered the ASAP program with Keuka college, and knew this was the place to be.

    How is your college experience at Tompkins Cortland preparing you for what comes next (career and/or transfer)?

    I intend on transferring to Keuka college for my BSW. I was accepted to the ASAP program. So now I can stay on a campus I know and get my next degree.

    What do you hope to go on to do after graduation (career and/or transfer, etc.)?

    Once I graduate in December with my associate degree, I plan on finding a job in the field while I get my BSW. I am leaning toward the macro side of social work. I want to work in community outreach surrounding mental health in its various forms.

    Who at TC3 has had the greatest positive impact on your experience? 

    The professors I have encountered have made me feel at home. They can see me. It is a feeling unlike any other. I know that they all respect me as I do them. I thought it would feel more like working, but classes have been empowering.

    What are you involved in on campus (jobs, sports, clubs, organizations, study abroad) and how has it added to your overall college experience?

    I have made a ton of solid connections here. I was fearful when I started that I would be "the old lady" in classes – turns out I wasn't. I have made friends with fellow students both younger and older than myself. Then I realized I should get involved. I was a part of several events on campus last year. It really made me feel like a part of the student body. This semester I was asked to be the president of the Alliance for Recovery Community at Tompkins Cortland, and this has made my experience much more satisfying. Now I'm getting other students involved with supporting students. It has been surreal.