What is Human Services?

The human services program at Lone Star College -Montgomery provides the skills and competencies required for a variety of positions in the helping professions field. Human service professionals work with those experiencing a wide range of issues, struggles or problems, including those with developmental disabilities, individuals with psychological or emotional problems or limitations, clients with substance abuse problems, people with work- or educational-related issues, or those needing assistance with basic life need issues such as housing, food, and clothing. Human service professionals work with children, groups, families, and the elderly.

Resources

LCDC Criminal History Information
Human Services FAQs

What Careers Can Human Service Students Pursue?

Students with a degree in human services often work in any number of capacities and jobs, including case workers or case managers, counselors, advocates, and prevention and education specialists. Many graduates work one-on-one with clients in direct care positions, while others work behind the scenes or in administrative or management positions. Human service professionals work in government- or state-funded agencies, local nonprofit agencies, in residential treatment facilities and hospitals, and in private offices or agencies.

Substance Abuse Training

The human services program at LSC-Montgomery offers a special degree track for students interested in working in the field of substance abuse counseling. Students who obtain the Basic Chemical Dependency
Certificate complete the required coursework and supervised field practicum needed to apply with the state of Texas to become a licensed chemical dependency counselor intern. This state level designation allows  graduates to work in entry level positions in the substance abuse counseling field. The human services program also offers an associate’s degree in human services with a special concentration in substance abuse counseling, a degree that enables graduates to become fully licensed as chemical dependency counselors.

Human Services Training

In addition to the two degrees specific to substance abuse counseling, the human services program also offers an entry level human services certificate, as well as an associate’s degree with a general human services concentration. Both of these degrees are designed for students who desire a general education in human  services.

What Does It Take to Work in Human Services?

Human service professionals are motivated by helping others find solutions to their struggles or problems. Effective professionals are patient, have empathy and compassion for others, and enjoy giving of themselves and working with others. Human service professionals also should be able to manage their time well and have effective communication skills. Because of the nature of the work in this field, professionals should be
mature, stable and dependable.

Can I Transfer a Human Services Degree to a Four-Year College?

Yes. The human services program at LSC- Montgomery has established several partnerships with local four year colleges and universities, who accept either of the human service associate’s degrees upon transfer. See program staff for more information.

How is the Job Market?

Due to the growing number of problems experienced in our world today, the job market remains strong for human service professionals. This is especially true for human service students who pursue education beyond the Associate’s degree level. Salaries for entry-level positions in the field can range from $21,000 to $28,000, with professionals earning beyond this level with added education and licensure.

How Can I Get Started?

Take advantage of LSC-Montgomery’s continuous registration and enroll today! Admission is available for those who meet any one of the following criteria:

• Graduated from an accredited high school
• Transferred from another college or institution
• Successfully completed the GED (General Education Development)
• Received individual approval from the Division of Behavioral Science, English, Language, and Speech at 936.273.7374
• Completed an assessment placement test

Is Financial Aid Available?

To explore financial aid options, visit the financial aid link at www.LoneStar.edu/financial-aid or call: 936.273.7227.

Faculty & Staff