2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Social Service Behavioral Health (AAS) Course Map


Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your degree by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets degree requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time. 

While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Associate in Applied Science Social Service Behavioral Health, you are responsible for fulfilling all degree requirements

Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!


 

Employment Eligibility Requirements

Any past criminal history may be detrimental to finding employment in the Social Service Behavioral Health field. If you have any concerns please speak with an advisor.

1. College Success


  • Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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  • Note: The College Success course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following. Your advisor will assist you in selecting either the 3- or 5- credit version of the course. Should you choose to repeat a College Success course you must enroll in a College Success course with the same credit amount as the original course; a COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course.

2. Introduction to Human Services


  • Course purpose: This course provides you an opportunity to explore the social service field history, philosophy, theory and exploration of career paths, values, education and skills needed. This course covers many of the requirements to complete a Certified Advisor Credential with the state of Washington RCW 18.19.

3. English Composition I


  • Course purpose: In this field you must be able to clearly and accurately document patient case information.

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  • Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course.

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, make adjustments to your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps.

4. Law and Ethics in Social Services


  • Course purpose: This course explores the legal and ethical issues in social services. Includes: counselor regulation, confidentiality, client rights, involuntary commitment, rights and responsibilities of mental health professionals, mandatory reporting, child welfare, case law and standards of conduct. This course covers many of the requirements to complete a Certified Advisor Credential with the state of Washington RCW 18.19.

5. Business Mathematics


Action Item: Attend a Transfer Fair


Attend a transfer fair and explore institutions so you can take the correct prerequisites. GPA check at the completion of 20 credits.

6. Social Service Mental Health Course Recommendation


Choose one

7. Social Science Course Recommendation


Choose one

8. Communication Course Recommendation


Choose One

  • Course purpose: Interpersonal communication and public speaking are essential skills in the human service field in order to work with case management, clients, and peers.  This course will help you develop your formal presentation skills.

  • Course purpose: Interpersonal communication and public speaking are essential skills in the human service field in order to work with case management, clients, and peers.  This course includes learning around interpersonal communication. 

9. Mental Health Interviewing and Assessment


  • Course purpose: This course will be an Introduction to helping skills and interpersonal communication, specifically basic communications, interviewing and assessment skills, as used in community mental health settings. This course covers many of the requirements to complete a Certified Advisor Credential with the state of Washington RCW 18.19.

10. General Psychology


Action Item: Apply for Graduation


Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details. https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/graduation

11. Field Experience I


12. Self-Care for Care Givers


  • Course purpose: This course will help you master personal self-care techniques. You will learn to identify and plan strategies to cope with the multiple stresses inherent when giving care.

13. Social Service Mental Health Core Electives Recommendation


Choose one group or any combination of 15 credits. Electives approved by SSMH advisor: Any Psychology, Sociology, multi-cultural course, or course related to career path. COLLG 110 works here as well.

Group A


Group B


Group D


14. Biology Course Recommendation


Choose one

15. Introduction to Chemical Dependency


  • Course purpose: An orientation to chemical dependency and psychoactive drug abuse, including etiological theories of chemical dependency; history of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs; and basic principles of prevention, intervention and treatment.

16. Field Experience 2


  • Course purpose: This course gives you exposure to a career-related work experience, under qualified supervision, introducing you to the application of professional and technical knowledge, values and skills as preparation for employment in the social service-mental health field. Completion of 120 hours of field work is required.

17. Sociology Course Recommendation


Choose one

18. Abnormal Psychology


19. Psychology Course Recommendation


Choose one

Total Credits: 97