1. College Success

• COLLG 110 College Success (3 credits)

• 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.

2. Introduction to Human Services

• SSMH 100 Introduction to Human Services (5 credits)

• 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. Law and Ethics in Social Services

• SSMH 215 Law and Ethics in Social Services (5 credits)

• 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.

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. Social Service Mental Health Course Recommendation

Choose one

• SSMH 230 Abuse in the Family (3 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is designed to familiarize you with problems of abuse in the family.

• SSMH 185 Identity and Values in the Family (3 credits)

• Course purpose: This course is designed to familiarize you with the formation of identity, values, and self-concept in a family context.

5. Mental Health Interviewing and Assessment

• SSMH 170 Mental Health Interviewing and Assessment (5 credits)

• 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.

6. Social Service Mental Health Field Experience 1

• SSMH 201 Social Service-Mental Health Field Experience 1 (5 credits)

• Course purpose: Under qualified supervision, you will be applying  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.

Action Item: Apply for Graduation

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

7. Self-Care for Caregivers

• SSMH 210 Self-Care for Caregivers (3 credits)

• 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.

8. Sociology Course Recommendation

Choose one

• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This course will help you deepen you understanding of human relationships within the context of today’s rapidly changing world.

• SOC& 201 Social Problems (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good course if you are interested in gender issue counseling.

• SOC 211 Family and Intimate Relationships (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good course if you are interested in marriage and family therapy.

• SOC 212 Death, Dying and Bereavement (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good course if you are interested in geriatrics and grief counseling.

• SOC 220 Gender Roles in Society (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good course if you are interested in gender research or gender issue counseling.

9. Psychology Course Recommendation

Choose one

• PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: You will learn how behaviors are product of biology, psychology, and environment.

• PSYC& 180 Human Sexuality (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good course if you are interested in general counseling.

• PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in pursuing counseling in geriatrics and/or children.

• PSYC 201 Psychology of Personal Growth (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in pursuing general counseling.

• PSYC 210 Social Psychology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in understanding both psychological and sociological factors play into one’s behavior.

• PSYC 215 Group Experience (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in pursuing general counseling.

• PSYC 230 Intro to Personality (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in pursuing general counseling.

• PSYC& 220 Abnormal Psychology (5 credits)

• Course purpose: This is a good option if you are interested in pursuing general counseling.

Total Credits: 39

Program Code: 369C