Social Work & Human Services
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Social Work & Human Services
Turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful and rewarding future with Social Work and Human Services. This dynamic field prepares you to make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills employers seek in today’s workforce.
Through hands-on learning, real-world experience, and support from dedicated faculty, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to work with individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, homelessness, aging, and community wellness.
Whether your goal is to begin working in the field quickly or transfer to a four-year university, this program can open doors to opportunities in social services, behavioral health, nonprofit organizations, education, and community advocacy.
If you’re looking for a path with purpose, opportunity, and the ability to positively impact lives — including your own — Social Work and Human Services is a great place to start.
What you can do with a degree in Social Work & Human Services
- Social Services
- Community Outreach
- Behavioral Health
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Youth Programs
- Senior Services
- Case Management Support
- Housing Resource Support
- Mental Health Services Support
- Wellness and Community Wellness Programs
- Community Resource Navigation
- Working with Individuals and Families in Need
The Social Work and Human Services AA-T program also provides a strong foundation for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university and continue their education in social work, counseling, sociology, psychology, or related fields. Whether your goal is to start a career quickly or continue toward advanced professional opportunities, an AA degree or certificate in Social Work and Human Services can help you build a future focused on leadership, advocacy, and positive community impact.
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Become a Certified Wellness Coach
What is a Certified Wellness Coach?
The Certified Wellness Coach role is a new, state-certified profession to increase California’s overall capacity to support the growing behavioral health needs of children and youth (ages 0- 25). It is designed to help build a larger, more diverse, and representative behavioral health workforce in California that has the training and supervision needed to engage directly with young people where they live, study, and work. Please visit CWC website for more information.
Wellness Coaches offer non-clinical services that support youth behavioral health and wellbeing, such as wellness promotion and education, screening, care coordination, individual and group support, and crisis referral. The model will supplement and support existing behavioral health roles, fill gaps in the current behavioral health workforce, and create a larger and more diverse workforce with whom youth can connect.
How to Become a Wellness Coach
Foothill College Named a Certified Wellness Coach Designated Institution. A great way to begin your path toward becoming a Wellness Coach is to complete the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Certificate of Achievement and then pursue the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree. Most of the courses required for the CWC Certificate of Achievement also apply toward the Social Work/Human Services AA-T, allowing students to make progress toward both credentials simultaneously.
Although the CWC Certificate of Achievement is currently under approval, students can begin taking the required courses now. Because the certificate consists of existing courses that are already offered, students can make progress toward completion while the approval process is finalized. It is anticipated that the certificate will be available by the time most students complete the required coursework.
To determine the best educational pathway for your goals, meet with a counselor to develop an individualized education plan. For many students interested in helping professions, completing both the CWC Certificate of Achievement and the Social Work/Human Services AA-T can provide a strong foundation for employment and further study in health, wellness, social services, and related fields.
Required Courses for the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Certificate of Achievement (coming soon!)
The Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Certificate of Achievement includes the following courses. Many of these courses also apply to the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree, as indicated by the notations below.
CHLD 1: Child Growth and Development: Prenatal Through Early Childhood **
COMM 12: Intercultural Communication *
CNSL 92: Foundations of Helping Skills **
HEALTH 22: Health and Social Justice *
HEALTH 101: Introduction to Community Health Work
PSYC 1/1H: Introduction to Psychology +
PSYC 19: Psychology of Trauma **
SOC 1/1H: Introduction to Sociology +
SOC 11: Social Work and Human Services +
SOC 19: Alcohol and Drug Abuse *
SOC 50A/B: Social Work/Human Services Fieldwork and Fieldwork Seminar +
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Notation Key For students interested in completing both the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Certificate of Achievement and the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree: * Course may be used as an elective in the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree program. ** Course may be used as an elective in the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree program. Students who are not planning to transfer to a CSU may be able to substitute these courses in place of POLS C1000 and one U.S. History course. Please consult with a counselor for guidance. + Course is a required component of the Social Work/Human Services AA-T degree program. |
Foothill College CWC Partnership with Santa Clara County Office of Education (coming soon in 2027!)
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Educator Preparation Programs is developing the Certified Wellness Coach Apprenticeship, launching in 2027 in partnership with Foothill College. This Earn-and-Learn pathway introduces individuals to school‑based wellness and behavioral health careers while supporting them in completing the requirements to become a Certified Wellness Coach in California. For more information, please visit SCCOE Wellness Coach Apprenticeship website.
Ways to Experience More!
At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.
Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.
Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.
Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.
Related Programs and Degrees
