UPT ANNOUNCES ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HUMAN SERVICES

TITUSVILLE, July 30 -- The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville will offer a new degree, Associate of Arts in Human Services, beginning this fall.  According to Dr. Margaret Hermanek Peaslee, Vice President of Academic Affairs at UPT, this degree is for people who like to work with and be around people.

The degree will prepare students at the undergraduate level for employment in the fields of education and human services.  Students who complete the degree will be prepared to assist education, mental health, and human services professionals in the care and rehabilitation of diverse populations in a variety of settings.

In addition, with this degree, students may develop an excellent foundation for advanced study in disciplines which focus on human interaction, such as sociology, psychology, or anthropology.  Courses that emphasize applied mental health concepts and helping techniques will be coupled with a strong background in the liberal arts.

In the Venango/Crawford County areas, several agencies were contacted and invited to serve in an advisory capacity in the development of the course, including the Titusville and Franklin School Districts.

Employment settings may include schools, community health centers, behavioral health centers, residential treatment centers, community rehabilitation centers, child care centers, and child and family welfare agencies.

According to Peaslee, employment prospects for this degree are very positive.  A student who completes this degree may work as a Family Educator (provide in-home parent education and support to families); a Program Supervisor in Human Services (supervise staff and program activities) or a Counselor (plan/conduct therapeutic activities and counsel clients); Crisis Advocate (provide crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence); Therapeutic Support-Wraparound Workers (provide one-on-one intervention to children with emotional and/or behavioral difficulties); Mental Health Technicians (provide psychiatric inpatient and outpatient care); Training Coordinator (coordinate and facilitate orientation program and training activities and act as contact for trainers).

As part of the program, students will complete a 3-credit internship at an agency in which they may be interested in working.

For more information, contact Dr. Erica Altomare, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UPT, at 827-4430.

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