University of Alaska Fairbanks

1996-1997 catalog

Degrees and Programs


Human Service Technology

College of Rural Alaska, Tanana Valley Campus;
Interior-Aleutian Campus; Northwest Campus
(907) 474-6658

Degree: A.A.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits

The Human Service Technology program provides training and knowledge in basic helping skills needed for entry level employment in public, private and volunteer human service agencies. The Human Service Technician may provide case management, needs assessment, advocacy, crisis intervention and stabilization, and supportive task-centered short term counseling under the supervision of a specialist worker and usually within a multidisciplinary team. Human Service Technicians are employed in a wide variety of human service settings such as: mental health, Native corporations, developmental disabilities, public assistance, corrections and substance abuse treatment. Persons seeking a career in human service should recognize that in order to be successful they must be emotionally stable, creative and flexible. Human Service Technicians will have to be able to work with diverse groups of people and individuals with a wide variety of ages, social and cultural backgrounds and life situations. Upon completion of the Human Service Technology major, students are eligible to be certified Counselor Technician in the State of Alaska.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Human Service Technology A.A.S. Degree

  1. Complete the following general university and A.A.S. requirements:
    Communications:
    ENGL 111X and ENGL 211X, 212*, or 213X (6)
    COMM 131X or 141X (3)
    Mathematics or Natural Science:
    A math or natural science course at the 100 level or above (3)
    PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  2. Complete the following major degree requirements:
    HST 120 Cultural Diversity and Human Service (3)
    HST 125 Introduction to Addictive Processes (3)
    HST 205 Basic Principles of Group Counseling (3)
    HST 210 Crisis and Grief Counseling (3)
    HST 215 Individual Interviewing and Assessment (3)
    HST 230 Human Service Practicum I (8 hour/week) (2)
    HST 231 Human Service Practicum II (8 hour/week) (2)
    HST 240 Human Service Seminar I (1)
    HST 241 Human Service Seminar II (1)
    HST 301 Ethics in Human Service (3)
    HST 305 Substance Abuse Counseling (3)
    PSY 240 Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3)
    SOC 242 The Family: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
    SWK 103 Social Work in the Human Services (3)
    Subtotal (39 credits)
  3. Complete 9 credits from the following:
    HST 250 Current Issues in Human Service and/or General Electives (9)
    Degree Total (60 credits)

*ENGL 212 does not fulfill the second half of the written communication requirement for the baccalaureate degree.

For Certificate Holders

  1. Complete the Rural Human Services Certificate and the following general university and A.A.S. requirements:
    Communications:
    ENGL 111X and ENGL 211X, 212*, or 213X (6)
    COMM 131X or 141X (3)
    Mathematics or Natural Science:
    A math or natural science course at the 100 level or above (3)
    PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  2. Complete the following major degree requirements:
    HST 205 Basic Principles of Group Counseling (3)
    HST 301 Ethics in Human Service (3)
    HST 305 Substance Abuse Counseling (3)
    PSY 240 Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3)
    SOC 242 The Family: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)
    SWK 103 Social Work in the Human Services (3)
  3. General Electives (if needed) (0-4)
    Degree Total (60 credits)

*ENGL 212 does not fulfill the second half of the written communication requirement for the baccalaureate degree.

MINOR in Human Service Technology

A minor in Human Service Technology is available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. This minor will give students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills applicable to careers in the helping professions. Upon completion of the Human Service Technology minor students are eligible to be certified as a Counselor Technician in the State of Alaska.

  • HST 125 Introduction to Addictive Processes (3)
    HST 210 Crisis and Grief Counseling (3)
    HST 215 Individual Interviewing and Assessment (3)
    HST 250 Current Issues in Human Services (3)
    HST 301 Ethics in Human Service (3)
    HST 305 Substance Abuse Counseling (3)
  • Minor total (18 credits)

Substance Abuse Counselor Certification:

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Review Board has approved the following courses for 45 training hours each toward certification or recertification of Substance Abuse Counselors in the State of Alaska:

  • HST 125 Introduction to Addictive Processes
    HST 205 Basic Principles of Group Counseling
    HST 210 Crisis and Grief Counseling
    HST 215 Individual Interviewing and Assessment
    HST 301 Ethics in Human Service
    HST 305 Substance Abuse Counseling

Currently certified Substance Abuse Counselors are eligible for transfer credit toward the Human Service Technology degree. Please contact the Human Service Technology Program Coordinator at 474-6658 for more information.