Degree programs can be completed in two years for students who enroll on a full-time basis. Many students attend part-time and complete the program within four years. Some students are required to take additional English or math courses, which may extend the time necessary to complete the program.

Certificate programs are intended to be completed within three semesters, depending on the number of courses a student can take each semester.

Faculty advisors encourage students to enroll in a course load that will allow students to be successful while also keeping in mind non-academic obligations and responsibilities.

All Social & Human Services students are assigned a faculty advisor upon program enrollment. Your faculty advisor can assist with selecting courses, choosing a concentration area and providing referrals to campus resources to support student success in and out of the classroom.

Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor prior to registering for classes their first semester, particularly if you have any transfer credits from other schools or if you plan to transfer to a four-year school upon graduation.

Faculty advisors cannot assist with program changes. If you wish to add to or change your program of study, you will need to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Academic Advising office.

Yes, students are allowed to complete more than one subject area or certificate. Students interested in multiple concentrations are encouraged to consider completing a combination of the degree program and a certificate program. One certificate program is transferable into the degree program.

Students considering multiple certificates or subject areas should plan to complete those requirements prior to completion of the degree. Please speak with your faculty advisor if you are interested in more than one concentration area.

The Addiction and Recovery Studies Intervention certificate requires students to participate in Work-Based Learning. Students often find this helpful in getting them started toward earning the practical hours required for credentialing as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with the North Carolina Additions Specialist Practice Board. This is particularly helpful for students who may already have a four-year or master's degree and who are changing careers.

The Addiction and Recovery Studies Counseling certificate does not require a Work-Based Learning experience. Instead, it requires a course in working with groups in recovery settings. This may be most useful for students who wish to complete a certificate program in Addiction and Recovery Studies in addition to a Social & Human Services degree program or students who already work in the addiction field and who wish to work toward credentialing.

Students interested in these certificate options are encouraged to speak with a program advisor for more information on choosing the best option for their needs. Students who do not have any previous college experience should consider completing the AAS degree in Social & Human Services.

Some students who complete a Social & Human Services degree program do transfer to other schools to complete bachelor's degrees. Wake Tech has agreements with UNC-Pembroke (Social Work), the University of Mount Olive (Human Services), North Carolina Wesleyan University (Psychology and Healthcare Administration) and Gardner-Webb University (Human Services). Fayetteville State University, UNC-Greensboro, Purdue University Global and Lees-McRae College have also accepted courses from North Carolina community college Social & Human Services programs.

Wake Tech is working on agreements with other colleges and universities to allow students to transfer credits and enter with junior status. In some cases, additional general education classes are required, which may extend the time required to complete the four-year degree. Students hoping to transfer to a four-year program after graduation from Wake Tech are encouraged to meet with their faculty advisor early in the program to ensure that they are on the best path for achieving that goal.

Incoming students who aspire to transfer to a four-year program to study psychology or social work may wish to consider the Associate in Arts transfer program.

The human services field recognizes that professionals can come to the field with a variety of previous experiences. Having a criminal record as part of your personal history may or may not affect your employment options. Many agencies require pre-employment background checks and, depending on the specific nature of your criminal background, will make determinations on your employability.

Students interested in working toward a credential as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor should consult the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Practice Board for details regarding how a criminal history may affect credentialing in that field.

Students typically complete Work-Based Learning (WBL) during their last or next-to-last semester in the program. To be eligible for WBL, students must have have an 2.5 GPA or higher in their program coursework, have completed the prerequisite courses and submit a faculty recommendation from from their faculty advisor or a program instructor. Contact the WBL faculty coordinator, or ask your faculty advisor for more information.

Students with previous or current work experience in the human services field may be eligible for credit for prior learning or be allowed to complete their Work-Based Learning (WBL) experience at their current place of employment. Students are encouraged to speak with the WBL faculty coordinator about their options.

The WBL faculty coordinator maintains a list of community agencies that provide WBL experiences for our students. If you are not currently working in the human services field, the coordinator will work with you to identify and select and appropriate WBL site.