The Human Services curriculum prepares graduates to work in the helping professions in direct client care throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings, including residential care, mental health, services for the elderly, community care services, and child protective services. Human Services is synonymous with Social Work and includes counseling, interviewing, case management, mental health, gerontology, psychology and sociology. Employment opportunities in North Carolina include residential facilities, public health (Wake County Human Services), private agencies, and work with special populations. These may include persons with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, development disabilities, or substance abuse problems; the elderly; families; and children. Graduates may be eligible for certification in Human Services.