EDUCATION | HUMAN SERVICES | SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
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Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree
The Associate in Arts transfer degree equals the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. By earning your A.A. degree at PBSC, you are guaranteed admission to one of Florida's public universities to complete your bachelor’s degree. You also may transfer to certain private institutions or PBSC bachelor's programs. Our A.A. degree advising track will help guide you in selecting general education and elective courses that fit your desired upper-division major and the requirements of your chosen transfer school. Always work with your PBSC academic advisor in making your final choices.
View the 15 to Finish course sequence map for each track below:
A.A. Degree - Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Tracks
Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Certificates & Degrees
At PBSC, you can choose from many career pathways. Each certificate and degree is a stepping-stone, either to the job market or to the next level in your education.
Degrees:
- AS: Associate in Science degrees prepare you for skilled employment or transfer to PBSC’s bachelor's programs and possibly other institutions.
- BS: Bachelor of Science degrees give associate degree graduates the option to earn a career-focused bachelor’s degree.
Certificates:
- CCC: College Credit Certificates give you marketable skills as well as college credits that can transfer to an associate degree.
- CCP: Career Certificate Programs prepare you for high-skill, high-demand jobs.
Human Services
Addiction Studies - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Help others overcome addiction and build brighter futures with Palm Beach State College's Addiction Studies College Credit Certificate. This career-focused program prepares you with the skills needed to support individuals and families on their path to recovery.
You'll learn the fundamentals of addiction counseling, client interviewing, group facilitation and case management while exploring the psychological and social factors that influence substance use and recovery.
Whether you're starting a new career or building on your experience, this certificate provides a pathway to industry credentials, continued education and rewarding opportunities in human services.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Human Services, Addiction Studies concentration.
Overview
With family, health and substance abuse crises impacting all 50 states, there’s never been a greater demand for graduates with a degree in human services.
Human Services - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Building on the foundation of the A.S. or A.A. degree, the B.S. degree in Human Services opens doors to career opportunities and higher salaries, as well as professional certifications and graduate school in such fields as social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other human services disciplines. This degree is offered in person or 100% online.
The B.S. degree develops your expertise in the assessment, support and treatment of various populations, including persons with disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders, as well as children, families, veterans and the elderly. The program prepares you for supervisory and leadership roles in social service settings, such as hospitals, treatment centers, private and public agencies, and school aftercare programs, each with a variety of rewarding positions: social services manager, substance abuse counselor, case manager, youth programs administrator and many more.
Human Services - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career with Palm Beach State College's Associate in Science (A.S.) in Human Services. Whether you're starting your career or looking to grow in the field, this program provides the knowledge, hands-on experience and practical skills needed to support individuals, families and communities facing life's challenges.
You'll combine classroom learning with real-world field experiences while building expertise in communication, case management, client advocacy and community resources. Along the way, you'll learn how to assess client needs, connect people with essential services and provide compassionate support in a variety of professional settings.
Students choose from three concentration areas:
- Addiction Studies (Code: 2391): Explore interventions and treatments to help people recover from addictions. Course content includes awareness of the history of addiction, treatment modalities and therapeutic interventions.
- General (Code: AS 2345): Learn the broad scope of human services, gaining critical skills in interviewing, case management and group dynamics. You'll develop the expertise to work with various populations.
- Youth Development (Code: AS 2374): Specialize in youth development needs, with emphasis on group dynamics, youth programming and behavioral and educational management.
Related College Credit Certificate
Credits from the following CCC may be applied to the Human Services A.S. degree. Please check the Pathway Map for this A.S. degree for more information.
You'll gain practical knowledge in communication, counseling, interviewing and human behavior while exploring topics such as psychology, group dynamics and personal development. Coursework also introduces the real-life challenges people may face, preparing you to respond with empathy, professionalism and effective support.
Whether you plan to enter the workforce quickly or continue your education, this certificate gives you the skills and confidence to begin a career in human services and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Youth Development - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Start your career making a difference with Palm Beach State College's Youth Development College Credit Certificate. This program gives you the skills to support children and teens through positive guidance, engaging programs and meaningful relationships.
You'll learn the foundations of youth development, including child and adolescent behavior, family and cultural influences, and effective communication strategies. When you graduate, you'll be prepared for entry-level opportunities in youth services or continue your education in the human services field.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Youth Development concentration in the Associate in Science in Human Services degree.
Post Baccalaureate: Teacher Education and K-12 Programs
Designed for professionals with non-education bachelor's degrees to help them transition into teaching careers. Once the program is completed, students will be eligible to begin teaching in Florida. FTCE workshops, Professional development, and recertification courses are available.
Overview
Florida needs more great teachers! Current and future K-12 educators turn to Palm Beach State College for training approved by the Florida Department of Education. An Excellent program that’s easy on your schedule and budget.
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) consists of seven fully online courses and one field/practicum experience course. The required courses provide the student with a baseline of knowledge in educational theory, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and instructional technology. Depending on the student's course load, the program can be completed in one year.
Contact Information:
Phone: 561-868-3823 | Email: teachereducation@pbsc.edu
Steps To Apply
Applicants meeting the entrance requirements will apply to the program and have an entrance interview with the program director. Registration for EPI classes is available only after applicants are accepted into the Educator Preparation Institute.
- Before you complete the EPI application, apply to Palm Beach State College. (Your Program Objective Code is F225.)
- Complete the EPI supplemental application and follow the instructions. Apply Now
- Applicants will need to provide official transcripts from all previous institutions during the admission process. For more details, view the Transcript Request page.
- Review the Academic Calendar for exact start dates.
Professional Development courses are open to all teachers or future teachers wishing to continue their education or to obtain additional credentials to support them.
FTCE Review Courses (General Knowledge Test, Professional Ed. Test)
Palm Beach State College's Educator Preparation Institute has review courses to help you prepare and successfully pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams. The objective of these courses is to review the competencies for each exam, as well as give you valuable tools to help you study.
Additional Resources: The following video series from Pearson Education Inc. provides a general overview of test preparation and test-taking strategies. It is
designed to help you prepare for your FTCE/FELE test by describing how to use the
study resources provided on this website.
Note: Associate of Arts degree seeking students majoring in Education may be required to
have passing scores on the General Knowledge Test (GKT) in order to transfer to a
Florida university.
Clinical Educator Training (CET)
The Clinical Educator Training at Palm Beach State College is based on the state model and meets the requirements set forth by the state of Florida. The content includes the four essential skills of Clinical Educators. This course is required for all school district instructional personnel who wish to host, instruct, and supervise student teachers during their field experience, practicum, and/or internship. Experienced teachers who are interested in becoming Clinical Educators are invited to register.
Search Course ID: EDO0087
Renewal of Professional Teaching Certificate
Palm Beach State College offers courses that may count toward the renewal of the Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. For more information on renewing your Professional Educator Certification and a list of appropriate categories of courses that may be acceptable for renewal, visit the Florida Department of Education.
Students are advised to seek out School District of Palm Beach County or FLDOE course approval prior to enrollment.
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Search for availability of classes in Workday | Search Classes
Step 2: Complete and submit a Palm Beach State College application as a non-degree-seeking student. In the enrollment intention section of the application, choose the following as your enrollment intention:
I intend on taking college credit courses as a non-degree-seeking student. This option is for students who wish to take credit courses for job improvement or teacher recertification. (Program Objective: 3407).
Step 3: Once your application has been processed, you can log on to Workday and use your student ID and password to register for classes.
Step 3a: Some courses may have pre-requisites and may require you to submit your official high school transcript and/or ALL higher education transcripts to Palm Beach State College Registrar’s Office. Official transcripts must be sent by each institution in sealed envelopes or sent electronically by the institution.
Step 4: Once you have registered for classes, pay close attention to the payment due date.
Failure to pay tuition by your designated due date will result in automatic cancellation
of enrollment by the Registrar's Office.
Step 5: Request Official Transcripts. At the end of the semester, you may request official transcripts to be sent to you, the school district, or the FLDOE.
Tuition Waiver
Current classroom teachers for the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) are entitled to a tuition waiver for special education, math, and/or science courses.
Introduction to Special Education (EEX2010) is an eligible course for tuition waiver.
1. If you are eligible for tuition waiver based on your employment status, fill out a Tuition Waiver Form in Workday, including the course ID, reference number, and agency authorization (school principal or HR department for the SDPBC). You MUST be a current student of Palm Beach State College with a student ID.
2. Once you have the form completed you can submit this form for approval to the College registrar’s office one business day prior to the last day of the add/drop registration period.
Please keep in mind that approval for tuition waiver is contingent on there still being at least one seat available in the course one day prior to the last day of the add/drop registration period.
Tuition waiver form MUST be approved by the College Registrar’s office in order for fees to be waived.
For more information on the tuition waiver process, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Early Child Care And Afterschool Programs
Level 1: Entry Level Child Care Training
Overview
Afterschool providers serving school age children 5 years and up through grade 5 must complete: Part I: School Age Child Care Certification and Part II: Foundations of Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Principles.
School Age Professional Certification - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
The student who has earned a Department of Education SAPC Certificate from Palm Beach State can receive college credits toward an Associate in Science degree (A.S.) in Human Services with a concentration in Youth Development. The articulation will be processed upon request once students have completed 15 college credits toward the A.S. degree.
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Level 2: Early Childhood & Afterschool Certificate Programs
Caring for Children-Birth to 3 Years - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Help shape a child's earliest years with Palm Beach State College's Caring for Children – Birth to 3 Years Old Career Certificate Program. Designed for those who want to work with infants and toddlers, this program prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education while meeting the requirements to earn the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC).
Through a combination of hands-on experience, classroom learning and professional training, you'll develop the skills to create safe, engaging and nurturing environments where young children can learn and thrive. You'll explore child development, age-appropriate teaching strategies, observation and assessment techniques, nutrition and the importance of building strong partnerships with families.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education.
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Make a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of a child's development with Palm Beach State College's Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) Career Certificate Program. Designed for future preschool educators, this program prepares you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a qualified early childhood professional and earn the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) designation.
Through hands-on learning and practical coursework, you'll discover how to create engaging, supportive learning environments that encourage children's physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. You'll also explore best practices in early childhood education while learning how to meet the diverse needs of children, families and the communities they serve.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education.
Staff Credential Renewal
For information on Staff Credential Renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application, Section 5 for details on renewal process. www.myflorida.com/childcare
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
School Age Professional Certification - Career Certificate Program (CCP)
Support and inspire the next generation with Palm Beach State College's School Age Profession Certification (SAPC) program. Designed for those who work with children ages 5 and older, this program prepares you with the skills and knowledge needed to create meaningful learning experiences in afterschool programs, community organizations and other youth-focused settings.
Through practical, hands-on learning, you'll explore strategies for supporting children's social, emotional and physical development while creating engaging programs that encourage growth and success. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of children ages 5 to 12 and advance your career in youth development.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Human Services, Youth Development concentration.
Staff Credential Renewal
For information on Staff Credential Renewal, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Child Care Staff Credential Verification Application, Section 5 for details on renewal process. www.myflorida.com/childcare
Already a student?
Find class schedules and other relevant information for students on your own dedicated page.
Level 3: Credit Pathway
Child Care Center Management - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Lead the way in creating high-quality child care experiences with Palm Beach State College's Child Care Center Management certificate. This program is designed for aspiring child care leaders who want to develop the skills needed to manage programs that help children learn, grow and thrive. This certificate is offered in person or 100% online.
Through this College Credit Certificate, you'll gain practical knowledge in child care operations, staff supervision, program planning and effective leadership practices. You'll learn how to support safe, nurturing environments while ensuring programs meet the needs of children, families and the community.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education, with a specialization in Child Care Center Management.
Infant/Toddler - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Create a strong foundation for the youngest learners with Palm Beach State College's Infant/Toddler College Credit Certificate. Designed for those who want to begin or advance a career in early childhood education, this program prepares you to provide safe, nurturing and engaging care for infants and toddlers during their most important developmental years.
Through focused coursework in child development, classroom environments, behavior guidance, adult-child interactions and family partnerships, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to support young children's social, emotional and cognitive growth. You'll learn how to create meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence and healthy development.
Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education, with a specialization in infant/toddlers.
Pre-School - College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Help young learners take their first steps toward academic success with Palm Beach State College's Pre-School College Credit Certificate. This program prepares you to become an early childhood educator who creates engaging, supportive learning experiences for preschool-aged children. This certificate is offered in person or 100% online.
Through coursework in child development, classroom management, learning environments, adult-child interactions and family partnerships, you'll build the skills needed to support children's growth and development. You'll explore teaching strategies across key areas such as language and literacy, science, social studies, mathematics and creative arts.
With this certificate, you'll be prepared to create inclusive classrooms that encourage curiosity, confidence and lifelong learning. You can also continue your education by pursuing PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science (A.S.)
Prepare to inspire young learners with Palm Beach State College's Associate in Science (A.S.) in Early Childhood Education program. You'll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to support children's growth through effective teaching strategies, behavior guidance, curriculum planning and inclusive learning practices.
With practicum experience and the option to specialize in Child Care Center Management, Infant/Toddler or Pre-School, you'll build the skills needed to create engaging classrooms and advance your career in early childhood education.
Level 4: Professional Development
The mission of the Institute of Excellence in Early Care and Education is to provide the child care workforce of Palm Beach County with a comprehensive approach to career development in the field of early childhood education.
Instructor Website
This page was created to be a resource for instructors teaching in the Early Childhood and Afterschool Programs. These resources should be used in the classroom and to aid or supplement material you are currently using.
Note: Palm Beach State College username & password required.
Undecided?
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