Human Services
The Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Human Services is designed to provide students with knowledge and application of the human services field. With a focus on application in Native communities, this program prepares the student for work in various human services and counseling careers or further study toward a four-year degree. Two different tracks are offered within this degree: Community Counseling and Alcohol & Drug Counseling. Students should work with their Faculty Advisor to choose the track that best suits their interests and career pursuits.
All individuals wishing to be Alcohol and Drug Counselors should consult the DHHS
Web site (Nebraska DHHS Website) for licensure information on the Alcohol & Drug LADC track.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
All Human Services Degree Planning Forms templates are available via. Excel for students to review with their advisors. The degrees and certificates (in separate tabs) found in the planning forms include:
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Associate of Arts
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Human Services with emphasis in Community Counseling
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Human Services with emphasis in Alcohol & Drug Counseling
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Certificate
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Community Counseling
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Alcohol & Drug Counseling
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Degree planning forms are designed to help students, with the guidance of their advisors, plan their educational journey. Keep in mind that this is a form to assist with planning, not an official audit of courses. All official degree audits must be run through the registrar's office.
Program Goals
At the end of their program, graduates will be able to...
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Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
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Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgements.
- Advance human rights and social economic justice.
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Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
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Apply social work code of ethics to guide their professional practice.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice.
- Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
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Apply social work code of ethics to guide their professional practice.
Sample Program of Study
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Career Pathways Flowchart
For more information on career pathways in the human services field, click here: Northern Nebraska Area Health Education Center (NNAHEC) 2022- Careers in Healthcare
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2023)
- 21-0000 Community and Social Service Occupations
- 31-0000 Healthcare Support Occupations
- 33-0000 Protective Service Occupations
- 39-0000 Personal Care and Service Occupations
Internships and Job Shadowing Opportunities
- Society of Care
- Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Coalition
- Alcohol Program
- Winnebago Drug Dependancy Unit
Faculty in the Division
|
Last Name |
First Name |
Role |
| Lovejoy Brown | Elizabeth |
Human Services Division Head |
| Bickert | Dr. Lisa | Adjunct Faculty |
| Cerda-Lizarraga | Dr. Patricia "Patty" | Adjunct Faculty |
| Flowers | Misty | Adjunct Faculty |
| Hinojos | Dr. Belinda | Adjunct Faculty |
| Hunter | Brandon | Adjunct Faculty |
| Johnson | Grace | Adjunct Faculty |
| Lesher | Christine (Chrissy) | Dean of Enrollment Management |
| Magpie | Sami | Adjunct Faculty |
| Mayo | Hannah |
Adjunct Faculty |
| Mohlfeld | Dr. Kathy | Adjunct Faculty |
| Nelson | Blair | Adjunct Faculty |
| Warrior | Keli | Adjunct Faculty |
Testimonials
Attending Nebraska Indian Community College was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As a student, I found more than just academic opportunity- I found a college that truly cared about my growth, my heritage, and my future. NICC provided a culturally grounded education that honored Indigenous values while preparing me for the professional world. The virtual classes and supportive faculty created a learning environment where I felt seen and heard. I was encouraged to explore my identity, challenge myself academically, and contribute meaningfully to my community. Being an alumni of NICC means carrying forward the lessons of resilience, respect, and responsibility. I’m proud to represent a college that empowers Indigenous students and fosters leadership rooted in tradition and service.To anyone considering NICC: it’s more than a college- it’s a place where your story matters.
Audreianna Levering-Galvin - 2024 Alumni- AA Human Services (Community Counseling emphasis)
I struggled with alcohol and hit rock bottom. But through prayer to our Creator, Mauna, and the support of my family, I found the strength to change. I took a leap of faith and enrolled at NICC, even when I didn't think I was ready. Now, I'm proud to say I have my PLADC and work with the Recovery Program in Winnebago, helping our relatives who are on the same journey I once walked. NICC gave me more than an education. It gave me confidence, healing, and a new beginning, for me and my children.
Anthony Ware - 2025 Alcohol and Drug Certificate earner
“[NICC] is a family-oriented environment. I also get to learn my [Isanti] culture and [Dakota] language. That is something I can’t learn at any non-tribal college... I love the staff and the teachers. NICC has given me my foundation to build upon.”
Donna Pike (Isanti) - 2021 Alumni AA Human Services (Community Counseling track)
Elizabeth Lovejoy Brown - Human Services Division Head