Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Human Services Foundations (College Certificate)
Ottawa, Canada
Certificate
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: Algonquin College’s Human Services Foundations Ontario College Certificate at the Ottawa campus is a one-year program that introduces human services careers and core skills in communication, teamwork, stress management, diversity and inclusion. Two levels cover courses such as Sexuality and Gender Studies, Introduction to Human Services, Developmental Psychology, and Ethical Issues and Persons with Developmental Disabilities. It includes a scenario-based group project, transfer-credit options, and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (CIP 44.0000).
Career Outcomes: Supports further study or roles such as Child and Youth Care; Social Services Worker; Community and Justice Services; Early Childhood Education; Developmental Services Worker.
The one-year Human Services Foundations Ontario College Certificate (Program Code 1632X01FWO) delivered at the Ottawa campus introduces students to human services careers and core professional skills. Students examine how human services professionals collaborate, develop skills in communication, teamwork and stress management, and increase awareness of diversity and inclusion and systemic barriers affecting individuals and communities. The program is structured in two Levels: Level 01 (foundational courses such as Sexuality and Gender Studies, Foundations of Communication, Introduction to Human Services, Life Skills for Academic Study, Career Planning, Diversity) and Level 02 (courses including Professional Communication Essentials, Life Skills for Human Services Professionals, Developmental Psychology, Social Issues, Ethical Issues and Persons with Developmental Disabilities, plus one General Education elective). Graduates may qualify to receive transfer credits in related programs. Start terms listed on the page: Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility: Yes (CIP Code 44.0000).
Why choose this program?
- Opportunity to sample five programs in the human services area to help define a career pathway.
- Includes a scenario-based group project to explore the perspectives of different human services professionals.
- Graduates may qualify to receive transfer credits in related programs for some courses taken in this program.
The program is organized into two Levels. Level 01 contains foundational courses in communication, life skills, introductory human services topics and diversity. Level 02 advances communication and professional skills, developmental and social issues, ethical issues related to developmental disabilities, and requires one General Education elective chosen from a list of equivalencies provided on the program page. Delivery modes may include classroom, lab, online, or hybrid as noted on the page.
As stated on the program page, graduates may qualify to receive transfer credits in related programs and the foundational training introduces pathways to more advanced human services programs including: Child and Youth Care; Social Services Worker; Community and Justice Services; Early Childhood Education; Developmental Services Worker. The program supports exploration of human services career options and preparation for subsequent academic or professional pathways.