New Program at Rowan-Cabarrus prepares students for careers in social and behavioral health services
Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 20, 2025
The new program prepares students for impactful careers in community, social and behavioral health services
SALISBURY — Starting in the fall of the 2025-2026 academic year, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College now offers a new Social and Human Services program, expanding opportunities for students to pursue careers in social, community and behavioral health services.
The program prepares students for entry-level roles in government, private and nonprofit agencies by combining academic coursework with experiential learning. This five-semester program requires 67 credit hours, covering a variety of important aspects of the helping profession, as well as studies in communication, psychology, sociology and ethics. This newly launched program includes a specialization in the area of addiction and recovery. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in service-oriented careers, with options to specialize in specific areas of human services.
“This is a tremendous win for our students, for the helping professions and for the communities we serve,” Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding said. “Our graduates will be ready to support the individuals and families who rely on these services, and this program gives them the foundation to make a meaningful impact from day one.”
The launch of this new program arrives at a pivotal moment. The recent passage of House Bill 67 formally recognizes associate degrees in human services as approved credentials for qualified professional roles. This legislative change allows community college graduates with associate degrees to enter the workforce more quickly and with higher earning potential than in previous years. Students in the social and human services program may also choose to continue their education by transferring to a four-year college or university.
With the increasing demand for mental health, recovery and social support services across the state and the country, the need for skilled professionals in this field has never been greater. The college’s Social and Human Services program is designed to meet that growing demand while offering students a direct, affordable path to a meaningful career.
“This is exactly the kind of program that meets both student demand and workforce need,” Vice President of Academic Programs Dr. Michael Quillen said. “We are equipping students with the tools to make an immediate impact in their communities while supporting the critical needs of our communities.”