Human Services
The Human Services career cluster prepares learners for postsecondary credentials and careers in occupations that support the everyday functioning of society and individual well-being, including careers in social work, counseling, dietetics and nutrition, athletic training, cosmetology, aesthetics, and barbering. This career cluster includes four programs of study: Human and Social Sciences, Dietetics and Nutrition, Cosmetology, and Barbering. As our society grows and changes and a continued focus on nutritional and mental health, the more likely these careers will increase in need.
Programs of Study
Social health services focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for occupations that support the everyday functioning of society, such as social services workers, counselors, and family mediators. In this program of study, students investigate human needs and their impact on lifespan development, an overview of the human and social services fields, communication skills, and the historical and social changes of the modern family. As students progress through the program of study, they will compile artifacts for a portfolio in preparation for future training at a postsecondary level.
Course Standards
- Year 1: Human Studies
- Year 2: Lifespan Development
- Year 3: Family Studies
- Year 4: Human Services Practicum -and/or- Psychology -and/or- Sociology
- Year 4: Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum
Dietetics and Nutrition is designed to prepare students for occupations that focus on nutritional well-being, such as dietitian or nutritional counselor. The course content covers the foundations of human needs, nutritional requirements and issues, nutrients and their relation to disease, and disease prevention. Upon completion of this POS, students will graduate with a professional portfolio and will be prepared for further study or a variety of nutritional career opportunities.
Course Standards
- Year 1: Introduction to Human Studies
- Year 2: Nutrition Across the Lifespan
- Year 3: Nutrition Science and Diet Therapy1
- Year 4: Human Services Practicum -and/or- Psychology -and/or- Sociology
- Year 4: Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum
1Satisfies one lab science credit required for graduation.
All courses in the Cosmetology program of study have been revised to address and prepare students for postsecondary and industry standards. Cosmetology is designed to prepare students for careers in cosmetology by developing an understanding of efficient and safe work practices, salon business concepts and operations, hair techniques and chemical services, facial and skin care procedures and state board theoretical practical application. Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the cosmetology industry. Students may acquire hours transferable to a postsecondary institution for completion of hourly requirements needed to sit for the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners examination.
Course Standards
- Year 1: Cosmetology I
- Year 2: Cosmetology II
- Year 3: Cosmetology III
- Year 4: Cosmetology IV
- Year 4: Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum
Barbering focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for individuals interested in careers within the barbering industry. Course content provides students with the opportunity to acquire fundamental skills in barbering theory while applying technical skills related to safety, principles of hair, nail structure, and scalp care. Students may acquire hours transferable to a postsecondary institution for completion of hourly requirements needed to sit for the Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners examination.
Course Standards
- Year 1: Barbering I
- Year 2: Barbering II
- Year 3: Entrepreneurship1
- Year 4: Barbering III
- Year 4: Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum
1Satisfies ½ credit of Economics required for graduation.