You’re exploring Human & Social Services at Cincinnati State — and that’s a smart move. HSS is designed for students who want to work directly in social services, behavioral health, or addiction recovery, and it leads to the credentials needed to get started in the field.
But Cincinnati State offers a few other similar programs, too, and it can be hard to know which one truly fits your goals. That’s why this page exists: to help you compare the options so you can feel more confident that Human & Social Services is the right path for you.

How Most Students Decide
All four programs prepare you for careers helping people in community-focused roles. To decide which path is right for you, most students boil it down to a few simple questions…
Do You Want a Degree or a Certificate?
If you want to work in social services or community support, the Human and Social Services (HSS) Degree is the best choice. For a focus on addiction counseling, the HSS – Addiction Studies Degree (HSSAD) gets you ready. If you want to start working fast, the Addiction Studies Certificate (ADSC) is a quicker path. And if you want to work with developmental disabilities, the IDDC Certificate is the right fit.
Who Do You Want to Work With?
If you want to help people in social services and community support, go with HSS. If you’re focused on addiction recovery, choose HSSAD or the ADSC Certificate for a quicker start. For developmental disabilities, the IDDC Certificate is designed for that role.
What Kind of Work Setting Do You Want?
If you see yourself in community centers or mental health clinics, HSS is the right path. For work in addiction recovery centers or correctional facilities, HSSAD or ADSC is the way to go. If you want to work in group homes or vocational programs, IDDC is the ideal choice.
A Side by Side Comparison
Human and Social Services (HSS) | Human and Social Services – Addiction Studies (HSSAD) | Addiction Studies Certificate (ADSC) | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate (IDDC) | |
Program Length | 5 Semesters | 5 Semesters | 3 Semesters | 3 Semesters |
Focus | Human services, social services, and behavioral health | Human services, social services, and behavioral health with a chemical dependency focus | Entry-level substance abuse related | Serving/caring for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
Career Roles | Social Work Assistant* Case Work Aide Social Service Assistant Human Service Assistant | Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (only with LCDCII), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Addictions Counselor Assistant Substance Use Disorder Counselor Assistant Behavioral Health / Addiction counselor | Entry-level addiction/substance abuse roles | Varied, depending on employer and level of education attained |
Work Settings | Human services providers Social services providers Behavioral health and mental health settings | Substance-use disorder treatment centers Corrections Developmental disabilities service providers | Substance-use disorder treatment centers Corrections Developmental disabilities service providers | Group homes Foster care agencies Respite services Supported employment programs Adult day programs Vocational rehabilitation agencies Early childhood intervention programs |
Experiential Learning | Required (Practicum) | Required (Practicum) | None | Required (Practicum) |
Starting Salary | $38,000+ | $48,000+ | $48,000+ | $22-40,000+ |
*Qualified graduates are eligible to register as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) in Ohio.
Human and Social Services (HSS)
Prepare for work in social services, behavioral health, and community support.
Qualified graduates of this associate’s degree are eligible to register as a Social Work Assistant (SWA) in Ohio. It’s a strong option if you want to work directly with people across a variety of settings. Includes a required practicum.
Human and Social Services – Addiction Studies (HSSAD)
Focus on careers in addiction recovery and substance use support.
This degree builds on the HSS foundation with specialized coursework in chemical dependency. Graduates can pursue credentials like the LCDC II. Includes a required practicum.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate (IDDC)
Support individuals with developmental disabilities in care and education settings.
This certificate prepares you for roles in group homes, day programs, and early intervention services. A good option for students interested in disability advocacy or support work. Practicum required.
Addiction Studies Certificate (ADSC)
Get started in the addiction counseling field with focused, short-term training.
Prepares you to earn the CDCA credential and qualify for entry-level roles in substance use recovery programs. It can also be paired with the HSS degree for students seeking additional specialization.
Your path at Cincinnati State starts when you apply, but if you’re not quite ready, you can reach out with any and all questions or explore college and program details like key dates, courses, costs, and financial aid options via the links below, or by requesting your starter kit.
Mon – Fri 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. ET
Background | Curriculum & Classes Why Students Love Our Program |
Career | Why Choose This Career Compare Similar Programs |
How and When | How to Start College |
Making it Work | Understanding Cost & Financial Aid Balancing School, Work & Life |