A New Framework for Baccalaureate Careers in the Human Services

An articulated human service career "lattice," utilizing three two-year modules, has been developed in Maryland, extending from community college mental health associate programs through baccalaureate and master's degree modules. Graduates of the several curricula work in a variety of community mental health, institutional, and family service roles linked with appropriate civil service classifications. Completion of an educational component qualifies the graduate for the next higher employment role, and, similarly, promotion becomes the ticket of admission to the next academic rung.