General Information About the Program

The Social Services Program is a two-year associate degree curriculum designed to train qualified professionals capable of addressing contemporary social issues through scientific methods and improving the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals and groups. Founded on human rights, social justice, equality, and anti-discrimination, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social policy, social security, and social welfare systems.

Drawing from sociology, psychology, law, and public administration, the curriculum prepares students to serve as effective healthcare and social service support personnel equipped with strong interpersonal communication skills, ethical integrity, and field readiness for both administrative and operational roles.

Program Mission

With over eight years of educational experience and an expert academic faculty, the mission of the Social Services Program is to educate qualified associate professionals who can analyze social structures and societal shifts objectively, accurately identify the needs of individuals and groups, and operate with deep respect for human dignity and professional ethics. The program aims to produce graduates who actively contribute to social service delivery across public institutions, local authorities, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

Program Vision

In line with the overarching vision of the ALTSO Vocational School of Higher Education, the program strives to be a leading associate degree curriculum recognized for its academic quality and graduate employability. It achieves this by keeping its educational content aligned with evolving social needs and public policies while seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with field realities.

Program Objectives

- To introduce the core theoretical frameworks, relevant legislation, and institutional structures governing the field of social services.

- To develop analytical skills for examining individual, family, and community-level social problems using the "person-in-environment" approach.

- To foster a practice model grounded in human rights, social justice, and professional ethics when delivering services to vulnerable groups.

- To promote interdisciplinary teamwork and effective communication skills in social assistance and care service management.

Program Targets

- Explain basic concepts in social services, social security systems, and social policy mechanisms.

- Identify the individual and structural dimensions of major social issues, including poverty, disability, aging, migration, and violence.

- Establish empathetic, effective, and boundary-aware professional communication with service users.

- Navigate the administrative processes, organizational structures, and legislative guidelines of social service agencies.

- Utilize data collection methods, official reporting tools, and information technologies effectively within institutional workflows.

- Apply core principles of confidentiality, non-discrimination, and human rights in all professional settings.

- Build a solid academic foundation to pursue bachelor's degree studies through the Central Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS).

Education and Training

The Social Services Program is a 4-semester, 120-ECTS associate degree program. To graduate, students must successfully complete all required and elective courses with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 out of 4.00.

Year 1: Focuses on establishing a foundational theoretical background with introductory courses in social work, sociology, psychology, basic law, and communication.

Year 2: Concentrates on practical and administrative applications through courses such as Family Sociology, Social Problems, Social Services for Persons with Disabilities, Elderly and Patient Care, Social Security Systems, Social Policy, Social Work Ethics, and Basic Health Services.

While a formal internship is not mandatory, optional field placements completed by students can be reviewed and officially recorded on their transcripts.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Knowledge

• PLO1: Define fundamental concepts, historical developments, and theoretical frameworks in social services.
• PLO2: Outline the legislative frameworks, institutional structures, and social security mechanisms governing social welfare in Türkiye.
• PLO3: Evaluate the underlying causes and social consequences of emerging societal challenges.
• PLO4: Describe the legal rights of vulnerable populations and the primary service models designed for them.

Skills

• PLO5: Accurately assess the immediate social needs and potential risk factors of client groups.
• PLO6: Communicate professionally with service users, colleagues, and interdisciplinary specialists.
• PLO7: Retrieve, analyze, and present field-related data using print and digital information technologies.
• PLO8: Collaborate in team settings to formulate solutions for operational and administrative challenges.

Competences

• PLO9: Conduct all professional activities in alignment with human dignity, ethical standards, and human rights.
• PLO10: Demonstrate an unbiased and inclusive approach toward individuals from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and special-needs backgrounds.
• PLO11: Engage in self-directed, lifelong learning to keep professional knowledge and skills up to date.
• PLO12: Act with professional accountability within defined administrative boundaries and institutional objectives.

Vertical Transfer Opportunities (DGS)

Graduates of the Social Services Program can apply to related bachelor's degree programs through the annual Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) organized by ÖSYM.

Eligible On-Campus Undergraduate Programs:

Social Work (Sosyal Hizmet)

Sociology (Sosyoloji)

Labour Economics and Industrial Relations (Çalışma Ekonomisi ve Endüstri İlişkileri)

Public Administration (Kamu Yönetimi)

Public Finance (Maliye)

Economics / Business Administration (İktisat / İşletme)

International Relations (Uluslararası İlişkiler)

Hospitality Management (Konaklama İşletmeciliği)

For open-education (distance learning) degree options and annual quotas, applicants should refer to the official ÖSYM DGS Guide for the relevant academic year.

Career Opportunities and Employment Areas

Graduates hold the title of "Social Services Associate / Technician" and are qualified for administrative and field roles across public agencies, local governments, private facilities, and non-governmental organizations.

Primary Employment Domains:

Ministry of Family and Social Services: Social Service Centers, Child Protection Units, Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers (ŞÖNİM), Disability and Elderly Care Facilities.

Healthcare Institutions: Public and private hospitals, medical social work units, rehabilitation centers.

Local Authorities: Municipal departments for social relief, youth services, women's affairs, and disability support.

Correctional Facilities: Juvenile and adult detention facilities under the Ministry of Justice.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Humanitarian aid foundations, relief agencies, and organizations supporting refugees/migrants.

Private Sector: Private day-care centers, nursing homes, and special education/rehabilitation centers.

Course Catalogue and Academic Information

Detailed course outlines, semester plans, ECTS credit allocations, and assessment criteria can be accessed via the University Information Package.

 

Head of Department: Lec. Fevzi AK

Program Coordinator : Lec. Tuğba ULU