Program Details

  • Program Code: A113
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Certificate
  • Duration:
    1 year (2 semesters)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $3,920.00 *
  • International Tuition:
    $18,550.00 **
  • Spring 2026 Delivery:
    Semester 2: Hybrid

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2025
Closed
Closed
Winter 2026
Closed
Closed
Spring 2026
Not Available
Not Available
  • PGWP Eligible: Yes
  • CIP Code: 44
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Program Description

Program Overview

George Brown Polytechnic’s Human Services Foundations (A113) is a two-semester program designed to kick-start your career journey. In a supportive learning environment, you will strengthen your academic skills and be ready for an entry-level role in human services or further education in a variety of human services-related diploma programs. You will study sociology and psychology and improve your communication and teamwork skills, while understanding how systemic issues affect individuals and communities. Together with classmates, you'll explore personal and professional goals and career pathway options for a successful career in human services.

Full Description

George Brown Polytechnic’s Human Services Foundations (A113) certificate program will give you the academic skills you need to thrive in human services programs and related career pathways.

In just two semesters, you will develop in-depth understanding of human behaviour through psychology, sociology and anti-oppressive practice – a foundation that will help you succeed in the classroom and in human services.

Working in small groups, you'll learn how to build positive relationships in a diverse and inclusive environment through.

In the Human Services Foundations program, you will learn:

  • to think critically by applying effective communication and research skills to present information in a factual, confident and objective manner
  • to identify the systemic barriers that impact equity and inclusion for individuals and community groups in Canada
  • the role human services professionals play in removing systemic barriers
  • the many career pathway options in the human services sector
  • to make informed decisions about your future academic and professional goals
  • academic and life skills that will help you succeed in college and beyond
  • strategies for wellness, lifelong learning and self-development

As a student in this program, you will have access to the supports available for all students in the School of Work and College Preparation. Supports include:

  • access to a Student Success Counsellor who can help you overcome any challenges you may face while at college
  • meeting with a Pathway Advisor to discuss your specific academic and career goals and help you explore potential pathways
  • support from a weekly Peer Learning Group, facilitated by a graduate of the program who is a current student in one of our diploma programs

For a list of George Brown’s human services sector–related programs that you may qualify for upon graduation from the (A113) program, see the Career and Postgraduate Study Opportunities section of this program page.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

 

Educational Pathways

If upon graduation from the Human Services Foundations (A113) program you wish to pursue further study at George Brown Polytechnic, you will be exempt from repeating College English (COMM 1007) and one General Education Elective (GNED) course.

You may also consider applying to one of these human services career-focused programs:

Please note: There are a limited number of seats available in these programs and admission is not guaranteed.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories

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Headshot of Andre Luiz Santos Carvalho

As a Newcomer and International Student, I arrived in Canada excited and eager to be victorious in my new path. However, every new experience comes with insecurities and challenges. The Pre-Community Service program at George Brown Polytechnic provided me with tools to develop my skills and the confidence to pursue my educational and professional goals. I received significant support from my professors, my classmates and the services available by the institution.

Andre Luiz Santos Carvalho
Ontario College Certificate
Headshot of Roshanak Pour

As a graduate of the Pre Community Services Program, I earned both the knowledge and confidence to thoughtfully use a variety of quantitative approaches in my career. Pre- Community program's faculty assisted me to figure out my academic pathway. I can see the positive impacts of this program in my development and improvement throughout my journey of graduating from the Social Service Worker program at GBC to getting my Bachelor of Art in Psychology At York University and even now as a student who is studying the Master of Psychology program.

Roshanak Pour
Ontario College Certificate
Headshot of Ghofran Alyass

As a GBC graduate, I am privileged in many ways, one of which I happen to be a graduate of the Pre-community Services Program that was where my success started and continues to grow. Thanks to the support of the faculty in Pre-Community, I am now not only a university graduate with an undergraduate degree in Critical Disability Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University, but I am about to pursue my Masters in Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. My experience in the Pre-Community Services and my professors have made me the confident learner that I am today as I continue to pursue my love of learning.

Ghofran Alyass
Ontario College Certificate

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