Human Services - Bachelor of Science (39 credits)

(39 credits plus 16 credits of experiential learning)

The Human Services Program prepares students to work with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of human services settings. Human Services majors concentrate on gaining a foundation in the liberal arts, human growth and development, the human services delivery system, and the social policies that shape service delivery and provide for social needs.

Students take a core set of courses that develop the skills for working in human services agencies and settings. A strong component of psychology and sociology courses imbedded in the major provides students with an understanding of human behavior and the social context of the lives of individuals served. Students will complete over 400 hours in the field.

Students will be able to:

• critically apply human services perspectives, concepts and knowledge in a range of practice settings.
• critically evaluate social policy.
• critically evaluate practice approaches and professional identity within a culturally competent framework.
• design, conduct and evaluate social science research.
• demonstrate skills of ongoing, self-reflective practice that conform to professional standards, values and ethics.

Human Services majors graduate with the Bachelor of Science degree and the experience and competence which prepares them for entry-level positions with a range of human service populations in a variety of settings, including the juvenile justice system; health care settings and hospices; criminal justice agencies; community advocacy groups; the child welfare system; parent-action movements; group residences; recreational services; elderly services; policy and legislative agencies; substance abuse programs; crisis intervention services; and not-for-profit agencies and settings. Those students interested in professional careers in social work, psychology, counseling, management, policy/advocacy, or expressive arts therapy will be prepared for entry into specialized graduate schools. Optional specializations: At-Risk Individuals and Families, At-Risk Organizations and Communities, and Self-Designed Specialization.

Please note: a minimum grade of "C" is required in the internship seminars and the capstone course to progress in the major.