Program Requirements

Learning outcomes

  • Understand how human services developed over time
  • Learn how people interact at different levels—individually, with family and friends, in groups, communities, and organizations
  • Recognize what can impact a person’s well-being and daily functioning
  • Organize and manage important information to help people more effectively
  • Design programs that meet people’s needs and evaluate how well they work
  • Use the right tools and techniques to help people through direct services or interventions
  • Build strong, positive relationships using effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Understand and apply core professional values like ethics and respect in your work
  • Reflect on their own personality, values, and communication style — and understand how these affect relationships with others
  • Work confidently with people from various cultures and backgrounds, showing awareness and sensitivity

Program plan

Prerequisites
PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology
SOCI 111 Introduction to Sociology

Students must earn a “C” or better in PSYC 111 and SOCI 111. Students must also earn a “C” or better in general education “communication and citizenship” area courses to continue in the Human Services major.

Foundations in Major (30 hours)
SOCI 200 Addressing Social Injustice
HSRV 202 Introduction to Human Services
PSYC 227 Lifespan Development
HSRV 230 Interpersonal Skills for Helping Professionals
HSRV 256 Introduction to Research Methods for Social Sciences
HSRV 306 Applied Research Methods for Social Sciences
HSRV 370 Case Management
HSRV 380 Grant Proposal Development and Fundraising
HSRV 401 Cultural Diversity
HSRV 475 Internship*

*A student must have senior status before applying for a Human Services internship. See the University catalog for more information.

Electives in Major (12 hours)
Students will choose four advisor-directed electives. A minimum of two electives are required to be chosen from a selection of human services, psychology, and sociology course options, and a maximum of two approved electives may be chosen from other undergraduate programs.

Optional Certificate Programs
Students enrolled in the Human Services undergraduate degree program have an option to enroll in one of two certificate programs to fulfill elective requirements. The certificate programs help students build on the core major courses and prepare them for the field they choose to enter.

A. Human Services Administration
The Human Services Administration certificate program includes electives in administration to enhance skills and knowledge in preparation for jobs in human services administration.

In addition to the major course requirements, students will also complete 12 hours in the following courses:

  • HSRV 340 Social Justice and Public Policy
  • HSRV 381 Advanced Grant Proposal Development
  • ORGL 330 Budgeting for Nonfinancial Leaders
  • ORGL 355 Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations

B. Pre-Mental Health Counseling
The Pre-Mental Health Counseling certificate program provides a foundation of important skills and knowledge in preparation to apply for a graduate program in the area of counseling.

In addition to the major course requirements, students will also complete 12 hours in the following courses:

  • HSRV 330 Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
  • PSYC 361 Group Processes and Practice
  • PSYC 360 Psychopathology
  • PSYC 365 Current Psychotherapies

Total major requirements: 42 hours
General education: 39 hours
Electives: 39 hours
Total degree requirements: 120 hours