About the B.A. in Human Services
Our Bachelor of Arts in Human Services degree program prepares you to support the needs of individuals, families, and communities. You’ll develop the capacity to understand and assess the functioning of individuals and the dynamics of families, groups, and communities and train to be a successful employee in organizations that provide support, service, and other general human services related activities for individuals, families, and communities in need. The B.A. in Human Services offers an array of internship experiences that will give you a taste of working in the field, and the B.A. in Human Services/Psychology combines human services coursework with classes in behavioral sciences to give you a stronger understanding of human behavior and motivation. This degree prepares you for entry-level positions at social service agencies, community health centers, health clinics, and more.
Program Highlights
Real-World Internship Experience
Explore what it’s like to work in the human services field with over 300 hours of internship experience built into your coursework, allowing you to hone your career interests and gain work experience in a professional setting.
Expert Faculty
Learn from professors who have real-world experience in the human services field and bring their hands-on teaching practices to the classroom.
Customizable Degree
Enhance your degree with a variety of concentrations and minors, including our Entrepreneurship Concentration, which will give you the knowledge and skills you need to start your own business or organization after you graduate.
Flexible Classes
Choose from online, campus-based, and blended class formats, including evening class options, which allow you to fit your degree around your busy schedule.
What You Will Learn
67% Human Services Courses and Electives, 33% General Education: Coursework for the B.A. in Human Services focuses on applying theory learned in the classroom to practical situations you’ll encounter in the human services field. Highlights of what you’ll learn include:
Intervention Theory and Strategy
Crisis intervention; Building rapport and communicating with individuals in crises; De-escalation, harm reduction, and resolution; Family intervention strategies; Theories and dynamics of family development; Community intervention; Generating positive social change in community-based organizations.
Human Services Fieldwork
Minimum of 300 hours of fieldwork; Tasks and responsibilities of a human services professional; Applying classroom knowledge to professional settings; Working within human services organizations; Identifying your career interests.
Leadership and Management
Managing health and human services organizations; The business functions of organizations; Mobilizing resources to help populations in need and effect social change; Frameworks for governance, accountability, performance, and effectiveness.
Working With Diverse Populations
The dynamics of culture, including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation; Culturally-informed human service strategies; Special needs populations; Communication across cultures; Support, advocacy, and empowerment of diverse populations.
Career Outlook
Community and Social Service jobs are expected to grow by 12% between 20019 and 2029,* much faster than the average for all occupations. Jobs for social workers are expected to grow 13% during this time, as well. This is due in large part to the aging population and increased demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Community Service Manager positions are also expected to grow 17% in the next decade, along with commanding an above-average median salary of $67,150.**
Graduates with a Human Services degree are also prepared for these fast-growing careers:
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselor, +25%
Case Management Aide, +17%
School and Career Counselor, +11%
Social Worker, +13%
Rehabilitation Counselor, +10%
Human Resources Specialist, +11%
Community Service Manager, +17%
Childcare Worker, +2%
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
