Human Services

The human services major provides an introduction to policies and programs designed to meet community needs among varied populations. Students think critically about issues of diversity and social equity; and learn to help people cope with personal challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, mental health, and relational crisis. They analyze the social, legal, political, and governmental forces that influence the delivery of human services; and gain abilities in program implementation, client interviewing, data gathering, counseling, consulting, and case management. Students may choose to specialize in advocacy, child and family services, corrections, gerontology, or mental health programs. This major follows guidelines of the National Organization for Human Service Education which promotes the knowledge and skills needed by professionals who plan to commit their lives to serving others. Careers in private and public sectors include welfare agencies; church ministries; community development programs; youth and adult group homes; senior centers; retirement and nursing homes; case management agencies; homeless shelters; poverty assistance programs; and government, corrections or law enforcement agencies.