Human and Social Services - BA

Students in the Human and Social Services major will be introduced to policies and programs designed to meet community needs among varied populations. Students will be asked to think critically about issues of diversity and social equity, and will learn to help people cope with personal challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, mental health, and relational crisis. Students will 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, skills, and values needed by professionals who plan to commit their lives to serving others. The major prepares students to pursue careers in private and public sectors including 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.  Graduates are prepared to pursue a master’s degree in fields such as Social Work, Public Health, Public Administration, and Urban Studies.