Human Services

Helping people help themselves

The field of human services is dedicated to helping individuals who are experiencing hardships and enabling them to become self-sufficient through skills training and exposure to various resources. As a human services worker, you might help people find affordable housing and employment, educate community members about food and nutrition, offer public safety and relief for individuals affected by different types of disasters or coordinate basic provisions for people who are unable to support themselves.

As a student pursing a Bachelor of Science in human services in the Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership, you’ll study best practices for providing needed services across a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, community services and social work. You’ll develop skills to manage services for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments.

Real-world learning experiences

The James I. Perkins College of Education is home to in-house clinics and laboratories where you can take advantage of authentic learning opportunities outside the classroom. You’ll work as faculty-supervised practitioners with the assistance of cutting-edge technologies in convenient on-campus locations.

In addition to hands-on training with clinical rotations in several service settings, you’ll find that opportunities for student participation in research are available and encouraged, even during your undergraduate years.

Job prospects for human services workers

Human services workers provide a variety of services aimed at improving clients’ lives.

Learn more about career opportunities.

BS in Human Services

This undergraduate degree will train you to observe and interview patients, conduct treatment plans and work with people who are undergoing a crisis. Your degree plan includes fieldwork to help you gain hands-on experience. 

Coursework includes skill development in:

• counseling
• human services administration
• social advocacy
• child development
• leadership
• substance abuse
• community collaboration
• planning and organization skills
• creating reports
• and grant writing.