Online Bachelor's in Human Services

The opportunities for students, in this first course, for all majors are to learn personal and professional leadership styles and drivers by providing an overview of leadership basics. Leadership skills are utilized across fields of study. Regardless of the roles individuals assume in an organization, they will need to communicate effectively, influence others, and understand the way they respond to others and why. The course engages students in discussion, exploration, and application of leadership skills, principles, and practices. Students will learn about the relationships and connections leaders have with individuals and organizations. Topics include leadership communication, motivation, style, and characteristics. 

Credits: 3

This course provides students with an overview of the field of human services from the historical to the present day, including the roles and responsibilities of human services professionals. Students explore human services occupations, professional organizations, and community resources as well as ethical and legal issues. Students engage in several key areas of the human services field including but not limited to law, diversity, social change, global human services, mental health, institutions, private and nonprofit organizations, and building a career in human services. Students will also reflect on the broader social influences that impact roles within the field of human services.

Credits: 3

This course examines the influence of digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and tools within Human Services organizations through a comprehensive review of scientific and technological advancements. Students will explore theories related to the technology-society relationship, examining the effects of ethics, social interactions, relationships, and economics on technological innovation. The course also reviews the increasing array of technological tools and AI applications available to meet the organizational demands of Human Services and analyzes their impact on organizational structure, environment, health, work, and communication. Students will learn to develop strategies for selecting, implementing, and managing technological change, as well as understanding the role of leadership in these processes. Additionally, students will analyze issues that leaders must consider in technology and AI implementations to effectively engage stakeholders and high-level decision-makers.

Credits: 3

This course explores theories and research in human development. Topics include physical, language, intellectual, moral, personality, social, and emotional development as they relate to the human services professional.

Credits: 3

Survey of the historical and current issues related to race, gender, and ethnic relations found in practices and policies. Review of judicial, political and economic influences on organizational diversity management.

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the skills and techniques necessary for the successful implementation of the roles, functions, and competencies of the general human service professional. Students will learn how to engage clients and apply assessment, intervention, and follow-up methods for diverse individuals, groups, and families. The course covers various facets of intervention, including prevention, and emphasizes evidence-based practices. Students will engage in activities designed to help distinguish among different intervention methods and apply them in diverse professional settings. Prerequisite: HSM300.

Credits: 3

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the intersection between labor, class, and employment within the realm of human services. Students will delve into the ways in which these factors influence both human services consumers and professionals. The course explores a wide range of human services organizations and community resources, highlighting key areas such as law, diversity, equity, and inclusion, mental health, institutional practices, and the roles of private and nonprofit sectors. A particular focus will be placed on serving marginalized populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, the working poor, and the working class.

Credits: 3

The course explores diverse crises with an emphasis on the use of short‐term intervention and problem-solving techniques. The course focuses on helping individuals and families de‐escalate crises and develop appropriate coping techniques. Students will learn to apply crisis intervention skills, techniques, and methods to various types of crises and diverse groups, including individuals, families, and social/cultural communities. Students will also explore the impact of these crises on human services workers and their clients within institutional settings, learning appropriate assessment and intervention methods for each context. Additionally, the course highlights the importance of self-care for crisis intervention workers. Prerequisite: HSM350.

Credits: 3

This course teaches the principles, practices, and issues in human services case management with emphasis on prevention and intervention strategies. Topics include listening skills, planning, assessment of community resources, referral procedures, general crisis intervention, and setting appropriate boundaries. Prerequisite: HSM400. Students cannot receive credit for HSM405 and HSC373 as they are considered duplicative.

Credits: 3

This course explores the legal and ethical issues facing human service practitioners. The roles, functions, and legal/ethical responsibilities of human services workers, including the process of ethical decision-making and awareness of the moral and legal complexities in the field of human services, are explored. Emphasis is placed on the integration of ethical values with the counselor’s role in practice, training, and supervision. Students develop critical capabilities to analyze current professional, ethical, and legal issues that confront the counselor’s role in a variety of settings. 

Credits: 3

This course provides an introduction to the principles of human services management. Students will explore organizational management perspectives, focusing on staff supervision, oversight, and administrative planning within human services organizations. Key topics include leadership and management in human service settings, service delivery systems, budget and financial planning, supervision, and managerial problem-solving. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership skills, preparing them for effective roles in the human services field. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding and managing change within human services organizations.

Credits: 3

This course explores the essential components of urban and rural community development, focusing on planning, zoning, land use, asset-based development, housing, and community issues. Additionally, it examines the role of community-based organizations and the impact of globalization. Designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in community development-oriented human services organizations, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to foster and sustain diverse communities.

Credits: 3

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to use research to inform practice in human services. Students will learn the basic ideas governing scientific inquiry in human services settings, including the formulation of research questions and review of related scientific literature. Emphasis will be placed on the skills required to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application to research with individuals, families, communities, and human services programs. Students will develop an understanding of both the ethical considerations and the issues related to human diversity involved in performing, evaluating, and using research within human services.

Credits: 3

In this preparatory course for the Capstone project, each student will propose and conduct a research project that integrates theory into practice. The primary purpose of the research project is to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills in human services. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all core and specialization coursework except HSM480. 

Credits: 3

HSM480 is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their time in the Human Services Program. Through a capstone project, students will synthesize and integrate the Human Services knowledge, theories, and skills they have developed throughout their coursework to address an individual or community issue, problem, or information gap. Students should have gone through the entire degree path and have a working knowledge of what Human Services entails, including skills for serving individuals and communities in the field. On successful completion of the capstone course, students will have met all of the program outcomes for the Human Services degree.

Credits: 3