HUMAN SERVICES

A Bachelor of Science in Human Services prepares professionals to work with individuals and communities to improve functioning and delivery of services at the local, state, and regional levels. This interdisciplinary degree incorporates both an administrative and direct service approach that focuses across the disciplines of psychology, sociology, government, and public policy. The primary purpose of the program is to prepare entry-level professionals to work in a variety of helping capacities for a diverse clientele while also preparing students for a wide range of graduate degree programs. Students selecting the Human Services major typically are interested in the helping professions and desire positions in social services institutions, public and private, as well as community programs.

While graduates will receive excellent preparation for various master's and doctoral programs, the primary emphasis of the curriculum will be to provide practical, real-world training so that graduates can gain immediate employment. Human Service professionals can expect to find employment in a wide variety of settings, including government and private social service agencies, vocational rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse centers, and residential facilities treating the elderly and intellectually challenged.

Human Services has been defined by the National Organization for Human Services as a multidisciplinary profession integrating the fields of psychology, sociology, government and administration. Gordon's program is unique among Human Services degrees in incorporating business, government, and economics courses in addition to the customary sociology and psychology curriculum.

Mission of the Human Services Baccalaureate

The field of human services is dedicated to people helping people. It is grounded in the concepts of personal empowerment, social justice, collaboration, and equal access for all members of society. Students who are most likely to benefit from earning a degree in the rewarding field of Human Services are motivated to improve the delivery of social services and to assist individuals and families in functioning as effectively as possible.

The primary objectives of the Human Services Program are to prepare students to:

  1. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to effectively address human service needs in a variety of contexts, including leadership roles.
  2. Utilize a variety of skills necessary to effectively address human service needs in a variety of contexts, including leadership roles.
  3. Display professionalism consistent with the Human Services Profession.

Skills and knowledge learned will assist professionals working with a diverse clientele in varied settings such as group homes, correctional facilities, community mental health centers, child and family services, courts services and youth facilities, as well as assisting individuals and families working through crisis situations (addictions, family violence, unemployment, etc.). Hence, it is expected that human services workers not only employ effective knowledge, techniques, and strategies, but also display a commitment to tolerance, acceptance, and caring in the performance of their professional duties.

Additional Information

Advisement Worksheet

Human Services Advisement Worksheet (pdf)

Please download and print out this advisement worksheet and review all requirements before your initial meeting with your advisor. Hold on to this worksheet for future planning.