Human Services, B.S.

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Chairperson
Christine Shane
Professors	Associate Professors	Assistant Professors
John M. Hancock	Christine Shane	Megan Krell
Lynne Kellner

Objectives for the Human Services Program

A major in Human Services leads to a bachelor of science degree. Administered by the Behavioral Sciences Department, this program allows students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for entering a variety of human service professions. The Human Services program is competency based. Through their course work, students gain a theoretical and conceptual base, and develop generic helping skills. Students further develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills within several community settings through course-related practice and an intensive capstone internship experience. These professionally supervised field experiences integrate academic study with practical hands-on, real-world application, and constitute a special characteristic of the Fitchburg State University program. Additionally, they give students a realistic basis for choosing careers while strengthening their ability to compete in the job market. Students are also encouraged to gain additional experiences through volunteer activities.

The Human Services program produces generalists to work with diverse clients in many settings, and prepares students for graduate study. Course work may be designed for students to pursue interests in human services administration, aging and gerontology, criminal justice and/or juvenile justice, family and children’s services, mental health and developmental delays, and other areas.

Students should meet with their Human Services advisors to learn about the recommended course work and career possibilities associated with their interests.

See the section on Departmental Policies for information about the Human Services program’s policies on admission, retention and dismissal, internship eligibility, and eligibility for graduation.

Requirements for the Major in Human Services

A. Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses

Human Services majors are required to take the following courses, which also meet LA&S requirements:

Written and Oral Communication

ENGL 1100 - Writing I 3 cr.
ENGL 1200 - Writing II 3 cr.
SPCH 1000 - Introduction to Speech Communication 3 cr. or
SPCH 1600 - Public Speaking 3 cr. * and
Human Services majors are also required to demonstrate computer literacy, defined as skill in using spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel) and databases (e.g. MS Access). This may be accomplished by passing any 3-credit computer course.

Government Knowledge (Constitutional) Requirement

May be satisfied by taking one of the following, or, with the consent of the Human Services advisor, additional Political Science courses focused on the Constitution and the structure of government:

POLS 1000 - United States Government 3 cr.
POLS 1500 - State and Urban Government 3 cr.
POLS 2270 - Introduction to the Legal Process 3 cr.
POLS 2550 - Sex, Race and the Constitution 3 cr.
POLS 2600 - The First Amendment 3 cr.
POLS 3500 - Constitutional Law 3 cr.

Basic Informational Courses in the Behavioral Sciences:

PSY 1200 - Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
PSY 2350 - Abnormal Psychology 3 cr.
SOC 1100 - Introduction to Sociology 3 cr.

B. The Human Services Core

HMSV 1100 - Introduction to Human Services 3 cr.
HMSV 2500 - Interviewing Techniques 3 cr.
HMSV 2050 - Research Methods in Human Services Practice 3 cr.
HMSV 3000 - Managing the Non-Profit Agency 3 cr. or
HMSV 3410 - Building Community Supports for Persons with Disabilities 3 cr.
HMSV 3600 - Assessment and Intervention 3 cr.
HMSV 3700 - Professional Issues in Human Services 3 cr.
HMSV 3800 - Case Management 4 cr. *
HMSV 4870 - Internship in Human Services 6 cr. ** and
HMSV 4880 - Internship in Human Services 6 cr. or
HMSV 4890 - Internship in Human Services 12 cr.

Note:

* Fulfill requirements for Jr/Sr Writing, Listening and Speaking and Computer Literacy

** Two options exist for completing an internship in Human Services: (1) a block placement involving 30 hours per week plus a two-hour seminar for one semester (fall or spring) (HMSV 4890 —12 cr.); (2) 15 hours weekly plus a two-hour seminar, beginning in the fall and continuing until the end of the spring semester (HMSV 4870 & HMSV 4880 —6 credits each).

Admission to the Human Services program does not guarantee entry into internship. Eligibility for internship is assessed by the Human Services Review Committee according to the criteria specified in Departmental Policies. Completion of all eligibility requirements at least one semester before undertaking Internship and timely completion of the application process for eligibility are essential.

C. Human Services and Behavioral Sciences Electives

All Human Services majors must complete a minimum of six credits from any program in Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology) and six credits from an approved field of choice. Field of choice electives are designed to allow students to explore their specific area of interest. Field of choice electives must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Behavioral Sciences Department Chair.

Policy Regarding Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is required of all students taking Human Services courses which involve a practicum experience. Upon enrolling in such courses, including Internship in Human Services, students are automatically covered under a blanket policy purchased by the university.