Mar 28, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Services, B.S.


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Chairperson
   

Christine Shane

   
Professors
Associate Professors
Assistant Professors
Lynn Kellner Megan Krell Kori Ryan
Christine Shane   Mark Williams
     

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


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:

Basic Informational Courses in the Behavioral Sciences:


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.

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