Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Human Services
Majors Overview January 23, 2015Those with careers in social services, public works, or human services usually focus on those in need of assistance, such as low-income families, the homeless, substance abusers, or the mentally disabled. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Human Services will teach students how to run various types of human services programs and interact with clients.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Human Services
Students enrolled in most human services degree programs are taught about applying human services programs in real world settings, in addition to the administration aspects of these programs. In order to understand the way human services programs work, students are first taught about the needs of diverse populations, including low-income families, the elderly, children, and the physically and mentally disabled.
Thereafter, students may complete courses on potential human services, such as community outreach, health services, child development, emergency medical, and criminal justice. After they learn about dealing with various populations and programs, students are taught about dealing with individual clients.
Courses in counseling, intervention strategies, interpersonal relationships, and behavioral psychology are devised to ensure that students become adept at talking with clients in a professional manner. Other core coursework is devised to train students in fundamental aspects of running human services programs, including legal issues related to human services, program funding, public service management, and research methodologies and statistics.
Concentration Choices
As multiple career choices are sought by graduates with a degree in human services, students enrolled in the majority of degree programs are allowed to choose a specialization in the form of electives or degree concentrations, in keeping with their chosen career paths.
For instance, students that wish to help the mentally disabled may opt for an elective that focuses on mental health institutions, psychological disorders, child psychology, or social psychology. Alternatively, courses related to non-profit organizations and social services may be picked by students wishing to work in social reform programs.
Hands-on Training
Students enrolled in many human services degree programs are required to obtain work experience in real-world settings through participation in externship and internship programs. These programs usually span a duration of one or two semesters while allowing students the opportunity of participating in additional internship programs. These experiences are intended to teach students about working as human services professionals with other industries, evaluating individual cases, and working with a variety of people in need.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, individuals employed as social and human service assistants are predicted to have a job growth rate of 22% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these workers earned an average annual wage of $28,850; during this period, the majority of these workers earned between $19,430 and $46,080.
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