Shorter University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services is a unique and interdisciplinary approach to meeting human needs. Human Service courses are grounded in the main helping fields of Social work, Counseling, Psychology, and Sociology. Additionally, Human Services promotes improved service delivery, accessibility, and accountability among practitioners (National Organization for Human Services, 2017). Earning a degree in Human Services will prepare students to actively and practically engage in the helping field. Students will be equipped with a variety of skills and the competence to apply those skills to various problems in living. The Human Services degree at Shorter University strives to develop dedicated helpers, lifelong learners, and competent leaders that are prepared to work as entry-level practitioners in the field of human services. The Human service professional is dedicated to the goal of helping clients become self-sufficient through teaching problem solving and opportunity development using case management skills, and client centered mental health practices. Students will gain an understanding of the human developmental process and will learn to use their diagnostic skills to analyze and to manage behavioral issues. Students will also gain an understanding of global and domestic problems, cross-cultural differences, diversity, as well as the ethical responsibilities of their profession. Students will integrate their classroom learning with first-hand experience through a 16-week internship.
This is a 120 hour degree program and the hours are divided as follows:
Common Core Hours – 38
Students may choose to enroll in the online Associate of Science program to satisfy the Common Core requirements.
Hours in the Major – 63
Including a required minor in Criminal Justice, Sport Management, or General Business.
Electives/Concentrations 19
TOTAL HOURS: 120
Program Benefits
Skills: Students will gain an understanding of the human developmental process and will learn to use their diagnostic skills to analyze and to manage behavioral issues. Students will also gain an understanding of global and domestic problems, cross-cultural differences, diversity, as well as the ethical responsibilities of their profession.
Career Opportunities: Human Services is a growing field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); the field of Human Services is projected to grow faster than the occupational average (2015). The field of Human Services will grow by 11% between 2014 and 2024 due to a rising demand. Additionally, the helping field demand as a whole is growing due to policy shifts, increased number of insured individuals, and increased help seeking behavior (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015 & Career Planning, 2016). Most employment opportunities in the helping field prefer a bachelor level applicant with strong educational training and internship experience (Career Planner, 2016).
According to the National Organization for Human Services, the employment outlook for Human Services professionals is excellent due to the growing need for helping services in various settings (correctional, healthcare, private agencies, etc. (2016). Many social support sectors fall under the umbrella of human services, including working with children and families, the elderly, immigrants, veterans, the homeless, and people with disabilities, addictions, or mental illnesses. Human services graduates work alongside social workers, detectives, doctors, and other specialists who help individuals tackle major challenges in their lives. This diversity means that there is a wide variety of careers available for graduates. Some familiar job titles that can be obtained with a Bachelor of Science with a major in Human Services include Adult Services Worker, Intake Coordinator, Substance Abuse Worker, Elderly Services Provider, Psychiatric Assistant, and Case Manager.
Online Format: The online format of this degree will allow student flexibility in course scheduling and will provide skills in time management, organization, and prioritizing.
Outstanding Professors: Approximately two-thirds of Shorter University’s faculty members have earned the highest degree available in their field of expertise.
Admissions
Students must meet the following criteria in order to be admitted:
1. Students with less than 24 college transferable hours: a high school transcript, ACT score of 19 or better, SAT score of 450 on each section or better, and a high school GPA average of 2.25 or better. If the student has been out of high school for over 5 years, a high school transcript is required but no ACT or SAT score.
2. Students with 24 or more transferable credit hours need a college grade-point average, based on grades from transferable courses, of not less than 2.0 on a 4.0-point scale from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services the student must have:
1. At least a “C” or better in ENG 1010, ENG 1020, MAT 1110 and all 2000-4000 level courses in the major.
2. A cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Note: Students will have to go to a place of business to complete the clinical hours but the coursework is fully online.