Human Services, Department of

Introduction
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Department Chair

Mikel Hogan

Department Office/Website

Education Classroom 405
657-278-8444
hdcs.fullerton.edu/husr

Faculty

John Doyle, Joe Albert Garcia, Gary Germo, Stephen Hall, Mikel Hogan, Melanie Horn-Mallers, Kristi Kanel, Lorraine Klein Thornburg, Susan Larsen, Trent Nguyen, Lori Phelps, Carl Renold, James Ruby, Mia Sevier, Yuying Tsong

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services is a carefully articulated program providing the academic and experiential background for the student seeking a career working with people in the varied and expanding field of human services. An application-oriented major, it is based on a synthesis of knowledge from several social sciences, together with methodologies of intervention at the individual, group and community levels. Human services graduates are educated to respond in an informed way to identifiable human service needs in a variety of settings. The program’s orientation and its synthesis of knowledge from many background disciplines, as well as its focus on the development of specific methods and practical skills to apply this knowledge, give it a unique perspective.

The Human Services major is structured around four interrelated components: theoretical foundations/intervention strategies; client population/cultural diversity; research/evaluation; and skill development/field experience.

About half of the graduates of the Human Services program go on to graduate programs, typically in social work, counseling, psychology, gerontology, public administration or education. A human services professional may provide direct services to clients, supervise personnel, administer programs and develop policies, and/or deliver support services to professional staff. Sample career options for Human Services graduates include adoption counselor, AIDS services case manager, child protective service worker, client advocate, community educator, elementary school teacher, geriatric caseworker, human services agency administrator, parent educator, policy analyst, probation officer, social service employee, youth counselor and behavior specialist.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in Human Services:

Intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving

Understand, interpret, and analyze relevant theories, research design, sampling methodology and measurement
Evaluate human services programs and critique information provided by media and other primary and secondary sources
Integrate and evaluate information to draw reasonable conclusions based on evidence
Articulate ideas, taking into consideration purpose, audience and presentation mode

Professional, reflective, field-based practice with culturally diverse populations in changing communities

Demonstrate interviewing, case management, crisis intervention, assessment, and cultural competence skills
Exhibit knowledge of the purpose, structure and processes of community organizations and government agencies focused on human services through the lifespan, and demonstrate an ability to use that knowledge effectively to serve and enhance diverse communities
Understand that the needs of populations are multifaceted and dynamic and are best addressed from a collaborative, reflective, and interdisciplinary approach

Communication and information technology skills

Demonstrate collaborative communication with individuals, families and communities
Articulate knowledge and skills to communicate effectively about human services issues using written and oral communications
Use information technology to support human services delivery and implementation

Programs

Bachelor’s

Human Services, B.S.

Minor

Human Services Minor

Courses

Human Services

Courses are designated as HUSR in the class schedule.