Human Services

Academic Division of Professional Programs

Human services involve the art and science of working with people and helping others. Within the broad category of human services is the subspecialty of social work. The essential aim of the social work profession is to enhance social functioning of people within social and cultural frameworks. This program prepares graduates to engage in the helping professions at entry levels in their communities. This concentration focuses upon helping students develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and values that will assist them in working effectively with people in a variety of community settings.

The bureau of labor statistics predicts an increase in social work jobs of 11% between 2018 and 2028 and the median pay for social workers in 2018 was $49,470. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm).

Professional licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state. This program of study may lead to professional licensure or certification in states outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Licensure and certification in one state do not guarantee automatic licensure in another state. Students who are interested in enrolling into this program of study, and reside outside of Massachusetts, should check their state educational requirements for licensure or certification. For more information, please visit our SARA Professional Licensure Disclosure page

Human Services Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- HSV 103
- Introduction to Social Work
- 3
The student will explore, In depth, the concepts of social work, in terms of knowledge, values and skills that are required for an effective introduction to the profession of social work. Special populations, foundational theories, functions and roles of a social worker, as well as emerging issues in society will be evaluated on a multi-systemic level. This course will assist the student In preparing for the state II censure examination at the LSWA level.
- HSV 200
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- 3
This course provides a conceptual framework for organizing and analyzing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment with a focus on individuals and families. Social systems, life course, and assets and resiliency-based perspectives and theories are presented. Special attention is given to the impact of poverty, discrimination, and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
- HSV 201
- Counseling Skills
- 3
An examination of the helping relationship in individual and group work with emphasis on techniques such as listening skills, questioning, and interviewing. Topics covered include assessment, treatment planning, and techniques of intervention including behavior modification, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, and cognitive therapies.
- HSV 205
- Substance Addiction Counseling
- 3
This course covers a variety of techniques and strategies in the successful understanding, treatment, and assessment of chemical addictions. Students will be taught causation including physiological and behavioral consequences, as well as prevention, intervention, and treatment methods from a systems approach. Students will use social work theories to evaluate programs and treatment models. Additional topics include substance abuse in: society, multiple life span stages and diverse population groups.
- HSV 260
- Diverse Populations
- 3
An overview of the role of human diversity in social work practice. An examination of the differences as well as the similarities of the various populations in American Society. Topics to be addressed are race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Barriers to cultural understanding and valuing diversity will also be explored.
- SOC 101
- General Sociology
- 3
An examination of the behavior of humans in social groups. Emphasis will be placed on concepts including culture, society, socialization, role, personality, institutions and social change. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.