College of Psychology and Community Services:

MS in Human Services

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

This specialization prepares students to work in nonlicensure community social work roles. Students study the prevention, intervention, and promotion of well-being in a variety of settings, including schools, communities, and organizations. Courses expose students to the theoretical, ethical, social, political, and cultural factors that influence social services programs. Skills taught will include how to identify the needs of clients (including individuals and families) in a social services context and how to help these clients navigate services in their communities.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

This specialization is designed for professionals involved in all aspects of public safety, including law enforcement and rehabilitation. Students examine the factors that contribute to criminal behavior, such as urban decay, substance abuse, and poverty. They explore the use of traditional forms of intervention, such as individual and group psychotherapy, as well as recent developments in intervention, including restorative justice as it relates to both criminals and the victims of crimes. Through this coursework, students gain a greater insight into the problems facing the criminal justice system and how they can begin to address these challenges.

Specialization Courses (20 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

Whether it’s an act of nature or an act of terror, effective crisis management leaders are needed to curtail the effects of the disaster and implement relief efforts. The focus of this specialization is on theories and strategies to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities in crisis. Students can explore common reactions that communities share following a disaster and the psychological and behavioral disorders individuals can develop as a result. Coursework will allow students to gain an understanding of how different counseling practices are used to help individuals overcome the disorders. Students will examine how to analyze a crisis at both a local and regional level and apply their knowledge to design a crisis plan to prepare for future emergencies.

Specialization Courses (20 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

In diverse populations, human services professionals must be in tune with the special needs of underrepresented or marginalized groups such as low-income, single-parent, gay and lesbian families, bisexual, and transgender. In this MS in Human and Social Services specialization, students can explore a broad spectrum of theoretical and clinical approaches to intervention. At the completion of their studies, students will be able to recognize special treatment considerations and develop multimodal therapeutic approaches.

Specialization Courses (20 credits)

What does it take to assume a leadership role in the human services field? The focus of this specialization is on topics such as public management and leadership, program development and implementation, and staff development and training—the core competencies students will need to effectively lead a human services agency or organization. Study the theoretical foundations of organizational behavior and gain an understanding of how they can be incorporated in management and planning. After completing the program, students will understand how to evaluate the efforts of human services organizations to improve their effectiveness within the community.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

Mental health plays a significant role in communities. There is a need for professionals to connect those in need of services to the appropriate resources. In the Mental Health Facilitation specialization, students develop the skills to help individuals navigate community mental health services. The specialization introduces students to the role of mental health facilitation in health behavioral changes and offers a solid understanding of the assessment and referral system for mental health intervention and support.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

This specialization prepares students to address the unique needs of former and active military personnel, veterans, and their families. Through their coursework, students explore the military culture and lifestyle and examine the emotional and behavioral impact of parent-child separation, frequent family relocations, and extensive deployments. Students also can gain an understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and vicarious trauma and study the latest approaches for working with members of the armed forces.

Specialization Courses (20 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective

Aging populations with special needs are creating a greater demand for professionals who can facilitate the integration of services for the older adult, including health and home care, financial and lifestyle, and issues of daily living. The Studies in Aging specialization prepares students to meet this growing need. In this specialization, students explore the impact of societal expectations on the elderly and demographic trends, including global, cross-cultural issues in aging. Successful students will develop a broad understanding of factors that affect the geriatric population’s quality of life, from the physiological changes of aging, to the effects of chronic disease, to the challenges of independent living.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

HUMN 6XXX - Elective