Human Services

What it’s about:

The human service major prepares you to become an aide to a professional or to practice as a professional who helps individuals, families, or communities become self-sufficient. You learn about social service delivery systems and explore the reasons why many people are unable to obtain or hold on to the basic necessities of life.

What the study of this major is like:

As a human services majors, you study a range of topics. You will most likely examine the history of the human services delivery systems in the United States; counselling and service theories; and the various philosophical approaches to the human condition, team work, and social problems. Most courses are lecture based and often feature case studies, group work, games, and class discussion. Well-rounder programs provided you with the opportunity to participate in (and often require) internships, community service learning, or practicums. Strong bachelor’s degree programs will also require course requirements outside the human services major.

Generally, the challenges you encounter involve managing your time, being organized, and working effectively in groups. As in any major, expect to spend a lot of time studying. But you may be asked to apply your newly learned skills and theories earlier in your academic career than your colleagues in other majors.

Because of the range of content and skills taught in human services, the major can be housed in various departments. You can also study human services at a variety of institutions that offer certification or degree options. Before you pick a program, you should think about the level of education you plan to attain. Courses in certificate programs might not be transferable if you later wish to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition, some programs focus on direct service (one-to-one contact) and others focus on human services management (supervisory skills). You should probably look for a program that offers a variety of courses, so that you can explore many tracks within the profession. You don’t need to choose your area of specialization before you enter college.

Career options and trends:

Residential counsellor; drug/alcohol counsellor; case manager; probation/parole officer; client advocate; child abuse worker; mental health worker; youth worker; rehabilitation case worker; social service worker.

Certification requirements for different careers vary from state to state. For example, some states require drug and alcohol counsellors to have state certification in addition to a college degree. Most human services professions have a continuing education requirement.

The aging baby boomer population is creating a demand for human services workers and professionals skilled in working with older people. The restorative justice field (in which members of the community are brought into the criminal justice process, such as sentencing and rehabilitation) is also expected to continue growing. In another trend, most states are funding drug treatment and counselling through departments of corrections, rather than the traditional human services areas. This development will further integrate the fields of human services and criminal justice.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors