What exactly is a human services degree? Graduates with a human services degree will work with detectives, social workers, doctors, and others who help people overcome major challenges in their lives. Human services programs also provide individuals with substance abuse problems or victims of crime or violence intervention.
You’ll find that colleges and universities will offer a variety of human services degree programs. Be sure to investigate programs that allow you to explore the many options available prior to committing to a specific concentration.
Associate’s Degree
You can opt to become certified in human services, which will allow you to expand your skills in a specific area without having to commit to achieving a full degree. A certificate – or Associate degree – allows you to gain a minimum amount of specialized training, giving you the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in human services. You can then transfer the credits you’ve earned to a bachelor degree program if you decide to pursue further education in the field. Certificates in human services include: Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Home Visitor Child Development, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Human Services.
Bachelor’s Degree
Most schools that offer bachelor’s in human services degrees will combine specific career-related courses with those in the arts and humanities. You will gain the ability to relate to clients on multiple levels by the time you have completed your degree. Some of the courses you will be required to take include: abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, group dynamics, ethics, and research design and evaluation.
Master’s Degree
If you decide to go on to achieve a master’s degree in human services, you will find that the focus areas will relate to management and director positions. During your graduate studies, you will develop an even deeper understanding of psychology. Course study will include: ethics and legal issues, clinical case formulation, group processes and facilitation, applied behavior analysis, assessment and intervention techniques, and diversity issues.
Doctorate Degree
You can also go on and earn your doctorate degree in human services if you so choose; with a PhD you can specialize in counseling studies, general human services, criminal justice, health care administration, social work, or management of nonprofit agencies.
Whatever level of study you pursue, you will likely influence others greatly with a career in human services.
Sun, Feb 28, 2010
Degrees, Higher Education, Online Education, Programs