Human Services B.S.

Bachelor of Science Degree
WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Department of Social Work and Human Services
(770) 423-6630

The Human Services (HS) program prepares students to pursue careers in the field of human services in a variety of public, nonprofit, and private human service organizations. Students may choose either a concentration in direct practice case management or human service administration.

Students choosing the direct practice concentration will learn knowledge and skills used to work as human service case managers. Direct practice human service majors are prepared in skill competency areas such as communication, assessment, advocacy, crisis intervention, documentation, community networking, cultural competence, social policy, and civic responsibility. Skill standard competencies are established by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). Case management graduates work in a wide range of non-profit agencies and public agencies.

Students who concentrate in Nonprofit Administration will acquire and develop core competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, and attitudes) that will prepare them to work and/or volunteer in the nonprofit sector. Highlights of the program include a focus on leading and managing nonprofit organizations (e.g., financial management and fundraising, human resource management, program evaluation, and marketing), professional/career development, and the role of the nonprofit/voluntary sector in society (e.g., comparative perspectives on civil society, ethics, public policy, advocacy, community service and civic engagement).

HS majors also have an opportunity to qualify for the American Humanics Certificate in Nonprofit Management by taking courses in nonprofit management and leadership. American Humanics, Inc. (AH) is a national organization that collaborates with affiliated universities and major nonprofit organizations recruiting, preparing, and placing students in meaningful careers with youth and human service agencies. Students pursuing the certificate must meet academic requirements set by the department. They will acquire the required competencies of the program including: board committee development, human resource development, nonprofit financial management, fund-raising principles and practices, program planning, and nonprofit marketing. Students demonstrate these competencies through completion of appropriate course work, participation in the American Humanics student organization, and attendance at the yearly Management Training Institute sponsored by AH.

All human service majors are required to take a common core, which includes two internship experiences. Graduates from the HS program are offered an opportunity to earn certification as a Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP). See advisor for more information.