Human Services (BS)
This major is being discontinued and will not accept new students after September 30, 2020. Students who have declared this major prior to September 30, 2020 will use these standards to complete the program requirements.
Introduction
The field of human services is an applied academic discipline that involves the study of social systems with the goal of finding solutions to prevent and remediate human problems. The discipline seeks to meet basic human needs and advocate for change in societal systems that affect the lives of individuals. In accordance with these goals, the Human Services program is designed to prepare students for professional work in the public, private, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. A degree in Human Services also enables students to pursue graduate studies in social work, counseling, public policy, public administration, and other social sciences programs.
The course work in the major is based on sound theory and research and offers a broad and coherent foundation of knowledge in the discipline. Students have the opportunity to take field-based coursework through practica and supervised internships within human service agencies. The program also offers flexibility, in that students are permitted to choose from one of two tracks:
- Schools and Community
- Child, Youth and Family Development
Qualifications
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their major and a 2.0 overall average to graduate with a degree in human Services. All students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate.
Advisement
All students should have an advisor in the major and should contact the department directly to have an advisor assigned if they do not already have one. Meetings with academic advisors are required prior to students receiving their PIN for course registration each semester. All majors should work closely with their advisor in discussing career expectations, choosing their major electives, developing their entire academic program and planning their co-curricular or supplemental academic experiences.
Double Majors
Students who wish to expand their educational opportunities may decide to declare a double major. This decision may be based on career goals, planned graduate studies, and/or other student interests. Before a student declares a double major, it is important to meet with the appropriate academic departments for advisement. In order to declare a double major, the student must complete the Major/Minor Declaration form. This form will be submitted electronically and reviewed and approved by each department chairperson as well as the appropriate associate dean.
Per college policy, each additional major requires a minimum of 15 credits that do not apply to the student's first or subsequent major. Some double major combinations can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in other cases additional course work may be required. Please note that students will receive only one degree, regardless of the number of majors they complete. Both (all) majors appear on a student’s transcript.
Minors in Other Disciplines
Minors provide students the opportunity to pursue additional interests but generally do not require as many courses as a major. Minors generally range from five to eight required courses. To receive a minor, the student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their other credentials (i.e., majors, other minors). The complete list of minors is available on the Canisius website and in the catalog and provides links to each minor. Some majors and minors can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in some cases additional coursework may be required. Students must complete the appropriate minor request form.
Major Experiences
Human Services majors are encouraged to become active members in the service opportunities provided on campus. Service opportunities include joining the Griffins Giving Back club and attending service trips both domestically and internationally through our Campus Ministry office. Getting involved with organizations such as these can increase one’s awareness of the social problems impacting our society and obtain first-hand experience with the fields they may choose to enter.
Curriculum
An Ignatian Foundation
All undergraduate students must complete either the Canisius Core Curriculum or the All-College Honors Curriculum. Many schools refer to their college-wide undergraduate requirements as "general education" requirements. We believe that the core curriculum and the honors curriculum are more than a series of required classes; they provide the basis for a Jesuit education both with content and with required knowledge and skills attributes that are central to our mission.
Free Electives
Students may graduate with a bachelor's degree with more but not less than 120 credit hours. Free electives are courses in addition to the Canisius Core Curriculum or All-College Honors Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach the minimum number of credits required for graduation. The number of credits required to complete a bachelor's degree may vary depending on the student's major(s) and minor(s).
Major Requirements
All Human Services Majors
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
COM 204 | Relational Communication | 3 |
COM 302 | Strategic Communication in Teams | 3 |
EDE 100 | Human Growth and Development - Birth through Childhood | 3 |
or EDS 101 | Human Growth and Social Development: Adolescence | |
HSV 100 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
HSV 201 | Introduction to Family Dynamics | 3 |
HSV 212 | Social and Cultural Diversity | 3 |
HSV 301 | Social Policies | 3 |
HSV 302 | Children, Schools, and the Community | 3 |
HSV 303 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 |
HSV 360 | People Helping Skills | 3 |
HSV 400 | Management of Human Service Agencies | 3 |
HSV 480 | Wellness - Be All That You Can Be | 3 |
HSV 495 | Field Internship | 6 |
Electives: Choose 3 electives from one of the two tracks listed below | 9 | |
Total Credits | 51 |
Major Electives
In addition to the required courses listed above, you need to choose one of two tracks: schools and community, or child, youth and family development. Each track requires the completion of 3 electives in that specific area. Exceptions can be made in consultation with the program director.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Schools and Community | ||
ECCH 221 | Emergent Literacy | 3 |
ECCH 222 | Literacy and the Arts in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
ECCH 412 | Managing the Early Childhood and Elementary Classroom | 3 |
EDS 360 | Evaluation and Teaching Strategies | 3 |
EDS 402 | Methods of Teaching English: Adolescence | 3 |
EDS 403 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Adolescence | 3 |
EDS 404 | Methods of Teaching Modern Languages: Adolescence | 3 |
EDS 405 | Methods of Teaching Science: Adolescence | 3 |
EDS 406 | Methods of Teaching Social Studies: Adolescence | 3 |
EDU 428 | Teaching Math and Science: Supporting STEM Education | 3 |
EMC 352 | Human Growth and Social Development: Middle Childhood | 3 |
PSY 334 | Child, Family and Community Psychology | 3 |
SPE 341 | Inclusive Strategies | 3 |
HSV 498 | Practicum in Human Services | 3 |
Child, Youth, and Family Development | ||
COM 205 | Media Literacy | 3 |
COM 304 | Family Communication | 3 |
CRJ 337 | Violence and the Family | 3 |
CRJ 354 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
EMC 352 | Human Growth and Social Development: Middle Childhood | 3 |
PSY 203 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 |
PSY 303 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
PSY 384 | Child & Adolescent Psychopathology | 3 |
HSV 498 | Practicum in Human Services | 3 |
Roadmap
Recommended Semester Schedule for Major Course Requirements
Freshman | |
---|---|
Fall | Spring |
HSV 100 | HSV 201 |
EDE 100 or EDS 101 (depending on preference to work with children or adolescents) | COM 204 |
Sophomore | |
Fall | Spring |
HSV 301 | HSV 212 |
COM 302 | HSV 360 |
Junior | |
Fall | Spring |
HSV 303 (may be taken fall or spring) | HSV 303 (may be taken fall or spring) |
HSV 400 | Major Elective |
Major Elective | HSV 302 |
Major Elective | concentration requirement |
Senior | |
Fall | Spring |
HSV 480 (Capstone) | HSV 480 |
Major Elective | HSV 495 |
HSV 495 |
Learning Goals & Objectives
Learning Goal 1: Candidates in the Human Services Program will demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical, and professional knowledge necessary for successful performance in their field.
Students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts and theories of the field of human services
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methodologies used in the field of human services
- Demonstrate and understanding of how individuals, families, and cultures function in society and the relationships among societal structures.
Learning Goal 2: Candidates in SEHS programs will demonstrate professional skills and dispositions necessary for successful performance in their field.
Students will:
- Apply human services concepts and theories to specific problems of human society
- Apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to solve problems in society
- Demonstrate good people helping and communication skills
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills
Learning Goal 3: Candidates in SEHS programs will demonstrate willingness to use their skills to benefit and serve society. Within the contexts of their work, candidates promote authentic learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to social justice in environments that foster respect for diversity and the dignity of all.
Students will:
- Actualize the Canisius College Jesuit mission by providing “cura personalis” to clients of human service agencies
- Understand how personal and societal change takes place and how to facilitate change in a constructive way
- Acquire and apply ethical and moral decision making practices in the field of human services.
- Demonstrate best practices in the field of human services
Learning Goal 4: Candidates will demonstrate self-reflection as a habit of mind, continuously assessing and refining their professional practice as they construct a rich repertoire of research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective performance ensuring that all students and/or clients have optimal opportunities to learn and grow.
Students will:
- Learn evidence-based intervention strategies in the field of human services
- Learn evidence-based assessment instruments to measure program quality and to use the evidence to make effective changes in professional practice
- Learn fundamentals of designing and managing professional agencies and how to adapt in response to individual, familial, and societal demands.
Learning Goal 5: Candidates will become adept at applying their acquired knowledge in the process of evaluating their own professional performance and decision-making with respect to its impact on students and/or clients, organizations, and the wider community
Students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to reflectively connect their efforts to the success and well-being of those that they serve.
Courses
HSV 100 Introduction to Human Services 3 Credits
This course explores the historical context and the current structure and function of the field of human services. The student will become knowledgeable about the many roles and functions of human service professionals and the primary intervention strategies utilized in the field. The special populations served in the human services profession will be examined. Various topics include the bio-ecological systems theory, values and ethical dilemmas, the social welfare system, human diversity, legal issues, program planning and organization, agency administration, and people helping skills.
Offered: every fall.
HSV 201 Introduction to Family Dynamics 3 Credits
This course consists of an overview of the dynamics of family relationships and issues related to families and relationships. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of family theory and an introduction to systematic approaches and techniques when working with couples and families. This didactic class includes lecture and PowerPoint presentations, videos and demonstrations, small group discussions, whole class discussions, and written assignments.
HSV 212 Social and Cultural Diversity 3 Credits
This course is designed to address contemporary issues of cultural and social diversity in the United States. Its main goal is to help students develop through understanding of how social and cultural diversity impacts one's life. It also emphasizes the importance of becoming a culturally and socially competent person to better serve the needs of an increasingly globalized society.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity
Offered: every spring.
HSV 301 Social Policies 3 Credits
This course examines the characteristics of social policy in general and in education in particular. Special attention is given to policy development and implementation in relation to its effects on underprivileged populations in U.S. society. Within a historical and political context, current social policies are examined in terms of their underlying assumptions and values as well as their ethical implications. Strengths and weaknesses of current policies are also analyzed. Policies under consideration include agency policies, local ordinances, state and federal legislation, and global trends.
Fulfills College Core: Ethics, Field 5 (Social Sciences)
HSV 302 Children, Schools, and the Community 3 Credits
This course is designed to examine the contexts in which a child develops, the relationships of the people in them, and the interactions that take place within and between contexts. There is growing consensus that the needs of children and families must be understood from an integrated systems perspective (i.e., ecological systems theory). The welfare of children is highly interrelated to their families' well-being. Families, irrespective of culture or social class, cannot be separated from the broader social systems within which they are embedded. These major systems include informal support systems (e.g. friends, neighbors, and relatives) in addition to formal support systems, such as those relating to health, education, employment, religion, recreation, housing, and social welfare.
HSV 303 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 3 Credits
Students will develop an understanding of the research process by learning how to formulate a research problem, design a study, use appropriate methods of data analysis, and interpret research findings. Students will learn how to critically analyze research studies, discuss ethical considerations in conducting research, and discuss the importance of scientific research for educational policy and practice. Each student will conduct an original research study and present their findings to demonstrate understanding of the research process.
Offered: fall.
HSV 360 People Helping Skills 3 Credits
This course will focus on essential and successful professional people-helping skills in the field of Human Services. Basic skills such as attending, listening, empathic responding, reflecting, appropriate questioning, treatment plans, and problem management will be identified. The course is designed to be highly interactive, and students will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and practice a variety of skills.
Offered: Fall
HSV 400 Management of Human Service Agencies 3 Credits
This course examines the fundamentals of program development and administration of human services organizations. Emphasis will be placed on program structure, planning, strategies, and evaluation. There is a growing need for human services students to be exposed to managerial and supervisory issues relative to the operation of community agencies. This course will provide students with classroom instruction and practicum experience in a community agency.
HSV 480 Wellness - Be All That You Can Be 3 Credits
This course explores the many issues related to personal well-being. Wellness is regarded as a healthy balance between mind, body, and spirit. According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is a process by which we actively seek to optimize ourselves occupationally, physically, socially, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Approaches to wellness exist in most fields involving human services such as counseling, medicine, education, and management. Components of wellness include healthy food, clean environments, regular exercise, adequate rest, safe living conditions, productive work, balancing work and family, and spiritual awareness. What does it take to reach our potential? What are obstacles to wellness? How can wellness exist in nations that have few opportunities for healthy eating, productive work, or sanitary living conditions?.
Fulfills College Core: Core Capstone
HSV 495 Field Internship 6 Credits
The required six-credit internship provides students with a professionally supervised field experience in a human service agency. During the internship experience, students will have the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge of the work environment and to expand their professional practice skills. Students will have the opportunity to develop client communication skills, cultural competence and will learn to infuse their practice with ethics and professionalism.
HSV 498 Practicum in Human Services 3 Credits
Student experientially learns human service functions in compatibly matched professional setting. Faculty and on-site supervision. Pass/fail. Applications on Department website.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, minimum overall GPA of 2.50, minimum human services average of 2.70, & approval by department faculty. Restriction: must be human services (HSV) major.