Human Services
Chairperson
Margot Kempers
Coordinator
Robert J. Wellman
Professors
John M. Hancock
Richard J. Spencer
Robert J. Wellman
Associate Professor
Lynne Kellner
Assistant Professors
Christine Shane
Objectives for the Human Services Program
A major in Human Services leads to a bachelor of science degree. Administered by the Behavioral Sciences Department, this program allows students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for entering a variety of human service professions.
Description of the Major in Human Services
The Human Services program is competency based. Through their course work, students gain a theoretical and conceptual base, and develop generic helping skills. Students further develop and demonstrate their knowledge and skills within several community settings through course-related practice and an intensive capstone internship experience. These professionally supervised field experiences integrate academic study with practical hands-on, real-world application, and constitute a special characteristic of the Fitchburg State College program. Additionally, they give students a realistic basis for choosing careers while strengthening their ability to compete in the job market. Students are also encouraged to gain additional experiences through volunteer activities.
The Human Services program produces generalists to work with diverse clients in many settings, and prepares students for graduate study. Course work may be designed for students to pursue interests in human services administration, aging and gerontology, criminal justice and/or juvenile justice, family and children's services, mental health and mental retardation, and other areas.
Students should meet with their Human Services advisors to learn about the recommended course work and career possibilities associated with their interests.
See the section on Departmental Policies for information about the Human Services program's policies on admission, retention and dismissal, internship eligibility, and eligibility for graduation.
Requirements for the Major in Human Services
A. Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
Human Services majors are required to take the following courses, which also meet LA&S requirements:
Written and Oral Communication and Computer Literacy:
ENGL 1100 Writing I
ENGL 1200 Writing II
SPCH 1000 Introduction to Speech Communication, or
SPCH 1600 Public Speaking, and
CSC 1100 Computer Applications or
CSC 1300 Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases
Government Knowledge (Constitutional) Requirement
May be satisfied by taking one of the following, or, with the consent of the Human Services advisor, additional Political Science courses focused on the Constitution and the structure of government:
POLS 1000 US Government
POLS 1500 State and Urban Government
POLS 2270 Introduction to the Legal Process
POLS 2550 Sex, Race & the Constitution
POLS 2600 The First Amendment
POLS 3500 Constitutional Law
Basic Informational Courses in the Behavioral Sciences:
PSY 1100 General Psychology
SOC 1100 Introduction to Sociology
PSY 2200 Human Growth & Development *
PSY 2350 Abnormal Psychology
* With the documented approval of their Human Services advisor, students may substitute three courses in developmental psychology in place of Human Growth & Development. These courses must include PSY 2210 (Child Psychology) and PSY 2230 (Adolescent Psychology), plus either PSY 2240 (Adult Psychology) or PSY 2260 (Gerontology).
B. The Human Services Core
HMSV 1100 Introduction to Human Services
HMSV 2500 Interviewing Techniques
HMSV 2050 Research Methods in Human Service Practice
HMSV 2900 Group Work
HMSV 3700 Professional Issues in Human Services
HMSV 3600 Assessment and Intervention
HMSV 3800 Management of Case Process
HMSV 4870 Internship in Human Services (6 credits) ** and
HMSV 4880 Internship in Human Services (6 credits) or
HMSV 4890 Internship in Human Services (12 credits)
** Two options exist for completing an internship in Human Services: (1) a block placement involving 30 hours per week plus a two-hour seminar for one semester (fall or spring) (HMSV 4890 - 12 credits); (2) 15 hours weekly plus a two-hour seminar, beginning in the fall and continuing until the end of the spring semester (HMSV 4870 & HMSV 4880 - 6 credits each).
Admission to the Human Services program does not guarantee entry into internship. Eligibility for internship is assessed by the Human Services Review Committee according to the criteria specified in Departmental Policies. Completion of all eligibility requirements at least one semester before undertaking Internship and timely completion of the application process for eligibility are essential.
C. Human Services and Behavioral Sciences Electives
All Human Services majors must complete a minimum of six credits in Human Services electives and an additional six credits from any program in Behavioral Sciences (i.e., Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology). The 6 credits in Human Services must include one course (3 credits) from among the following:
HMSV 2400 Crisis Intervention
HMSV 2950 Addictive Behaviors
HMSV 3500 Abuse and Neglect in the Family
Policy Regarding Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required of all students taking Human Services courses which involve a practicum experience. Upon enrolling in such courses, including Internship in Human Services, students are automatically covered under a blanket policy purchased by the college.
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