Learners in this course critically analyze theory and research in human services, with an emphasis on contemporary research and application issues. In addition, learners use a multidisciplinary approach to examine the connection between individuals, organizations, and society to construct public value in human services. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners develop and apply skills using data and technology for planning, executing, and assessing the action research process. Learners demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the organization; collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement an intervention for organizational improvement that includes collecting, analyzing, and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the intervention and its effects; and share that information with stakeholders to bring about change.

The focus of this course is the ethical and leadership responsibilities of human service professionals. Learners synthesize ethical principles with leadership roles in public and private settings and evaluate the ways professionals apply ethics and leadership in their work with diverse client and community populations. Prerequisite(s): HMSV8002.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the process of writing grant proposals and managing grant awards for programs or projects in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners research grant opportunities, align the program or project goals to be funded with the purposes of the funder, develop effective communication with prospective funders, analyze components of successful grant proposals, develop a fundable proposal, and plan for grant funding evaluation. 

Learners in this course focus on program design at the leadership level in the field of human services. In particular, learners evaluate needs-based program design approaches and the models that inform those approaches. Learners also evaluate effective communication strategies to communicate with internal and external stakeholders and to address ethical implications of various approaches to program design. 

Learners in this course examine needs assessment and program evaluation as fundamental tools in nonprofit, for-profit, and government organizations. In particular, learners apply needs assessment strategies to evaluate the needs of specific populations in various social and community settings. Learners also explore research-based program evaluation models and focus on developing skills in evaluating program effectiveness at the leadership level.

Learners synthesize the knowledge and skills gained during their program. Learners state the case for their planned capstone project to demonstrate their readiness to enter the professional doctorate project process. In addition, learners identify strategies to secure a supervisor/preceptor and project site.  Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): HMSV8110.​ Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners practice increasing organizational effectiveness through strategic planning. Using a leadership perspective, learners examine the ways an organization’s effectiveness is evaluated and use this knowledge to guide strategic planning efforts in such organizational areas as advocacy, fund development, and policy development. In addition, learners apply theoretical approaches to program development and evaluation related to for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services settings.

In this course, learners gain an understanding of conflict management as it relates to human services leaders. Learners build and apply a working knowledge of evidence-based best practices and behaviors that support conflict management in a variety of human services settings. Throughout the course, learners apply strategies in negotiation, conflict management, and mediation and integrate ethical interpersonal communication skills necessary for positive multidisciplinary working relationships. Prerequisite(s): HMSV8404.

Learners in this course use a multidisciplinary lens to evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis. Throughout the course, learners develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices that enable them to assure the viability of their organizations in for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services programs. 

Learners in this course examine a variety of social and professional situations to build their skills in effective and creative collaboration across organizations. In particular, learners analyze and benchmark best practices from an organizational, team, and individual perspective so that they may create inclusive and collaborative environments. In addition, learners examine conflict management, diversity management, group dynamics, cultural competence, ethical decision making, followership, and social responsibility.

In this course, learners investigate the strategies, techniques, and requirements needed to effectively manage finances in human services programs. Throughout the course, learners evaluate and apply financial analysis and reporting theories and practices employed by human service leaders. Learners also examine the technology used in financial analysis and gain an understanding of how to appropriately communicate an organization’s financial position to boards, stakeholders, and the community. 

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organizational, institutional, or community concerns. Department consent is required for registration.  Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.