This course presents contemporary social problems addressed by human services professionals in the field and familiarizes learners with the community resources available to them. Learners examine the theories behind human services delivery and management in order to gain a broader understanding of the human services profession and the role of human services professionals within diverse delivery settings. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Human Services degree program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

In this course, learners develop the skills needed to apply the early aspects of the life cycle of human services analytics. Learners examine the various data sources, data models, and algorithms and use basic tools to complete an analysis. Learners also collaborate within teams to evaluate case studies and explore the ways in which stakeholders’ needs are met through data analytics. 

Learners in this course analyze the ethical standards and expectations required of human services professionals in research and practice. Learners apply an ethical problem-solving framework to solve a variety of ethical dilemmas and issues relevant to the human services field. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002.

This course is a survey of theories, research, and concepts that highlight the importance of race, culture, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity in individual and group experience. Learners consider the effects of gender, social class, religion, and disability on experience and evaluate the role of the human services and educational professional in addressing the multicultural needs of clients and colleagues in the workforce. Learners also examine community cultural competency and practice applying a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies to real-life scenarios. 

In this course, learners develop the fundamental professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and information literacy skills necessary for working with individuals, communities, and agencies. Throughout the course, learners apply techniques for developing goals and recommending strategies and explore appropriate ways for disseminating information to assist stakeholders in achieving those goals. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine the concepts, principles, and stages of public policy development and analysis in the human services field. Learners gain an understanding of the approaches used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the effects of programs and projects on societal problems in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Other course topics include the policy process, agenda setting, advocacy, analysis, political process management, policy implementation, and public policy evaluation feedback based on information gained from the field.

In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in their specialization area by applying learning from required and elective courses to complete an analysis of a human service organization or system or to propose a new application in their professional field. For MS in Human Services learners only. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine needs assessment, program development, and program evaluation as fundamental tools in a variety of organizations. In particular, learners use research-based models and best practices to inform program development and evaluation in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Learners also gain the skills they need to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and address ethical implications of various approaches to program development and evaluation.

This course familiarizes learners with the unique expressions of leadership in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners differentiate among the capacities of various types of leaders and stakeholders to ensure continuous leadership and organizational development.

In this course, learners examine human service program revenue sources and assess budgeting strategies and expense allocations associated with the management of human services organizations. In particular, learners explore the complexities of financial and budget management in for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services organizations. Learners also examine issues related to voluntarism, hiring, salaries, compensation and benefits, technology upgrades, and operational requirement assessments. 

Learners in this course explore the elements of organizational development, design, and change in human services organizations. Learners evaluate design and change theories; explain creativity and implementation in organizations through innovative practices; and investigate the inclusion of the technological tools needed to lead for future growth in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. In addition, learners analyze the philosophy of an organization, including its purpose and values, and discuss how creative innovation can strongly impact the organization’s stakeholders.

In this course, learners analyze emerging theories of leadership in complex and dynamic human services programs that are capable of adapting to significant policy, social, or environmental changes. Throughout the course, learners assess the impact of leadership style, policy changes, and funding sources on organizational operations through adaptive leadership models. Learners also explore their own personal leadership style and philosophy of leadership through various learning exercises and practice incorporating diverse cultural concepts in a problem-solving scenario. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5420.