MS in Human Services, Social and Community Services
School of Public Service and Education
The master’s Social and Community Services specialization is designed for individuals who are focused on helping individuals and communities in nonprofit, for-profit, or government settings. Throughout the specialization, learners gain the skills they need to manage services, track and identify trends within communities and organizations, evaluate appropriate programs to meet identified needs, and advocate for those they serve. Successful graduates of this specialization are prepared to pursue leadership roles in a variety of diverse work settings. These specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the counseling, psychology, or social work professions.
Core courses:
HMSV5002 |
Theory and Application in Human Services
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.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
HMSV5316 |
The Effective Use of Analytics in Human Services
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. | 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5320 * |
Ethical Practice in Human Services
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.
| 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5334 |
Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services
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. | 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5390 |
Interpersonal and Leadership Skills for Human Services Professionals
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.
| 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5402 |
Social Change and Public Policy in Human Services
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. | 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5993 * |
Human Services Capstone for Master’s Learners
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.
| 4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
HMSV5314 |
Program Development and Evaluation in Human Services
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. | 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
HMSV5340 |
Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations
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. | 4 quarter credits |
HMSV5990 * |
Human Services Internship †
In this course, learners apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework for a minimum of 100 hours in a human services setting. Learners critically analyze and evaluate problems encountered within a human services organization and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and research findings to develop strategies for direct care, resource management, and service delivery. Learners observe and collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the organization to analyze ethical practices and critically evaluate the implementation of best practices at their internship site. For MS in Human Services learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002, HMSV5316, HMSV5320, HMSV5334, HMSV5390. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
-or- | ||
SHB8478 |
The Family in Social Context
Learners examine how families are influenced by the dynamics of the family system and societal factors. Using current family science literature, learners develop critical research skills necessary to evaluate how community systems and policy impact family dynamics. | 4 quarter credits |
Two Elective Courses
At least 8 quarter credits
Recommended elective courses:
HMSV5990 * |
Human Services Internship †
In this course, learners apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework for a minimum of 100 hours in a human services setting. Learners critically analyze and evaluate problems encountered within a human services organization and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and research findings to develop strategies for direct care, resource management, and service delivery. Learners observe and collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the organization to analyze ethical practices and critically evaluate the implementation of best practices at their internship site. For MS in Human Services learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002, HMSV5316, HMSV5320, HMSV5334, HMSV5390. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
SHB8478 |
The Family in Social Context
Learners examine how families are influenced by the dynamics of the family system and societal factors. Using current family science literature, learners develop critical research skills necessary to evaluate how community systems and policy impact family dynamics. | 4 quarter credits |
SHB8775 |
Issues in Aging, Grief and Bereavement
This course is an examination of aging and loss from biological,
psychological, social, and cultural perspectives at the leadership
level. In particular, learners evaluate contemporary research relevant
to family life, caregivers, community and institutional care, ethnic
and sociocultural differences, and urbanization and assess the service
delivery needs of aging populations within the context of specific
life events. Learners also explore the ways their own attitudes toward
aging and loss may impact their effectiveness as professionals working
in social and behavioral services settings. | 4 quarter credits |
OR
Choose any graduate course(s).
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can’t be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.