Program Information

The Undergraduate Human Services program is designed for the adult-learner who has a desire to start or continue in a career in the field of human services.  Depending on the total number of transfer credits the student brings with them into the program, the student can complete their degree program in as little as 16 months.  Note: The length of time to complete the Human Services Degree program is contingent upon the total number of transfer credits brought into the program and the status (full-time or part-time) of the student.The Human Services program is designed as a hybrid program, with courses meeting on weekends, nights, and online depending on class schedules and term course offerings. NOTE: All courses offered in the Human Services program have an online component requiring students to access the Learning Management System - BrightSpace to obtain course information and announcements, complete assignments, participate in course discussions, and take required assessments. Additionally, Senior Seminar and all concentration courses in the Human Service program are offered ONLY as online courses. Students may pursue their degree program as a full or part-time student. Full-time or part-time status does affect the student’s financial aid award and should discuss this with the Office of Financial Aid.  

Degree Requirements

In order to complete a baccalaureate degree, an undergraduate student must complete the following requirements:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000
2. Successful completion of 120 credit hours
3. Successful completion of the General Education requirements.
4. Successful completion of all requirements for the declared major.
5. Fulfillment of residency requirement

Even if all requirements for a baccalaureate degree have been met, the sanctioning of a student pursuant to the Student Disciplinary Policy may prevent the awarding of such a degree.

Instruction

The practice-oriented curriculum includes contributions from part-time faculty who are directly involved in agency and community work. The result is that we have a faculty with the flexibility, resources, and expertise required to address academics as well as new developments in human services practice and delivery.

All classes in the Human Services program utilize the College’s learning management system called Brightspace. Brightspace serves as the virtual classroom for instructors and students to engage outside regularly scheduled classroom time in what is called the web-enhanced portion of the course.  Brightspace is required in all classes. 

Coursework

The Human Services program is a trimester program. Classes generally meet for approximately four months each term with classes held on weekends, weeknights and online. Students receive a syllabus for each course so they can plan ahead and stay abreast of classroom activities and course expectations. All courses include an online component. Brightspace allows instructors and class members to remain in contact between class sessions by continuing class discussions, researching and completing course assignments and accessing resources. Students also have the option to enroll in fully online courses.  

The writing-intensive program is designed to enhance students’ ability to write clearly, concisely, and creatively so they can compose reports, correspondence, client notes, grants, and other materials required in the workplace. Classroom instruction involves lectures, discussions, small group projects, visual presentations, fieldwork, research, reflections, and case studies. Students have ample opportunities to learn about theory, to practice their skills, and to demonstrate learning outcomes in a variety of ways. Course assignments and learning assessments generally include written papers, research projects, portfolios, and oral presentations. Students receive regular feedback on their classroom assignments to help them improve their performance.

Core Curriculum

The program’s core curriculum provides a common frame of reference, information, experience, and analysis. It is the heart of a learner’s program of study. The diversity of courses reflects a respect for learning that both fosters the integration of theory and practice and promotes the responsibilities of global citizenship. All courses incorporate theory, practice, and critical thinking.

Distribution of Undergraduate Credits

The minimum credits required for a baccalaureate degree is generally distributed among the General Education curriculum; the requirements for a major; and electives (inclusive of requirements for a minor), if applicable. Students including concentrations as part of their course of study may have additional requirements that decrease the number of electives in their program and/or increase their credit requirements for graduation.

Degree Information

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Human Services.

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Contact Information

For more information about the Human Services major, click here, or you may contact the Admissions Office at (800) 727-0004.

Curricular Requirements

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

I. Program Curriculum

The program’s curriculum provides a common frame of reference, information, experience, and analysis. It is the heart of a learner’s program of study. The diversity of courses reflects a respect for learning that both fosters the integration of theory and practice and promotes the responsibilities of global citizenship. The courses that make up the Core curriculum are listed and described below:

II. Concentrations

Several concentrations are available to students in the Human Services program. In some cases, courses required for a concentration may extend the time required to complete the course of study. Concentration courses are offered exclusively on-line

In the case of specific concentrations in the bachelor’s degree program, students may be required to complete more than 120 semester hours to meet general education, core, and concentration requirements.

III: Electives (18 Credits)

Select 6 courses from the following:

• HUSB 104 - Basic Management Skills Credits: 3
• HUSB 105 - Diversity in America Credits:
• HUSB 130 - Introduction to Community Organizing Credits:
• HUSB 132 - Intro to Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Developing Countries Credits:
• HUSB 156 - Crisis Intervention Credits: 3
• HUSB 206 - Public Relations for Community Organizations Credits:
• HUSB 226 - Urban Politics and Decision-Making Credits:
• HUSB 236 - Self Awareness & Development Credits:
• HUSB 241 - Coping with Disease & Death Credits: 3
• HUSB 260 - Race, Religion, and Social Consciousness Credits:
• HUSB 309 - Leadership in Human Services Credits:
• HUSB 318 - Intersectionality of Cultural Humility and Human Services Systems Credits: 3
• HUSB 451 - Grant Writing and Fundraising Credits: 3
• ADST 100 - Introduction to Addiction Studies Credits: 3