Program Description

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.  

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.

Program Highlights

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Required Credits: 120

School: School of Social Work and Behavioral Sciences

Department: Human Services

Modality: Hybrid or Online

Locations: Main Campus (Springfield), Boston Campus, Houston Campus, or Online Campus 

Additional Information: https://springfield.edu/programs/regional-and-online-human-services

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

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.

II. Major Requirements (36-60 credits)

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)