Human Services, BA

The field of Human Services is broadly defined yet focuses on the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base and demonstration of effective human relations skills that address client, project, agency, and/or organizational goals. The Human Services profession is one that promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery. Services are provided during the prevention, intervention, and remediation phases depending upon the goals of a particular organization.

The primary purpose of the human service worker is to assist individuals and communities to function as effectively as possible in the major domains of living. A strong moral commitment to serving others is an important consideration for a job as a human services worker. Individuals who show patience, understanding, and caring in their dealings with others and critical thinking, adaptive problem solving, and communication skills allowing them to understand various perspectives or views are highly valued by employers. Other important personal traits include communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively. The Human Services program is designed to meet the standards and competencies outlined by the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Services emphasizes personal growth, culturally-responsive practice, evidence-based service delivery, and experiential learning through high-quality fieldwork placement. The Human Services degree provides both the academic and experiential backgrounds for students seeking a career working with diverse populations in the varied and expanding field of Human Services.

All Human Services students will select an emphasis, which will help tailor the experience for every student. The generalist option is also available.

Human Services with a Substance Use & Recovery Emphasis
Human Services with a Military & Veteran Support Specialist Emphasis
Human Services with a Rehabilitative Services Emphasis
Human Services with a Student Affairs in Higher (SAHE) Education Emphasis
Human Services with a Social and Emotional Wellness Emphasis
Human Services with a General Emphasis

Please visit our website for admissions information.

Foundation Course Requirements - 36 credits

Specialist Tracks:

Rehabilitative Services Emphasis- 18 credits

The BA in Human Services Rehabilitative Services Specialist Emphasis will cultivate a local workforce of vocational and employment specialists, prepared to work at state and county workforce centers. Graduates will be prepared to work as a rehabilitation service specialist to assist in serving people with disabilities in employment and rehabilitation settings. Graduates may work as rehabilitation services technicians and vocational evaluators in community settings.

Substance Use & Recovery Emphasis - 18 credits

This emphasis allows students the opportunity to seek certification as an addictions counselor within the state of Colorado. The undergraduate and graduate curriculum is designed to meet the core curriculum standards set forth by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health and help students become certification eligible.

Military & Veteran Support Specialist Emphasis - 18 credits

The BA in Human Services with a Military and Veterans Support Specialist (MVSS) Emphasis is for veterans and non-veterans who want to work in support and advocacy settings serving military-connected individuals or continue to Graduate School. Focus is on the areas of Military and Veteran’s Affairs in family assistance, community relations, outreach, benefits, support,
case management, and advocacy.

Student Affairs in Higher Education Emphasis - 18 credits

The BA in Human Services with an emphasis in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) has been designed to prepare students to work in a helping profession at the collegiate level. Students learn about the changing demographics of college students and how best to support, challenge, and inspire them; gain the knowledge and experience to enter a career in SAHE, and be prepared for graduate work in the field of SAHE.

Social and Emotional Wellness Emphasis - 18 Credit Hours

The BA in Human Services Social & Emotional Wellness Emphasis will give students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help children, adolescents, and adults to enhance social and emotional health and well-being. Students will learn to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, demonstrate empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions for themselves and the people they will serve. Students will create prevention strategies and interventions that will lead to greater self and social awareness, develop resilience, enhance communication skills, and cultivate a greater connection to their own thoughts and feeling.

General Human Services - 18 Credit Hours

Human Services is a helping profession that connects with individuals, families, and communities. Through the UCCS
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, students will engage in a hands-on course of study, while developing valuable skills that allow them to be an integral part of the change in the lives of others.

Complete at least one course from each of the above emphasis and one additional course of your choice, for a total of 18 credit hours.