Human Services
Overview
Degrees Offered: AAS
Program Begins: Fall, Spring
Delivery Method: Online, Hybrid
Phone: 701-224-5486
Email: bsc.has@bismarckstate.edu
Description
Human services comprise all professional fields that share the common goal of helping people.
The BSC Human Services program provides training in basic helping skills and the overview of service delivery and program administration needed for entry-level employment in public, private, and volunteer human service agencies.
This program is designed to be flexible to meet current and future market demands so that the students may choose courses most appropriate to their interests and career goals. Content emphasizes human service theory and professional skills, as well as prescribed courses in social welfare. Practical experience is gained during the internship with a human services provider. At graduation, students are job ready.
BSC also offers a two-semester Program Certificate in Eligibility Worker.
Preparation
People seeking a career in human services should recognize that to be successful they must be emotionally stable, creative and flexible. Human service workers will work with diverse groups of people and individuals with a wide variety of ages, social and cultural backgrounds, and life situations.
Requirements
Students who complete the curriculum requirements earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services.
Career Opportunities
This program specifically qualifies students for Human Services I State employment positions where they determine eligibility for economic assistance.
The encompassing nature of this program prepares students for employment in agencies, schools, businesses, and centers that value paraprofessionals who bring to the job a combination of college coursework and human services field experience. The human service worker may provide case management, needs assessment, advocacy, service delivery, crisis intervention, as well as program planning and continuation.
Career Opportunities: County social welfare agencies, mental health and social service agencies, group home settings, community organizations, day care centers and nursery schools, elementary and secondary schools, home health aid, and geriatric services.
Additional Information
While not designed as a transfer program, with careful course selection, graduates could complete the appropriate pre-requisites to go on to a four-year college.
BSC has cooperative agreements with several four-year institutions that allow students to continue with a bachelor’s degree on the BSC campus. Those transferring to other institutions should consult the catalog of the transfer institution for possible BSC course substitutions, if needed.
Contact your BSC advisor for assistance with transfer planning.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Human Services students will be able to:
- Employ and interpret clear, concise and open communication skills including verbal, non-verbal and written communication in a professional manner.
- Understand the history, philosophy and procedural frameworks of social welfare and public assistance programs including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Childcare Assistance and LIHEAP programs.
- Have knowledge and skills required to engage and establish a basic working relationship with clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.