Human Services

Career Programs and Student Development

Explore - What Can I Do with This Major?

Human Services

Links to related Web Sites are listed at the bottom of this page.

AREAS

EMPLOYERS

STRATEGIES

SOCIAL SERVICES/NONPROFIT
Administration and Planning
Case Management
Advocacy
Program Evaluation
Policy Development
Volunteer Coordination

Public welfare agencies
Federal, state, and local government
Private social service agencies
Group homes
Religiously affiliated organizations
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers

Social services are designed to provide support for poor, disabled, ill, elderly, or juvenile clients.
Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens,
battered women homes, literacy programs, or other social service agencies to gain relevant experience and demonstrate interest.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE/CORRECTIONS
Counseling/Therapy
Rehabilitation
Probation
Parole
Youth Services
Victim Assistance

Prisons and correctional facilities
Courts
Police departments
Probation and parole offices
Victim services organizations

Human services workers in corrections focus on
rehabilitating clients and assisting victims.
Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections
facility or a victim services organization such as a
rape crisis center.

ADMINISTRATION
Management
Policy Development
Planning

Family service agencies
Child welfare departments
Social service agencies
State mental health departments
Employee assistance programs
Probation departments
Public interest groups
Local, state, and federal government

Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, management, fund raising, and other crucial operating
responsibilities that keep an organization functioning.
Obtain a master's degree in social work or related field for additional opportunities.
Gain management experience through internships, part-time employment, or leadership in relevant student organizations.
Supplement curriculum with course work in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting,
or management.

EDUCATION
Teaching
Interpreting
Case Management
Student Affairs

Universities and colleges
Public (K-12) school systems
Private (K-12) school systems
Human service agencies
Private learning centers
Free-lance tutors or consultants

Human services graduates working in education focus on providing instruction for
a wide range of students including children with disabilities as well as adult community members.
Learn American Sign Language and manually coded forms of English for specialized opportunities.
Volunteer in schools or programs that serve disabled children.
Obtain appropriate teacher licensure for public school teaching opportunities.
Earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling,
mental health counseling, school counseling, social work, or college student personnel.
Seek campus leadership positions such as peer
mentor or resident assistant.
Obtain a doctorate degree for teaching and research
opportunities in colleges and universities.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Human Resources
Management
Sales
Public Relations
Corporate Giving
Development
Employee Assistance Programs
Financial Counseling

Business firms in various industries
Developers of educational products
National foundations and associations

Graduates of human services programs may
apply their skills and knowledge in the private sector of business and industry.
Earn a minor in business or related field.
Develop computer skills particularly with
spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and desk top publishing.
Gain experience through part-time jobs, summer
jobs, and internships in business environments.

GERONTOLOGY
Advocacy
Counseling
Case Management
Programming
Public Policy

Hospitals
Nursing and retirement homes
Senior centers
Hospice

Gerontology involves working with older adults,
healthy or ill, and their families.
Become involved with programs or organizations
designed for senior citizens.

CHILD WELFARE
Case Management
Advocacy
Service Coordination

Public or private child welfare agencies
Adoption agencies
Foster care organizations
Day care centers and nursery schools
Recreational facilities (i.e., YMCA or YWCA)
Head Start programs

Child welfare workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children through interventions and programming.
Volunteer at day care centers, children's shelters,
camps, YMCA/YWCA, Scouts, or other agencies
that aid youth and children.
Take additional courses in child development or early
childhood education.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Case Management
Advocacy
Program Planning and Evaluation
Policy Development
Rehabilitation

Community residential homes
State and local agencies
Medical facilities
Mental health organizations
Schools
Employment agencies
Vocational
Rehabilitation

Human services workers specializing in this area help people with disabilities to adjust to and lead productive lives.
Volunteer at special needs camps, child care centers, schools, or hospitals to gain experience.
Gain experience with and knowledge of a variety of
disabilities.
Obtain specialized training in areas such as sign
language or assistive technology for additional
opportunities.
Earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling
for opportunities in Vocational Rehabilitation.

GENERAL INFORMATION
• A bachelor's degree in human services prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the helping professions.
• A master's degree in counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or related field, in addition to appropriate professional licensure, is usually necessary to provide
therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions.
• Complete practicum experiences and internships to determine suitability for the helping professions and to gain exposure to various practice settings and clients.
• Candidates should possess empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity, and an interest in social change.
• Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and client systems including individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities.

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