Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Social and human service worker is a generic term for people with a wide array of job titles, including case management worker, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health worker, community outreach worker, life skills counselor, or gerontology aide. They usually work with professionals from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work. The amount of responsibility and supervision human services workers are given varies a great deal. Some have little direct supervision; others work under close direction.

Employment of human and social service workers is expected to grow much faster than average through the year 2016 – this field is among the most rapidly growing occupations. Job opportunities for social and human service workers are expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate education (from the Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Department of Labor Statistics). Increasingly, postsecondary education or even postgraduate education (e.g., a Master’s degree) is required to remain competitive in the field of social and human services.

In light of these trends, the mission of the Southern Wesleyan human services program is to provide a broad based program in human services that is based upon a Christian worldview, and seeks to both provide students with basic skills in the human services field, and to prepare students for more advanced work within the social science. In order to fulfill this mission, the program offers a variety of courses and opportunities designed to provide students with an understanding of the history of, and perspectives on human services, and a solid background of skills and knowledge applicable to the field. Southern Wesleyan is working toward Council accreditation by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (www.cshse.org),

Bachelor of Science in Human Services Courses (Evening Program)

To obtain a B.S. degree, with a major in Human Services, students must take a total of 128 credit hours of courses. Required General Education Courses give 54 credit hours, whereas the Human Services core curriculum provides 48 credit hours. This leaves 26 credit hours for general elective courses. The program will have a core curriculum (see below) that trains students to observe and interview clients, implement treatment plans, employ problem-solving techniques, and use proper case management and referral procedures. General education courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities also are part of the curriculum. The program will require completion of a supervised internship.
The following courses (plus electives) are required for a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, assuming that students enter with an associates degree (e.g., the Southern Wesleyan Associate of Arts degree). The courses are given in order of the AGS (evening format) course sequence. Students in the traditional program will follow a different format.

Course Listings

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SOSC 2053 Foundational Issues in Human Services
This course focuses on the history of the development of the human services sector and the political, economic, organizational, and social factors that currently affect it. Special attention is given to Christian involvement in human services and the role of faith-based social service agencies in American society.

SOSC 3053 Professional and Ethical Issues in Human Services
This course focuses on standards and practices with which individuals in the human services sector are expected to be familiar. Topics include case management, interviewing, group facilitation, program planning, strategies of intervention, and diversity issues. Components of this course are designed to prepare students for an upcoming practicum in social science. Prerequisite: SOSC 2053.

STAT 3253 Statistics in the Social Sciences
This course develops the fundamental concepts and skills necessary for organizing and analyzing, and interpreting data in the Social Sciences. The use of statistical packages is integral to the course. Prerequisites: Computer and Math competency.

PSYC 3753 Practical Counseling Skills
Counseling skills, techniques, and therapeutic factors involved in meeting client needs and goals. Includes brief overview of counseling theories and opportunities to build and practice skills and techniques

RSCH 3853 Practical Issues in Research (RP II)
This course is the second course in the research project sequence. It addresses practical problems in understanding current literature, and in developing and implementing a research methodology.

SOSC 3503 Advanced Social Problems
An analysis of the major social problems of contemporary society resulting from technological and social change, population pressure and resources, urbanization, poverty, and minority groups. Special reference is given to conflicts regarding social values and goals, and social disorganization as related to the family, economic, religious, and other institutional relationships. Prerequisite: An introductory course in social science.

SEMR 2153 Information Literacy
This course emphasizes the development of information management and writing skills for the Social Sciences. Information management skills include obtaining, organizing, analyzing, evaluating, and disseminating information.

SEMR 3283 Gender Issues
Analysis of changes in sex role behavior and life style in different classes and ethnic groups in society and their impact on individuals and the social structure.

SOSC 3603 Community Development
This course addresses fundamental issues in community development, including the nature of and need for community change, strategies and tactics for community change, and common areas of community change.

PSYC 4453 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
The development of the communication and management skills essential for successfully resolving conflict situations involving both labor and management practices. Uses simulation, case studies, and field work assignments. Prerequisite: PSYC 2003.

SOSC 4703 Capstone Course in Social Science (RP III)
A capstone course focusing on the evaluation of students in the social sciences, and the social science curriculum, the relationship between Christian faith and social science, and preparation for graduate school and/or employment. Offered Spring semesters. Prerequisite: Senior status.

SOSC 4153 Behavioral Theories of Deviance
Provides an overview of the key theories driving research on criminal behavior, including biological, psychological, and sociological approaches. Prerequisite: An introductory course in social science.

SOSC 4803 Practicum in Social Science
Students in social sciences (e.g., criminal justice, human services) may be eligible for placement in an internship. Such students will receive supervised training in an appropriate setting. Credit: Up to sixteen semester hours.

SOSC 4003 Studies in Social Sciences
An advanced reading course in one of the following areas: economics, geography, political science, and sociology. Work will be tailored to the student's needs and interests.

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