The degree in human services includes knowledge, theory, and skills that are related to the historical development of human services and human systems, including the individual, group, family, and community. Students will investigate conditions that promote or limit human functioning and develop the skills to design and administer effective interventions and services. The degree in human services is designed for those student transferring from community college or other university human services programs or currently employed in the field of human services. Students interested in this major generally have completed human service courses and practicum and are interested in continuing employment in the human service filed.
The curriculum encompasses specific guidelines of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education, which emphasize three specific curricular components: knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Knowledge. This component incorporates a demonstrated knowledge of the history, content, and dimensions of human services, as well as an awareness of the diverse populations encountered in human services work.
Skills. The skills portion of the curriculum offers the student competency in a broad range of methods and techniques, including the planning and evaluation of intervention protocols, and interpersonal and administrative skills.
Attitudes/Values. The final component emphasizes the importance of continued self-development in addition to a wide range of client-related values.
Goals of the Human Services Major
The goals of the human services major are to provide a broad, comprehensive curriculum in human services to prepare students for entry into graduate school or, alternatively, to be vocationally viable as human service providers at the baccalaureate level.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue further study in disciplines such as social work, psychology, counseling, and sociology.
The major consists of 55 credit hours of required courses. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required in human services courses for acceptance into the major, to remain in the program, and for graduation. All courses for the major must be completed with grades of C- or above.
Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements
All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under academic policies and regulations in the undergraduate introductory section in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religion or theology.
Major Approval
Major approval is required during the second semester of the sophomore year, or after the completion of 45 credit hours at Fontbonne. For transfer students, major approval is required after completing the equivalent of one full semester (a minimum of 12 credits) at Fontbonne.
General Education Requirements
The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the undergraduate academic information section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement for the major or a course requirement in another discipline.
