BA IN HUMAN SERVICES
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Services has four distinct emphasis areas. Students may select one of these four emphasis areas or declare a general focus without selecting an emphasis area.
Download the PDF here: The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services.pdf
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services has four distinct emphasis areas (*note student can also declare a general focus without selecting an emphasis area):
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Human Services with a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Emphasis
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Human Services with a Military & Veteran Support Specialist (MVSS) Emphasis
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Human Services with a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) Emphasis
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Human Services with a Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Emphasis
What is Human Services?
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 relationship skills which 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 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)
Program Required Credit Hours -
Core Course Requirements (27 credits)
Specialist Tracks
Career Services Provider Emphasis (18 credits)
Addiction Counseling Emphasis (18 credits)
Military & Veteran Support Specialist Emphasis (18 credits)
Student Affairs in Higher Education Emphasis (18 credits)
"Human services worker" is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in such diverse settings as group homes, transitional housing, correctional facilities, community mental health centers, family, child, and youth service agencies, and programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, and aging. Depending on the employment setting and the kinds of clients served there, job titles and duties vary a great deal. 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 desire to help 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 are highly valued by employers. Other important personal traits include communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively.
Examples of Occupational Titles of Human Service Workers
| Case Workers | Case Monitor Parole Officer |
| Family Support Worker | Child Advocate |
| Youth Worker | Gerontology Aide |
| Social Service Liaison | Juvenile Court Liaison |
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Residential Counselor |
Home Health Aide |
| Behavioral Management Aide | Human Resources Coordinator |
| Eligibility Counselor | Child Abuse Worker |
| Substance Use Counselor | Crisis Intervention Counselor |
| Adult Day Care Worker | Mental Health Technician |
| Life Skills Instructor | Intake Interviewer |
| Client Advocate | Community Outreach Worker |
| Probation Officer | Military Benefits Counselor |
| Neighborhood Worker | Community Action Worker |
| Social Service Aide | Psychological Aide |
| Group Activities Aide | Transitional Housing Counselor |
| Social Service Technician | Rehabilitation Case Worker |
| Therapeutic Assistant | Residential Manager |
For new students
Please visit our website for admissions information.
Declare your Human Services Major
Schedule time with your academic advisor to officially declare your Human Services major. The Academic Advising Department updates the Department of Counseling and Human Services with newly declared majors. Academic Advising is located in Main Hall Room 208 (lobby). Phone: (719) 255-3260. Please contact the Human Services Coordinator within the Department of Counseling and Human Services for any questions about the Human Services major. Call 719-255-4996 or education@uccs.edu to set up that appointment.
Campus Connections is a for-credit, service-learning course that pairs UCCS students and youth from the community in mentor-mentee relationships. Youth are referred through our El Paso Country Community partners and are matched with a UCCS student who provides one-on-one therapeutic mentoring throughout the semester.
Mentors spend four hours once a week with their mentee providing academic support, career planning, and promoting positive social skill development.
For more information, visit the Campus Connections website here.