Master of Science in Human Services
Description and Outcomes
The Master of Science in Human Services program is designed for professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life for all people in the growing field of human services in the twenty-first century. The curriculum prepares human services professionals for leadership positions and to become advocates for change. The curriculum focuses on the delivery of services, accessibility, the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions, as well as the planning, administration, and coordination of programs.
Refer to the Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams section for important program disclosure information.
Concentrations
You will select one of two concentrations: family and community services or organizational and social services. You will complete both core courses and concentration courses, which will provide a comprehensive education in theory and practice. You will work on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will assist you in meeting your personal and professional goals in the chosen specialization area.
The family and community services concentration addresses the complexities of the roles involved in developing and administering services for children and families. Emphasis on human development, resiliency, family theories, and advocacy will be the foundation of this program.
The organizational and social services concentration is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to work with diverse funding sources, influence policy, supervise staff, and to develop and administer programs and interventions that address the needs within communities.
In any of the concentrations, you may elect to complete an internship, which is an important component to help gain relevant skills and experience in the field. You should consult with your Student Advisor to determine how the internship option fits with your career goals.
Program Length
The Master of Science in Human Services consists of a minimum 45 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a master of science degree.
Program Outcomes
- Knowledge Base: Examine broad organizational roles and functions, and various methods of advocacy.
- Historical Impact: Explore the history of the human services profession, and the impact of past and present policies and legislation.
- Theory: Apply appropriate strategies using a theoretical and philosophical framework built on values of the human services profession.
- Research: Assess information related to service delivery, including data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
- Values, Ethical Practices, and Self-Care: Evaluate personal expectations, values, ethics, and self-care strategies as they relate to professional practice.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze scope of populations served and appropriate methods of service delivery based on individual needs.
- Application: Apply skills, strategies, and knowledge related to design, implementation, and evaluation of human services programs.
Professional Competencies
In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the professional competencies associated with your academic program in the Professional Competencies section of this Catalog.
Program Availability
For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.
Policies
Progression Requirements
- If you earn a grade of “F” in a course, you must immediately retake the course.
- You may not use credit for prior learning to fulfill the following courses:
Course List Code Title Credits HN501 Foundations of Human Services 5 HN502 History, Multiculturalism, and Diversity in Human Services 5 HN599 Master's Capstone in Human Services 5
You must complete these courses at Purdue Global.
Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams
Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.
Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.
Optional certifications may be available, such as the Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential. You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.
This program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and adheres to their curriculum standards.
The coursework in this program fulfills the requirements to sit for the exam to become an HS-BCP. Please note that you must meet post-degree experience requirements in order to earn the optional HS-BCP credential.
The Center for Credentialing & Education can be contacted at:
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403-3660
Tel: 336-482-2856