Human Services (HN)

HN115: Human Services Program and Profession

This course introduces you to the human services field and the human services degree program options. You will explore the role and function of the human service professional working within various settings, and the barriers that contribute to the need for human services. The course explores the history of human services, its values and ethical standards, the skill set needed to be successful in the field, and key intervention strategies at the generalist level. In addition, you will research the human services degree options and course offerings along with your career goals to map out your specific degree plan.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

HN144: Human Behavior and the Environment

This course will explore how working in the human services field demands an understanding of human behavior across the lifespan. This course will focus on the basic systems and environmental influences that help to define, identify, and explain behaviors from a multidimensional perspective. You will examine how family structures, institutions, organizations, and communities contribute to the complex issues facing diverse populations in the 21st century. In addition, you will explore ways to incorporate the multidimensional perspective and ethical standards into a professional relationship in which you implement practical intervention strategies for clients.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

HN200: Survey of Social Problems

This course will expose you to a broad array of social problems that affect the lives of many Americans. You will identify social problems, explore resources to address them, and recognize the effects these problems have on individuals and society. You will also evaluate your role as an advocate for change.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services

This course provides an introduction to skills required of a human services worker, as well as the importance of personal and professional development. You will gain an understanding of basic interviewing skills as well as documentation techniques to determine appropriate interventions. You will review multicultural practices to work with diverse client populations. This course addresses the legal and ethical requirements in the human services field.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

HN220: Prevention and Crisis Intervention

You will learn appropriate and ethical prevention and intervention strategies. Using case studies and scenarios, you will identify risk factors that contribute to crises and distinguish between intervention and prevention strategies. Particular attention is given to crises involving youth and families in a variety of settings.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

HN299: Associate's Capstone for Human Services

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses you have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides you with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your coursework and assesses the level of mastery of the stated outcomes of the degree program.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: Completion of the final term of the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services or permission from the program Dean

HN300: Human Services and Social Policy

This course provides an overview of the issues and conditions that result in the need for policies that address human service needs. You will analyze historical, social, cultural, and political factors that impact the human services profession and frame social justice issues. In addition, you will explore the various systems that impact the profession and policy initiatives that affect social change and advocacy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN301: Advocacy Across the Lifespan

This course examines the advocacy across the lifespan. You will explore differing human service advocacy theories and the frameworks that impact advocacy across the lifespan. This course will also examine intersectionality and how that impacts advocacy efforts. You will create an advocacy plan based on the needs of the client that includes consideration of diversity and difference.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN302: Communication and Advocacy

This course examines theories of communication that impact human behavior and advocacy. You will explore the interrelationship between social media and advocacy and develop a communication plan that engages stakeholders that includes consideration of diversity. The course will enable you to assess communication tools that are used for decision-making within an organization.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN330: Case Management in Human Services

You will learn the importance of time management, how to prioritize and organize data, and the skills critical for working effectively with human services clients. Through the use of case studies, you will assess client needs and determine the types of data necessary to ensure the ethical delivery of services. You will also practice essential interviewing skills and explore best practices in recording data from these interviews.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN345: Public Relations in Not-For-Profit Organizations

This course examines the skills professionals use to develop successful relationships with the community and media. You will explore effective public relations and cross-communication strategies for not-for-profit organizations. This will include identifying organizational values, distinguishing between audiences, and tailoring the strategies appropriately when providing ethical services to clients. You will create solutions to address an organization's public relations needs and explore the potential impact of public relations activities on social change.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN347: Public Personnel Administration

In this course, you will examine the complexities of personnel issues faced by human services administrators. You will review social and cultural factors impacting leadership. You will also examine how communication models can be implemented to assess problems within organizations. Through multiple methods, you will evaluate best practices for empowering and educating staff. Lastly, you will choose leadership tactics that are effective in various organizational contexts.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN360: The Aging Population and Society

This course will focus on the fastest-growing population in the United States. You will examine research in the field of gerontology and analyze the effects on society of serving the aging population. Topics include the health care system, technology, social determinants of health, the economy, legislation and social action, and the media's influence on society's perception of the aging population. You will analyze the current issues that have shaped ethical interventions for the aging population in a global society.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN365: Psychology of Aging

This course focuses on developmental research about the psychological characteristics of aging. You will explore common perceptions and misconceptions about development in later life, as well as the social and biological factors that contribute to the maturation of the aging person. You will evaluate psychological theories that will aid them in developing ethical interventions.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN370: Child Welfare and Family

This course will assist you in working with children and their families in a human services setting. You will examine how the family functions as a system, will learn how to apply ethical reasoning to work with diverse children and families, and will identify state regulations for mandated reporting. You will also evaluate intervention resources relative to work with children and families and create ethical interventions to serve children and families.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN377: Studies in Child and Adolescent Development

This course explores the various aspects of child and adolescent development, including the psychological, social, emotional, cognitive, and biological changes specific to these age groups. You will identify milestones of development, typical and atypical behavior, and the interrelationship between the person, family, and community. You will also discuss the internal and external influences of development. You will apply theoretical and practical knowledge that impacts child and adolescent development.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN400: Proposal Designs for Human Services

You will be introduced to a variety of proposal models used in human services. You will research potential funding opportunities that meet predetermined criteria. You will analyze existing proposals and design a proposal with a focus specific to human service organizations.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN401: Restorative Justice in Human Services

This course examines restorative justice as it relates to the field of human services. You will explore advocacy for social, economic, and environmental justice from a global perspective. The course probes the relationship between the profession, the criminal justice system, and what opportunities restorative justice provides. You will develop skills to assess community and stakeholder relationships to build effective partnerships.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN402: Advocacy and Leadership

This course examines the relationship between leadership, advocacy, and social justice. You will explore advocacy at various organizational levels and how your own leadership style impacts advocacy. You will investigate the process of planned change and design an effective team of advocates for clients.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN410: Human Services Delivery

This course focuses on strategic approaches for evaluating the effectiveness of program planning through services delivered to clients. Topics will include best practices in human services delivery, intervention strategies, and how to interpret qualitative and quantitative data. You will also explore case management skills for establishing collaborative client relationships with diverse populations, conducting client needs assessments, and planning for the interventions and delivery of services. Using real-world scenarios, you will discuss ethical and legal responsibilities when delivering services in a changing and diverse society.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN420: Social and Health Care Issues in Aging

This course explores the effects of aging on the elderly population's social, emotional, and physical health. You will examine the influences of health, nutrition, and social relationships on adults in the later stages of life. Topics will include racial disparities, retirement, housing and transportation, leisure and recreation, family life, social support, elder abuse, bereavement, and death and dying. You will examine life course transitions and caregiving options, including legal and ethical delivery and governmental support. Using real-world scenarios, you will develop solutions to some of the dilemmas faced by this growing population.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN430: Advocacy for Families and Youth

Very often, human service professionals are called upon to be advocates for at-risk children and families. Advocates must know how to help others that cannot, for one reason or another, help themselves. In this course, you will analyze the influence of biological, social, economic, and cultural forces impacting children and families. As a human service professional, you will be introduced to the roles and skills necessary to intervene on behalf of this population. As a result, you will design ethical interventions that will aid at-risk children and families at the micro, meso, and macro levels.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN450: Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services

You will distinguish between the legal and ethical issues faced by the human service worker in a global society. Through activities and case studies, you will create solutions that adhere to legal and ethical guidelines in human services. The solutions will align with issues found in administration or child and family welfare.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

HN498: Bachelor's Capstone for Human Services in Youth and Family Services and Administration

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Human Services. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses students have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their coursework in an original comprehensive project, and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree program.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term or permission of the Dean

HN499: Bachelor's Capstone for Human Services

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Human Services. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses you have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides you with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your coursework and to assess your level of mastery of the stated outcomes of the degree program.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term of study or approval of the Dean