Human Services: It’s not just about social work anymore.

There is a growing need for people in a variety of helping professions.

Students talking with professorIndividuals who recognize the importance of working with people, visit this serving them and meeting their needs are often drawn to human services to enhance their abilities to help others, take management roles in organizations or even start their own nonprofit. Although many jobs are in the nonprofit sector, generic often in well-paid positions, employee and human services positions in private and government organizations are also in demand.

Did you know that social and human services are among the most rapidly growing occupations?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for social and human service employees are expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary education. The number of social and human service assistants is projected to grow by nearly 23% for all occupations between 2008 and 2018. Approximately 80,000 new jobs are expected to be created during the next decade. Many additional job opportunities will arise from the need to replace workers who advance into new positions, retire, or leave the workforce for other reasons. Employment in private agencies will grow as state and local governments continue to contract out services to the private sector in an effort to cut costs. Demand for social services will expand with the growing elderly population, who are more likely to need these services.

What can I do with a Human Services Degree?

The leadership skills developed makes Human Services graduates valuable contributors in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporations.

Examples include careers in:

  • counseling and social work
  • human resources or employee relations (profit and nonprofit)
  • health care
  • gerontology
  • community advocacy
  • law enforcement and other public safety fields
  • employee relations

These jobs include working with:

  • children and families
  • the elderly
  • people with disabilities
  • people with addictions
  • veterans
  • people with mental illnesses
  • immigrants
  • homeless and displaced people

What does a Human Services degree offer?

As one of the more versatile degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services prepares you for work in a variety of fields and settings depending on your interests. Prerequisites for this degree generally require introductory knowledge of psychology and sociology.

Students often learn to develop skills in communication, advanced professional writing and how to apply and demonstrate problem-solving techniques to areas in Financial Management, Social Responsibility and Ethics.  At Notre Dame de Namur University, students often enhance their career goals by focusing on one of three specialized areas:

  • Administration
  • Counseling
  • Gerontology

A Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services can be a stepping-stone to a post graduate degree for professionals to advance their careers in management; many students continue their studies with a master’s in public administration, business administration, social services or psychology.

“Being in this program has truly changed my life as an individual, as a student, and as an employee. It has helped me gain better understanding of others in a realistic way and has inspired me even more to help and make a difference. The support of the advisers and teachers within the program makes an extreme difference. It is not easy to come back to school, but they are very supportive. They aren’t just there assisting in class, but are available to help at your convenience and sometimes where it is convenient for you. I can’t think of anywhere else in my education where I have had that much support and encouragement.” Read more student feedback.

Learn more about our accelerated evening Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services.

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