B.S. in Human Services

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Services at Fisher College is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to understand, assess, and support the social and developmental needs of individuals, families, and communities, particularly those who are considered at-risk or otherwise troubled. The program emphasizes enhancing the quality of life across the spectrum of care by integrating theories from systems thinking, socio-cultural analysis, and ethical frameworks. Graduates are equipped for direct service delivery, as well as for coordinating and managing services in diverse public and private organizations, including social welfare agencies, childcare, youth services, schools, and even the criminal justice system. A notable concentration within this program is Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention, further specializing graduates to work with young children and their families.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Human Services curriculum at Fisher College is comprehensive, drawing from complementary disciplines like psychology, sociology, public health, and political science. While specific credit breakdowns can vary by concentration, core human services courses typically include Introduction to Human Services & Social Welfare, Practice of Counseling and Interviewing, Ethical Issues, Crisis Intervention, and Systems and Policies. Foundational social science courses often include Introduction to Psychology, Child Development, Abnormal Psychology, Basic Statistics, and Research Methods in Social Science. For the Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention concentration, courses like Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Infant/Toddler Curricula, and Children with Special Needs are included. The program culminates in a Senior Project and incorporates field-based learning through community projects, simulated case management exercises, and opportunities for research.

Research Focus: The B.S. in Human Services program at Fisher College emphasizes an applied research focus, equipping students with the methodologies to understand and address complex social problems. Through courses like Research Methods in Social Science and engagement in community projects and simulated case management exercises, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program aims for students to "assess the social and developmental needs of individuals and families" and to "evaluate which kinds of improvements in the external environment and human services systems would best facilitate the full realization of human potential." This involves understanding how various factors—such as family dynamics, cultural backgrounds, and social policies—influence well-being, fostering an evidence-based approach to intervention and program development within human services.

Industry Engagement: Fisher College's B.S. in Human Services program demonstrates strong industry engagement through its emphasis on practical, field-based experiences. The curriculum includes mandatory field-based learning components like community projects and simulated case management exercises. Furthermore, the program explicitly states it readies students for "entry-level employment and subsequent career advancement in the human services field in various public and private organizations and settings." Graduates are prepared to work directly in roles within childcare, social service agencies, drug treatment centers, youth and adult residential care facilities, crisis centers, community mental health organizations, senior citizen centers, and various government agencies. This indicates deep connections with diverse sectors of the human services industry, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world practice.

Global Perspective: Fisher College is committed to fostering a global perspective, and the B.S. in Human Services program contributes significantly by preparing students to address human needs within diverse cultural contexts. While the program primarily focuses on the domestic social welfare system, the interdisciplinary nature of human services inherently involves understanding varied cultural backgrounds, social policies, and global issues that influence well-being. The curriculum's emphasis on "socio-cultural analysis" and a "commitment to social justice" promotes an awareness of disparities and challenges that can transcend national borders. Fisher College's diverse international student body further enriches classroom discussions, allowing students to gain insights into different societal structures and human services approaches worldwide, preparing them to serve a globalized community.