What is Human Services?

The Department of Social Work and Human Services is committed to educating culturally competent professionals to develop and deliver high-quality human services locally, regionally, and globally, to improve the quality of life of those they serve. This mission evolves from its core values that are derived from the values of the University, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). 

The Human Services (HS) major prepares professionals to engage, advocate, and innovate locally, regionally, and globally to improve the lives of people and communities. Majors must complete two required field experiences, i.e., internships. The foundation internship requires students to demonstrate knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired in lower-level major courses by completing assignments and experiences in both micro and macro-level practice. Students then complete an advanced internship focusing on the competencies of their chosen concentration.

HS Majors must choose between three concentration pathways: 

  • Advocacy, Relational Practice, and Social Work
  • Nonprofit Leadership, Policy & Administration
  • Related Studies in Human Services 

Students in the Advocacy, Relational Practice, & Social Work concentration focus on integrating knowledge and skills related to direct practice with individuals, families, children, and groups. Additionally, they are prepared to work in crisis intervention settings and behavioral (mental) health. Students who select the Nonprofit Leadership, Policy & Administration concentration develop management, leadership, and administrative competencies to work in nonprofit organizations and community-based settings. Students in the Related Studies in Human Services focus on integrating an approved set of courses (i.e., a minor, certificate, micro-credential) complementary to the study of Human Services.

All majors graduate with competencies in communication, assessment, advocacy, documentation, community networking, cultural competence, social policy, civic engagement, and professional/career development. These competencies are established by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). Graduates from the HS program may qualify to take the Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) exam to become a Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP). 

Learn More About Human Services

Admission Requirements

None. 

This program does not have specific admission requirements. Only admission to Kennesaw State University is required to declare this major.

Related Minors or Certificates Available

  • Nonprofit Management and Social Innovation Certificate
  • Child Advocacy Studies Minor
  • Nonprofit Management and Social Innovation Minor
  • Public Health Minor

Sample Classes

  • Students examine the demand for services and funding of programs that are closely related to identifiable human conditions, including, among others: aging, delinquency, crime, poverty, mental illness, physical illness, chemical dependency, and developmental disabilities and how they create the conditions and focus for the human services profession. By the end of the course, students will identify a general framework for the delivery of human services and offer critiques of current delivery systems. 
  • In this course students study fundraising/development, including grant writing, special events, and basic finance in the nonprofit sector. It is appropriate for students working in all areas of Human Services as well as other majors who plan to work with nonprofits or governmental agencies.
  • This course focuses on theoretical interventions through the life span phases of childhood and adolescence. Intervention techniques within an ecological frame work are explored and assessed for use in a wide range of problem areas and settings.
  • Students will learn crisis intervention theory, advanced communication skills and knowledge about different crises and crisis settings. Students will be required to role-play crisis intervention techniques.