Human Services

Human Services continue to grow due to the needs in social assistance, mental health and substance abuse problems, and counseling and healthcare services being needed by people from all walks of life.

Designed to Help You Help Others

Lander University's B.S. in Human Services program is a natural fit for anyone wishing for a successful career in human services-within a governmental agency, nonprofit organization, healthcare institution, hospital, or business that specializes in providing care for a specific population.

Success for a career in Human Services most likely results from a strong foundation in applied Psychology and Sociology and a program that aims to increase students' knowledge, application, and critical thinking skills. Lander's program will prepare graduates to work in government agencies, healthcare institutions, or non-profit organizations as a case worker, case manager, counselor, or advocate with the ability to have the necessary skills to succeed as a supervisor in public, non-profit, or private settings as further work experience is gained.

Employment options include child and youth service agencies, mental health facilities, group homes, correctional institutions, healthcare institutions, or programs related to alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, or aging. A bachelor's degree allows a person to serve as case manager, mental health assistant, or counselor, but a master's degree is required to serve in a clinical capacity as a social worker, counselor, or therapist. This program would provide students with the ability to seek additional certification or graduate education if desired, such as a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree or a master's level program in marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, or mental health counseling.

About the Human Services Program

The program curriculum centers around core courses in Human Services and blends applied Psychology and Sociology courses. Students are exposed to key areas for knowledge about abuse (e.g. drug and alcohol) and counseling (e.g. marriage and family therapy or crisis intervention) while understanding different populations to enable options for a successful career. Exposure to courses related to the creation and management of budgets, developmental psychology and well-being, and policy analysis within healthcare and social welfare arenas will further students' planning, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Students are able to choose many lower- and upper-level program electives to connect with specific career interests.

Student could earn the degree in four years on the main campus, but those who have earned an associate's degree (or who have two years of coursework in human services, psychology, and/or sociology), could lessen their time to earning a B.S. degree. The curriculum was designed in partnership with those technical colleges that award an A.A.S. in Human Services.

Offered On Campus, Online and at UCG

The B.S. in Human Services is offered through traditional face-to-face and online environments on Lander's main campus in Greenwood and through a blended/hybrid environment at the University Center of Greenville.

At Lander's main campus and online, students can pursue this degree within a four-year timeframe. Students at the University Center of Greenville (UCG) are likely to have 60 hours of coursework or an associate's degree, so the timeframe is likely two years or less.

Lander's main campus offers options for courses that are face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Courses at the UCG are in a hybrid mode, but a full course load of 12-15 hours would likely involve some online courses for progress toward completing the degree. UCG students also have the option of taking courses on Lander's main campus.

While the entire program is offered online, an advantage of pursuing this program on the main campus is the closer relationships and mentorship by faculty as well as opportunities for undergraduate research. Students in any degree mode are encouraged to pursue internships and experiential learning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

¹ For approved courses see the General Education section

• Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
• See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses