Northeastern University

Program

Introduction to Human Services Program

Job opportunities in social assistance should be numerous through the year 2012. The number of nongovernmental wage and salary jobs is expected to increase 47 percent, compared with only 16 percent for all industries combined. Expected growth rates for the various segments of the industry are 46 percent in individual and family services, 49 percent in vocational rehabilitation services, and 49 percent in community food and housing, and emergency and other relief services over the 2002-12 period.

Taken from the U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics web site

The Human Services Program is an interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts and Sciences. The major requires courses in human services, psychology, sociology, and other fields. The mission of the Human Services Program is to provide students with the theoretical and skill based background necessary to practice in macro, mezzo, and micro arenas such as political advocacy, community development and direct service. Students take basic foundation courses, skills courses, complete intensive fieldwork internships in the Boston Area agencies. Students who major in human services select concentrations in areas that they wish to pursue further.

Students can pursue positions in both public and private agencies, including social service and welfare agencies, mental health settings, programs for youth, halfway houses, rape crisis and domestic violence centers, drug treatment institutions, and criminal justice settings. Students can work in a number of capacities as counselors, community organizers, administrators in human services agencies, and as fundraisers for social programs.

Students who major in human services select specializations in areas that they wish to pursue further. Standard specializations include: administration and policy, applied behavior analysis, deaf studies, family and children services, psychology/counseling psychology, and social justice, identity and religion. Other pursue a dual major or degree.

Degrees Offered

Dual Majors

Dual Degree

This is why it is one of the fastest growing professions in the Nation. The Human Services curriculum affords students the opportunity to acquire fundamental attitudes, knowledge, and skills that may lead to careers broadly defined as the "helping professions".

Through course work, one semester of internship experience, and a suggested minimum of two six-month sessions of co-op work, students have the opportunity to explore such areas:

Students in the major have the opportunity to participate in the student run Human Services Student Organization. HSO seeks to respond to needs in the community and provide opportunities for students to stay informed about major relates news and events.