Human Services

Department of Health and Community Studies, Woodring College of Education

The Human Services curriculum aligns with national standards in human services education as outlined by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (www.cshse.org). The Human Services major prepares students to work in a variety of settings as case managers, advocates, grant writers, youth workers, volunteer coordinators, or advocacy specialists.

The program has a social justice orientation, engaging students in critical analysis and reflection as they examine social issues at the individual, group, organization, community, and global level. The program emphasizes community engagement and requires 240 hours of field experience that allows students to integrate theory, knowledge, and skills through work in human services organizations.

Are you interested in a career working to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, communities and organizations? Do you learn effectively through student-centered activities that encourage collaborative inquiry and active engagement to address real world challenges? If so, you may want to consider a major in Human Services. The Human Services major attracts students from diverse backgrounds with a strong commitment to social and economic justice, human dignity, self-determination, and the desire to facilitate change. Thousands of Western’s Human Services Program graduates are currently working in meaningful positions in nonprofit, government, and community-based services.