This course explores the historical context and the current structure of the Human Service field. Students will be exposed to the primary intervention strategies utilized in human services including interviewing, case management and facilitating groups. The special populations served in the Human Service profession will be examined. Topics including values and ethical dilemmas, the social welfare system, diversity, program planning, organizing and changing systems, legal issues, staying current and avoiding burnout will be considered.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: HSCO 500 (may be taken concurrently)

This course provides an overview of individual development from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Social, cognitive, spiritual, and personality development are covered through the life span, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood and later life. These topics are explored through both a biblical worldview as well as through the perspective of a human service worker.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: HSCO 500 (may be taken concurrently)

This course reviews biblical integration perspectives with specific application to a human services counseling setting. The course explores a Christian worldview, with practical discussion of both a client and therapist’s spirituality and how one’s worldview and personal spirituality affect the counseling process. Students consider how secular counseling theories and techniques and biblical teaching on sin, confession, and redemption merge in applications to the types of counseling issues typically seen in community agencies and other practice settings for human services counselors.

Offered: Resident and Online

Prerequisite: HSCO 500 (may be taken concurrently)

An interactive learning experience designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of self and the "listening-to-understanding" skills which facilitate improved interpersonal communications in establishing and maintaining relationships with God and others.

Offered: Resident and Online

Online Prerequisite: HSCO 500 (may be taken concurrently) or Multicult IssuesHSER – HSCO509 with a score of 5

This course examines contemporary scholarship on race/ethnic relations and addresses issues of racial/ethnic identities, gender inequality, and disability discrimination. It will examine social stratification by looking at various public policy arenas, social institutions, and the history of group marginalization. The course employs case studies, various readings, and theoretical and empirical literature on racial/ethnic relations, gender, and disability issues.

Note: Students pursing the MA Humanitarian Action and Human Rights: Women's and Children's Care and Advocacy will have the prerequisites waived.

Offered: Online

Prerequisite: HSCO 500 (may be taken concurrently)

This course involves the study of human beings in relationship to other persons, singularly and in groups. The course explores-in theory and through in-class exercises - the real-life application of various aspects of group dynamics including (but not limited to) leadership, motivation, perception, power, and decision-making.

Offered: Resident and Online

An intensive study of a specific subject in human services counseling. This course allows variation in the approach and content of the regular curriculum.