Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Services and Rehabilitation


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Introduction

The Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation is comprised of an undergraduate (B.A.) program in Human Services and a graduate (M.A.) program in Rehabilitation Counseling. Both programs are committed to an academic learning experience that integrates theory and practice using a strengths-based model of professional practice. For more information on both programs, please visit www.wwu.edu/hsr.

Faculty

ELIZABETH BOLAND (2004) Chair and Associate Professor. Director of the Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Counseling. BBA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
JACQUELYN BAKER SENNETT (2000) Associate Professor. AB, Occidental College; PhD, Cornell University
ANNE BLANCHARD (2007) Senior Instructor, Everett. BA, MEd Western Washington University; PhD, University of Washington.
JUDITH DEIRO (1997) Senior Instructor, Everett. BA, Oklahoma State University; MA, University of Florida; PhD, University of Washington
RAINE DOZIER (2008) Assistant Professor. BA State University of New York; MA, PhD, University of Washington.
DIANA JONES (2008) Assistant Professor. BA, Adrian College; MA, Emory University; MTS, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
SUSAN KINCAID (1995) Assistant Professor. BA, MEd, Western Washington University; PhD, Walden University.
JOHN KORSMO (2006) Associate Professor. BA, Portland State University; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
MORGAN LIVINGSTON (1997) Senior Instructor. BA, MA, University of Oregon.
TRULA NICHOLAS (1994) Assistant Professor. BA, MS, Western Washington University; EdD, Nova Southeastern University.
JANE VERNER (1994) Senior Instructor. BS, New York University; MBA, University of Toronto.

Human Services
www.wwu.edu/hs

The Human Services major (B.A.) attracts students with a strong commitment to social and economic justice, human dignity, self-determination, and the desire to affect change through direct and indirect service delivery. Since the program’s inception in the mid 1970’s, Western has graduated thousands of human services majors who have committed their careers to the helping professions. Graduates work in agencies and organizations in such fields as mental health services, nonprofit management, human resources, faith-based services, community development, advocacy, public policy, corrections, and international relief. Graduates often serve as case managers, grant writers, educators, or administrators to address such social issues as poverty, child abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness. Many graduates pursue advanced study in social work, education, public policy, law, nonprofit management or counseling.

Course of Study

The faculty is committed to the idea that undergraduate preparation in human services requires both a strong academic foundation and a solid experiential base. Students who are enrolled in the major become members of an interdisciplinary and inter-professional community of learners who engage in classroom and field-based inquiry with WWU faculty, practicing professionals, and community members.

The human services curriculum is designed to meet National Standards in human services education as outlined by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (www.cshse.org). Students take many of their courses as a cohort. This learning community provides students with an opportunity to build a deep understanding of the human services profession in a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Built on a liberal arts foundation, the core of the curriculum examines the profession within the context of self and individuals, small groups, organizations, communities, and global systems. Additionally, students gain knowledge and expertise in case management and interventions, human development, diversity and social justice, applied research, agency management, and program planning and evaluation. Partnering with community based human services agencies and organizations, the program incorporates several quarters of field study, including practicum and internship, that integrates theory, knowledge, and skills with professional practice. Together classroom and field-based study prepares graduates to confront the challenges of the 21st century. For additional information visit: www.wwu.edu/hs.

Declaration Process

Human services program applicants must have a 2.75 GPA or higher overall college level work or over the last 45 credits (with some exceptions as noted below) and must submit the following materials to be considered for admission to the major:

  • A completed Human Services program application, including written essay  
  • A completed self-assessment of competency in technology use and integrated software
  • A criminal history background check, which may also include fingerprinting
  • A signed contract indicating an understanding and intention to comply with the program’s essential functions and expectations for academic and professional performance

Interviews may be required for admission to the program. Prospective students are encouraged to seek information online at www.wwu.edu/hrs or in Miller Hall 318, 360-650-7759, prior to submitting an application. Please contact the program for application deadlines. Students with a Washington state transferable Associate of Arts degree must apply to both Western and the major.

Admissions Exceptions

Human Services applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may contact the department to discuss the admissions exceptions policy. A personal interview will be required.

Human Services applicants within 10 credits of completing Western’s GURs or within 5 credits of receiving a direct transfer degree (AA) from a Washington state community college are eligible to enter the program.

A minor in Human Services is not available. Non-matriculated students, undeclared majors, and/or students from other majors at Western are able to enroll in some courses on a space available basis, with permission of the department.

Technology Competency and Access

Many courses in the major have an online learning component.  Therefore, students admitted to the Department of Human Services and Rehabilitation are expected to maintain regular internet access and possess competence in the use of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. All applicants are required to complete and submit the Technology Self-Assessment Statement when applying to the program.

Program Offerings and Tuition

The Human Services program is offered in Bellingham, Everett, and via Distance delivery, with classes meeting in the afternoon and evening and field-study occurring during the day. Some courses are hybrid, combining both face to face and online class meetings.

Note that tuition rates and fees are different for students enrolling at outreach locations.

Program Retention and Completion

Retention in the Human Services program is dependent upon each student’s ability to meet university requirements and the program’s essential functions and expectations for academic and professional performance. Prior to entering a practicum / internship placement, all students are required to successfully complete HSP 340 and the Practicum I benchmark examination. To qualify for program completion, students must successfully complete a comprehensive capstone portfolio that demonstrates they meet both program standards and national standards in human services education, as outlined by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (http://www.CSHSE.org). For additional information on the human services major, see www.wwu.edu/hs.

Questions

For additional information on the Human Services program, call 360-650-7759, or e-mail hsp.info@wwu.edu.

Rehabilitation Counseling
www.wwu.edu/rc

The rehabilitation counseling program (M.A.) prepares graduates to work with individuals with disabilities in a variety of public and private settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination that is required by many organizations. The program includes a combination of delivery modes, with some classes offered at the program’s outreach site located at Everett Community College and other courses offered via distance in a web-based format.

For additional information, refer to Rehabilitation Counseling in the Graduate School  section of this catalog.

Undergraduate Degrees and Programs

Human Services, BA 

Certificate in Rehabilitation Services 

Graduate Degrees and Programs

Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Thesis, MA 

Human Services and Rehabilitation Courses

 

 

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