Human Services, BA

Department of Health and Community Studies, Woodring College of Education

75 credits

Introduction

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.

Why Consider a Human Services Major?

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.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Applicants to Human Services must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (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 required essays
• A criminal history background check, which may also include fingerprinting
• A signed contract indicating an understanding and intention to comply with the program’s expectations for academic and professional performance

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

Admission Expectations

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

Applicants must be within 10 credits of completing Western’s GURs or be within 5 credits of completing a direct transfer degree (AA) from a Washington state community college by the start of the program’s classes or have completed their direct transfer degree (AA) from a Washington state community college.

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 program.

Technology Competency and Access

Many courses in the major have an online learning component, or require use of technology. Therefore, students admitted to the Human Services Program are expected to have regular access to the internet.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

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 an internship placement, all students are required to successfully complete HSP 435.