The master's degree program in human services (HMS) is designed to provide advanced professional education for students who have an undergraduate education in human services or who have completed specific prerequisite courses to prepare them for study in the field.

It is a multidisciplinary degree that prepares students to become competent as human services professionals for multiple roles and settings. The degree contains a core curriculum that teaches skills and concepts needed by all human services professionals and integrates content from several academic concentrations to allow students to develop specific expertise.

Available concentrations:

• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• Child and Family Studies
• Gerontology
• Social Services Administration

Within some concentrations, students are able to obtain certification. Students are prepared to practice with competency and confidence within all concentrations.

Study in this degree program requires that students examine aspects of their past lives and family experiences in an effort to understand their beliefs, values and biases. This self-awareness is necessary when working with vulnerable populations.

The degree program teaches students to appreciate contemporary and historic human characteristics, issues, and problems and to plan for the delivery of human services in the future. Courses teach students to design, assess, treat, plan for, advocate for, counsel with, manage, and collaborate with individuals, groups, or agencies needing and using human services.

Full time students complete most requirements within two years.  Part time students can usually complete the program between 3 and 4 years.  All students are required to complete the requirements within 6 years following acceptance into the program.