Master of Science in Human Services (M.S.H.S.) Degrees

Curriculum

HS 514 Resolving Conflict through Dialogue

The meaning of conflict resolution adopted in this course is focused on peaceful, nonviolent mechanisms, spanning formal and informal interactions and bargaining between disputants to reach procedural and substantive solutions. Levels of conflicts and resolution settings are often differentiated by identifying the adversaries, whether they are nation-states, ethnic groups, business or political organizations community groups, neighbors, or individuals. Students will examine these perspectives in order to understand various layers where conflicts arise, and to make comparisons across issues and participants noting similarities and contrasts in resolution manner, effort, and achievement. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits

HS 530 Ethical & Legal Issues in Human Services

This course focuses on the range of populations served and needs addressed by human services. Topics include diversity issues related to clarifying expectations, dealing effectively with conflict, societal context, ethical behavior, techniques for building rapport in diverse groups, problem-solving, decision-making, and predicting outcomes. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits

HS 532 Human Resource Management

This course examines the principles and issues of human resource management, including the management of information systems. Emphasis is on the design of formal systems and the functions performed in organizations to ensure the most effective use of human resources. Attention is paid to strategies used by managers for the recruitment, retention, and development of human resources to produce a positive workplace environment. Legal and ethical issues encountered by human resource managers are also discussed. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits

HS 536 Case Management

This course examines concepts and principles of case management practice with special populations such as older adults, children and families, persons with serious and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, and persons with chronic disease and those facing end of life decisions. The core functions of case management practice in a range of settings are addressed in relationship to issues of diversity, vulnerability, and empowerment. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits

HS 580 Field Experience

This course will provide students with a field-based experience in a private or public human service agency under the supervision of the agency staff as well as a College faculty member. Students who are currently employed in a human services setting may choose an action research project in place of part of the field experience. This is an on-site course and runs for a full semester. 3 credits

HS 600 Capstone Seminar

Students read and discuss professional literature relevant to the human services field, including articles related to current controversial issues and to the functions performed by their own agencies. Library research, which concludes with a substantial literature review paper, is required. 3 credits

PY 530 Theories of Counseling

This course provides a survey of major theories of counseling, including the principal psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. In addition to covering traditional schools of thought, emphasis is placed on contemporary developments in the area of time-limited treatment and the special difficulties inherent in this change in standard and clinical practice. 3 credits

PY 533 Psychopathology

This course provides an overview of abnormal psychology, including cognitivebehavioral, psychodynamic, and neuropsychiatric, and socio-cultural perspectives as well as descriptive psychopathology. The course also entails a thorough grounding in the official psychiatric diagnostic classification system (currently DSM-IV) that is used by all hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities as per requirements of third-party payers and treatment review boards. 3 credits

PY 537 Counseling Techniques

This course is an intensive practical experience in counseling techniques to help students attain competency in the application of theory in the counseling relationship. 3 credits

PY 539 Program Evaluation

This course provides knowledge, theory, and skills needed for the systematic assessment of the effectiveness of psychosocial intervention programs: evaluation of outcomes of treatments provided by human services agencies. Emphasis will also be placed on program planning and evaluation models that are widely used in human services. 3 credits

PY 540 Organizational Behavior & Group Dynamics

This course examines the theoretical assumptions of organizational behavior and the issues and challenges which arise when managing and leading. Students investigate the relationships between the individual, the group, and the organization. Students also explore the various stages of groups, including pre-group assessment and screening of group members, group development, the initial stage, the transition stage, the working stage, and the ending stage of groups. Ethical and multicultural issues as they apply to groups are examined. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits

PY 542 Career Counseling & Vocational Rehabilitation

Through an examination of career development theories and decision-making models, the student gains an understanding of career development planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation. The interrelationships among work and other life roles are also explored. Students are also introduced to counseling theories related to vocational rehabilitation. This course may be taken an elective course to fulfill the requirement for 6 credits of electives. 3 credits

PY 541 Addictions Counseling

This course provides an examination of the major approaches to understanding and treating substance-related disorders. It also examines the classifications of drugs, their pharmacological action, the process of addiction and recovery, treatment resources, and the legal and ethical guidelines for working with substance abusers. 3 credits

PY 581 Action Research Project

Students conduct original empirical research, typically evaluating the effectiveness of a specific human services program. This program may be designed by the student or be part of the usual psychosocial interventions provided by an agency. This course may be taken in lieu of 3 credits of field experience by students who have extensive experience in a human services agency. This course is delivered in a blended format. 3 credits