Master of Arts in Human Services

This course provides a systematic review of the wide range of cultures and individual differences and the ways in which cultural mores, ethnocentrism, and factors such as matters of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, customs and cultures impact behavior of the individual themselves and of those around them. Through this course, students will better understand themselves and others, in terms of perceptions and behaviors. Equivalent to ORG 6499

This course is designed to introduce the student to the broad field of human services, the types of disciplines represented in the field, the general nature and scope of services provided by the disciplines, the similarities in services provided, and the differences among the disciplines. A major emphasis will be on the ways in which human services professionals can effectively and efficiently interact to enhance service delivery and maximize the use of valuable resources. Equivalent to HUM 5010 

This course studies the ethical and legal issues confronting practicing professionals. Topics related to ethics, standards of practice, and professional conduct are explored. Students learn principles of ethical decision-making, standards of care specified by state and federal laws, and the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) code of ethics. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of the emotional impact that major ethical and legal dilemmas have on decision-making. Students will also be prepared for their graduate journey through readiness and preparatory activities. Equivalent to ORG 6520

This course surveys the major theoretical perspectives on life span development from conception through late adulthood. Developmental processes related to physical, cognitive, moral, and emotional functions are reviewed as well as societal and cultural aspects of development. Equivalent to PSY 5130

This course provides students with a broad overview of the laws and regulations that govern delivery of services in the various human services disciplines. Cross-disciplinary regulations, policy development and review in agencies, and methods to impact policy /regulation development and revision at the state and national level are areas of emphasis. Equivalent to HUM 5300

This course will explore group theories and groups as human systems. Students will study how large and small groups are utilized in human service organizations. The students will also gain an understanding of group dynamics and functionality for the application of research and theory relating to large and small groups and human social systems for the enhancement of service delivery. The emphasis is on integrating theory and concepts from the behavioral and social sciences as a basis for understanding group systems theory and human behavior within human services and society. Equivalent to HUM 6100

This course presents the concepts of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and methods, as well as issues involved in the ethical conduct of research. Students will be challenged to select appropriate research designs and methodologies for various research questions. The course will culminate in a detailed research proposal on topics chosen by the students.

This course provides the opportunity for students planning careers in human service agencies to apply knowledge and skills obtained throughout the program in a practical way. Students may opt for projects in new program/service delivery design, program evaluation, or grant writing by utilizing quantitative or qualitative research on an issue in human service delivery, or other appropriate areas, approved by the instructor. HUM 5100 is the Capstone course in the student’s program.  Equivalent to HUM 5100. Prerequisite: completion of all required coursework. This course may not be transferred in. 

This course provides students with knowledge of various types of government and private grants, sources of information on funding agencies, grant writing principles and techniques, pre-submission consultation review processes, and the overall grant review process. Practice in researching funding sources and grant guidelines and in proposal preparation are included. Equivalent to HUM 5060

This course is designed to provide students with working knowledge of volunteer use in human service agencies. Sources and methods of volunteer recruitment, ethical and legal issues in the use of volunteers, methods of training, and techniques for motivating, securing, and maintaining a positive and engaged ongoing inclusive commitment, and effective use of volunteers are areas of focus in this course. Equivalent to HUM 5210

This course provides students with the common issues and principles surrounding non-profit agencies and organizations. Background and philosophy, rules and regulations, tax implications, principles of philanthropy, the role of grants and other sources of external funding are emphasized. Equivalent to HUM 5220

This course draws from the concepts of organizational behavior and leadership theory and human services policy to present the students a conceptual framework for leading a human services organization. Leadership issues unique to human services settings will be discussed, with the focus on developing effective leadership styles, promoting self-care practices, and using mindfulness-based strategies to enhance self-awareness and improve organizational effectiveness in human services agencies. Equivalent to HUM 5500

This course familiarizes the student with major areas of compliance in the administration of mental health agencies. Through readings and exercises students will explore HIPAA, JCAHO, other accrediting bodies, grant compliance, insurance regulations and lobbying efforts on behalf of mental health systems of care. Other topics may also be examined as new issues arise. Equivalent to ORG 5650

This course explores the common metrics mental health organizations use, the data used in support of those metrics, the assessment of fiscal outcomes, trends and events. Identifying cost centers and programs is considered. Students will evaluate differing funding streams that could potentially support the provision of mental health services including public funding, public insurance programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare), government and foundation grants, and private donations. Fundraising efforts as applied to an overall budget strategy will also be considered. Equivalent to HUM 6800