Program Schedule for the 2007-08 academic year, on-campus and online

Please contact the graduate advisor Kathleen Ring to register for classes.

Note: Graduate students should be aware of the policies listed in the Graduate Handbook. The handbook may be subject to change at any time.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Human Services is a 34-credit hour program consisting of eight core courses and two specialization, clinical and management, each consisting of 12 credit hours.  The program is designed primarily as a part-time program and is conveniently offered during evening hours, weekends, and online through the University’s Accelerated Degree Programs Division. 

The program includes a foundations course, the sociology of human services, a graduate thesis, which serves as the program’s capstone experience, and two practicum field courses as recommended by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.  The curriculum is as follows:

I.  Core Requirements:  (22 credits)
HSV 500  Sociology of Human Services
HSV 502  Human Services Ethics and Diversity
HSV 504  Human Development Through the Lifecycle
HSV 510  Human Services Policy
HSV 512  Applied Research Methods in Human Services 
HSV 590& 591  Field Practicum I & II
HSV 599  Human Services Graduate Seminar and Thesis

II.  Specializations

Clinical Specialization (12 Credits)
HSV 520  Theories of Counseling
HSV 521  Family Systems Theory
HSV 522  Group Therapy
HSV 524  Psychopathology and Psychological Assessment

 

Management Specialization (12 Credits)
HSV 540  Human Services and Information Technology Management
HSV 541  Financial Management of Non-Profit Organizations
HSV 542  Human Resource Management in Human Services
HSV 544  Organizational Behavior and Development

Core Requirements

HSV 500 Sociology of Human Services

An inquiry into the nature of social problems and a consideration of the efficacy of social service interventions and programs. 3 credit hours

HSV 502 Human Services Ethics and Diversity

Consideration of theoretical and practical standards for ethically dealing with individuals and information about them in a multicultural framework within a variety of human service settings. 3 credit hours. 

HSV 504  Human Development through the Lifecycle

Examination of theories that are important to the study of lifespan development.  Approaches to physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development throughout the lifespan will be examined with a focus on the influence of context and culture on human development. 3 credit hours. 

HSV 510   Human Services Policy

A current examination of the social and public policies that impact the human service organization.  The course will address how human service organizations design, implement, and manage human service programs in response to the political environment and changes in the social environment.  3 credit hours.  .

HSV 512  Applied Research Methods in Human Services

An overview of frequently used research designs and quantitative and qualitative methods. Prepares students to apply theoretical understanding of methodology and measurement to develop analytical and research skills. Prepares students to formulate a research problem, read relevant research in their field, write a research proposal, select an appropriate research design and data collection procedures, and analyze data with appropriate statistics.  3 credit hours.  Prerequisite: Introductory Statistics

HSV 590 & 591  Field Practicum I & II

A two-module field placement designed to provide students with supervised human service experience in their particular areas of specialization. In addition to working in two field settings for a total of 240 hours, students are required to attend three seminars per module. You are also required to contact your academic advisor prior to registering for these courses to insure that you have taken the necessary steps to secure a field placement prior to beginning these courses. 2 credit hours each.

HSV 599   Human Services Graduate Seminar and Thesis

As the culminating experience of the graduate program, students are required to submit a thesis based on a combination of program synthesis, analysis and the application of sound research methodology.  Students are encouraged to design practice-based projects based on the application of human service principles to specific real world problems to demonstrate mastery of theory applied to practice.  3 credit hours.  Prerequisite: HSV 512, Applied Research Methods

 

Clinical Track

HSV 520   Theories of Counseling

This course provides an overview of counseling theory and fosters the development of basic counseling skills.  The focus is establishing a rapport, developing a therapeutic alliance, and conceptualizing strategies for intervention.  The clinical application of theory will be explored through case studies, role-play, and class discussions. 3 credit hours

HSV 521   Family Systems Theory

Introduces the student to the field of family therapy and systems thinking.  Includes the skills necessary to begin clinical work with a family.  Includes the major theoretical approaches to family intervention required to conceptualize, assess, and treat family systems.  3 credit hours

HSV 522   Group Therapy

This course presents a theoretical and experiential of group processes and counseling techniques.  Students develop the skills and abilities required to facilitate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral change in-group settings. 3 credit hours

HSV 524   Psychopathology and Psychological Assessment

Students will explore the emotional, cognitive, somatic, and behavioral symptoms of mental disturbances.  This course includes the introduction of testing and measurement devices that emphasizes clinical assessment applications. 3 credit hours

Management Specialization

HSV 540   Human Service Management and Information Technology

Introduction to the basic conceptual and theoretical skills required for effectively managing human service organizations in a complex environment. The course includes information technology applications based on computer and communication technology for human service user-managers. 3 credit hours

HSV 541   Financial Management of Non-Profit Organizations

This course teaches students the principles of financial management required for the planning, budgeting, and control functions of human service organizations.  It includes the skills required for the analysis and interpretation of financial statements, interim and end-of-year reports and the financial disclosures required by agency funding sources. 3 credit hours

HSV 542   Resource Management in Human Services

The focus of this course is on the recruitment, screening, and selection of agency personnel, addressing both the legal mandates and ethical issues involved in staffing human service organizations.  The course also provides a theoretical and practical analysis of organizational leadership, personnel supervision, workplace design and the ethical dimension of human service leadership. 3 credit hours

HSV 544   Organizational Behavior and Development

An analysis of the primary factors affecting behavior and relationships in human service organizations.  The course includes an emphasis on interpersonal relationships in the work setting, strategies designed to increase the skills and capacities of agency staff and the impact of organizational change on staff behavior and morale. 3 credit hours

Post University endeavors to present an accurate overview of its curricular and co-curricular programs, facilities, and fees in this publication. The information contained herein is current as of March 1, 2006. Post University reserves the right to alter any program, facility, or fee described in this publication without notice or obligation.