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Academics Human Social Services

Human Social Services

Human social services is an interdisciplinary major that combines the strengths and perspectives of communication, psychology, and religious studies. The major offers content and experiences designed to develop innovative practitioners well-prepared to assist community organizations and those in need.

Academics

  • This interdisciplinary major provides students with a broad exposure within the liberal arts. Students pursuing a degree in HSS will learn to enhance the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual quality of life for those in need. The HSS major offers content and experiences designed to develop innovative practitioners able to integrate knowledge, theory, practice, research skills, servant leadership, and cultural sensitivity within community organizations.

    Though the HSS major is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in social work, a student graduating with the HSS degree will be prepared to improve accessibility, accountability, and coordination among the multiple professionals and service agencies designed to provide support, education, resources, and/or assistance to diverse populations. Students are assisted in meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the quality of life of those with whom they serve.

    What Makes the Program Distinctive?

    2019 HSS Most Affordable Award

    WLC’s human social services program introduces and provides students opportunities to practice the skills related to personal and professional growth through knowledge-based learning, experiential processes, community involvement, and practical experience under direct supervision of professionals in human social service agencies. This major, grounded in Scripture and fueled by the Great Commission, provides opportunity for students to apply God’s Word to the theory and practice of helping others within the field of human services.

    WLC's HSS program was included in the HumanServicesEdu.org list of Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Human Services 2019-2020.

  • ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH

    Developing Competencies

    As aspiring service providers, students practice perspective taking, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Specifically, students apply the skills related to observation and behavioral recording, interviewing, implementing treatment plans, employing research and evaluation, crisis intervention, and proper case management and referral procedures with ethical insight and professionalism. The major serves as preparation for further study in human services, counseling psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.

    Relevant Curriculum

    WLC's human social services curriculum is developed in accordance with the National Organization for Human Services. The major is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences that enable them to successfully work in the field of human services upon graduation.

    BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

    Human Social Services Club

    The HSS Club is a student-led organization that serves Wisconsin Lutheran College and the community by providing learning opportunities, creating an organized response to need, and lending a helping hand. All students majoring in human social services are welcome to join the HSS Club and assist in making the world a better place.

    Servant Leadership

    The WLC human social services program is service-oriented and students have the opportunity to engage in several opportunities outside of the classroom, such as the HSS Club, attending area conferences, and volunteering at area agencies, community centers, clinics, and shelters. 

    GRADUATE SCHOOL AND CAREERS

    Graduate School

    A WLC human social services degree provides a solid educational foundation and valuable experiential learning upon which one may succeed in graduate classes.

    Careers

    Students majoring in WLC's human social services may choose to work in any number of areas, including:

    • Adoption and Foster Care
    • The Aged
    • Case Management
    • Child Welfare
    • Community Resources
    • Community Recreation
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Delinquent/Court Youth
    • Group Homes
    • Mental Health
    • Counseling
    • Probation and Parole
    • Addiction

    ADVISING INFORMATION

    Learn more about course offerings, sample programs, and entrance requirements for this major:

    HUMAN SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISING PAGE

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