Human Services Family Studies
The human services family studies concentration (49 credits) is designed to expose and engage students in a variety of topics related to family function, family structure and family dynamics. Family studies is a multidisciplinary area. It is informed by sociological, historical, anthropological, psychological and other emerging perspectives. Students learn that families are shaped by and adapt to a range of economic, political, cultural and psychological factors. A human services major with a focus in family studies appeals to those students considering working with families as their primary client group in either the public or private human service arena.
The family studies course work is also available for those students who want to understand and contextualize their own family experience.
Acceptance to the Program
To be eligible for acceptance to the Human Services BHS major, students must submit a College of Health, Community and Professional Services Undergraduate Program Declaration Form. Consult with an advisor before submitting declaration form or enrolling in courses toward the major.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 100 General Psychology (or two psychology courses) and
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (or two sociology courses)
- In addition to the human services major requirements, students must complete the university's General education and liberal studies requirements
Required Core Courses (20 credits)
- HSER 355 Introduction to Human Service: History and Trends
- HSER 353 Social Casework Methods
- HSER 346 Counseling and Interviewing Skills
- HSER 395 Human Services and Diversity
- HSER 455 Capstone Seminars in Human Services
Practica (5 credits)
Experiential (practica) experience is a vital component of the human services degree program. Every student is required to complete a practicum experience.
- HSER 320 Human Services Pre-Practicum Group Seminar
- HSER 331 Human Services Group Practicum and Seminar
Human Services Degree Requirements
The degree programs consist of a minimum of 120 credits with at least 48 credits in human services, of which 40 credits must be upper division Metropolitan State University course work or competency demonstration. The degree programs have the following components:
- General education and liberal studies (including general psychology and introduction to sociology as prerequisites for program admission)
- Required core courses (20 credits)
- Other required human services coursework, depending upon the concentration
- Practica in human services organization(s)
- Minor course (if desired); and
- Other electives
Human Services Family Studies Requirements (24 credits)
In addition to the prerequisites, core courses and practica, this concentration requires the following.
- HSFS 143 The Family: A Social/Psychological Exploration
- HSFS 338 Family: Racial, Gender and Class Dimensions
- HSFS 339 Issues and Actions in Family Policy
- HSFS 341 Work and Family
- HSFS 342 Children in U.S. Society
- HSFS 399 Selected Topics in Family Assistance
(HSFS 399 has variable 2-8 credits depending on topic and may be taken up to four times.)
