Human Services Disability Studies
This concentration (49 credits) provides a comprehensive background of issues relevant to persons with disabilities throughout the life span. In addition, the Disability Studies curriculum is constructed to address policy issues which impact persons with disabilities. The BHS-DS concentration embraces the philosophy of the Disability Rights Movement that focuses on self-determination, civil rights, and culture.
The field of disability studies is relatively new and is an outgrowth of civil rights for persons with disabilities that led to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. Disability Studies embraces similar philosophies of Women's Studies, African American Studies, as well as ethnic and GLBT programs. Disability Studies represents a focus on empowerment, self-determination, and independence.
The disability studies concentration courses are currently offered online.
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 Disability Studies Requirements Currently Offered Online (24 credits)
In addition to the prerequisites, core courses and practica, this concentration requires the following.
- HSDS 304 Introduction to Disabilities
- HSDS 305 Disability Rights: History and Current Trends
- HSDS 306 Community Resources and Services for Persons with Disabilities
- HSDS 307 Blind, Deaf Blind, and Deaf Culture, History, and Resources
- HSDS 308 Aging and Disabilities
- HSDS 400 Current Issues and Special Topics in Disability Studies
