Location
Online
Curriculum
120 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 36 months
Accreditation
Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC
Answer the Call to Serve with a Human Services Degree from CIU
Are you seeking a career in the helping professions? A Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree at Columbia International University will provide you with a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience and prepare you for a fulfilling career. Our faculty members are dedicated, working professionals in the human services industry with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They are passionate about helping you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen career paths.
At CIU you will engage with a flexible, online learning environment that balances academic rigor with practical experience. Our faculty members are experienced in providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a distance learning environment, and our curriculum is designed to mirror the traditional classroom learning experience.
In the Human Services program, you will develop a fundamental understanding of the human services field and establish a clear career path that aligns with your interests and goals. The knowledge and skills gained in the program also prepares you for further study at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels in the health and human services fields.
Our graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions as social service or human service assistants with career opportunities available in healthcare and social assistance industries, government organizations and non-profit organizations. The Human Services program at Columbia International University can provide you with a solid foundation for seeking a fulfilling career in the helping professions, and our alumni have gone on to achieve great success in a wide range of careers in this field.
Why Choose Columbia International University for a BS in Human Services
CIU offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services program that provides students with a strong academic foundation and practical experience in the human services field. Our faculty members are committed to helping students succeed in their academic and career pursuits, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. Our instructors are passionate about mentoring and advising students, and they provide guidance and support every step of the way.
At CIU, students will engage in a dynamic and collaborative learning environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. Our faculty members are experienced in delivering high-quality education online, providing a flexible and convenient learning experience for students. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in the human services field, and our graduates are well-equipped to pursue a range of rewarding careers.
With a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from Columbia International University, you can pursue a variety of career paths in healthcare, social assistance and government organizations. Our graduates have gone on to achieve success in a wide range of roles, including social service coordinator, case manager and community outreach specialist. Choosing CIU for your Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree means that you will have access to a supportive community of faculty and staff who are committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals.
Overall Benefits of the degree
With a Human Services degree from Columbia International University, you can pursue careers in the human and health services industries in government or the private sector. If you need to gain professional experience, CIU’s Human Services degree program prepares you to pursue internships while completing your degree.
Governments at the city, county, state and federal levels, as well as school systems, offer rewarding career opportunities for Human Services graduates. Some possibilities include court-appointed special advocates or program assistants at the county level, a program analyst for family services at the state level, or a policy analyst for the Department of Health and Human Services at the federal level. There are many career opportunities for graduates to demonstrate their passion for service as they help the vulnerable and the voiceless citizens in their communities through service delivery and advocacy.
In addition to a rewarding career, a degree from CIU prepares students for further study in human services and in health services administration at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels.
What Will I Study?
In addition to the core curriculum, here are degree specific-courses you can expect to take:
- BUS 3010 Working with Teams
This course studies the importance of teamwork in organizational or professional settings. You will study the components of effective teams, discuss common dysfunctions of teams, examine accountability within teams, and how to instill team values. The goal is to help you grow both as a team member and as a team leader. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 1010 Introduction to Human Services
This course explores the historical context and the current structure of the Human Services field. You will be exposed to case management and group facilitation as well as the primary intervention strategies used in human services. The arenas involving special populations served in the Human Services profession will be examined, such as addictions, mental health, developmentally disabled, and the homeless. Topics include values and ethical dilemmas, the social welfare system, diversity, program planning, organizing and changing systems, legal issues and the need to stay current as a human services professional.(3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 3010 Human Services Case Study
This course examines, from a Christian perspective, contemporary learning and research addressing connections of race and ethnic identities, gender disparity, and discrimination of those with disabilities. The course focuses on current conditions of these social groups and the relationships to public policy, marginalization and socially accepted institutions in the United States. Case studies, text readings, and literature reviews on the subject are incorporated to investigate multicultural paradigm dynamics of population demographic changes. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 3020 Case Management
This course is designed to provide you with best practices for case management common to various human services. Topics include interviewing skills, documentation, cultural aspects, self-care, and ethical issues. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 3110 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is a concentrated look at the application and practice of applied behavior analysis. This course provides practical knowledge and experience with a critique from the Christian worldview. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 4010 Mobilization of Volunteers
This course will investigate ways to mobilize and engage volunteers. You will learn the value of volunteers and their relationship within an organization. The topics examined will include: types of recruitment methods, background checks, communicating organizational mission statements, goals and values, training, retention, volunteer tasks and expectations, motivation, reward systems and performance improvement for both volunteers and staff. Throughout the course, you will develop a practice scenario of organizing volunteers and staff for a specific event. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 4020 Human Services Capstone
This course involves integrating concepts and theory from the degree program as applied to practical interventions. You will be familiar with the context of a chosen agency that includes protocols and norms, as well as the agency's role in the broader community. You will also demonstrate knowledge of alternative services and gaps in services that could potentially affect clients served by their chosen agency. You will gain first-hand knowledge from interviewing a human services worker in your area. Prerequisite: Theories and Foundations of Counseling (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 2020 Developmental Psychology
This course is designed to explore human development from conception through death, looking at human development using the bio-psycho-social model from a Christian worldview. You will explore how we as humans share developmental similarities, yet are unique due to various factors such as temperament, personality, etc. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 4010 Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal Psychology is designed to introduce students to models of thinking concerning mental health, mental disorders, and classification of mental disorders. You will be exposed to the range of thinking within the field of mental health and to help students understand the complexities of modern day classification of various mental disorders. You will be challenged to define what is considered normal and abnormal. You will become familiar with the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of abnormal psychology, including the various theories developed and used to explain causes and treatments for mental disorders. All information will be compared and contrasted with a Christian worldview of the various theories and concepts of Abnormal Psychology. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 4020 Theories and Foundations of Counseling
This course has three main purposes, which include analysis of several psychological theories regarding personality, simulated theory application, and personal application of theoretical concepts to your own life. In this way, you will begin to develop a solid foundation for your own counseling skills and increase your self-understanding. Integrated with the understanding of theories will be compatibility of scriptural teaching. Prerequisite: PSY 4010 (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 4030 Survival Psychology
This course focuses on the traits responsible for surviving in high-stress environments, including responding directly to high-threat encounters. Pro-survival behaviors are presented, balancing independence and leadership versus the need for teamwork collaboration in responding to stressful events. Organizational and professional psychological traits present in high stress organizations are explored, as well as healthy lifestyle factors that lead to career effectiveness and avoiding burnout, such as managing vicarious trauma and promoting self-care. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 4040 Social Psychology 3.00 credit hours
- RES 4010 Research Statistics
This course is designed to introduce you to descriptive and inferential statistics. With this knowledge, you should then be better equipped to complete research projects in your chosen field of study. You will analyze a number of well-known statistical tests and research strategies and then demonstrate your ability to use the tests. After exploring population parameters and the proper uses of designated statistical tests, you will discover how to use computer applications to free yourself from the notation requirements and mechanics of the statistical tests, so the research process can become less tedious and more conceptual in nature. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- SOC 2020 Principles of Sociology
This course is a study of contemporary Western society. The emphasis is on culture, socialization, group life, social processes and social change. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
- SOC 2030 Marriage and Family
This course is designed to lay foundational principles for an understanding of biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, biblical marriage, and the nurture of children. Along with this will be a review of the stages of life involved within marriage and family. (3) Limited to online program students.
3.00 credit hours
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Official high school transcript or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) Testing Program
- Applicants who have attempted 12 or more college credits post-high school must provide official college transcripts of all work completed or in progress. Recommended college grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (those with a GPA under 2.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis)
Accreditation and Accolades
Career Path Opportunities
- Social and community service manager
- Case manager
- Non-profit program director
- Social work administrator
- Human services coordinator
- Child welfare advocate
- Mental health counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Public policy analyst
- Community outreach specialist
- Grant writer
- Healthcare administrator
- Public health educator
- Family service worker
- Elder care specialist
- Disability services specialist
Top FAQs
- How long will it take to complete the degree program?
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The Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree program at Columbia International University is designed to be completed in four years, with students taking an average of 15 credit hours per semester. However, the program is flexible, and students may choose to complete the program at their own pace. Full-time and part-time options are available to accommodate students' schedules and preferences.
- How much does it cost to complete the entire program?
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The cost of the Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree program at CIU varies depending on several factors, including the number of credit hours taken each semester and whether the student is a resident or non-resident. Students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid advisor to discuss tuition and fees, as well as available scholarship and grant opportunities.
- Can I transfer credits from another program that I did not complete?
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CIU welcomes transfer students and accepts credits from other accredited institutions. The amount of transfer credit that can be applied to the Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree program will depend on the number of credits earned and the relevance of the coursework to the CIU program. To transfer credits, students must request that official transcripts be sent directly to CIU.
- Do I have to be a Christian to enroll in your program?
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No, students do not have to be Christians to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at CIU. However, students should be aware that the program has a strong emphasis on professional ethics and values that align with the university's mission.
- Does CIU help students with gaining employment opportunities?
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Yes, CIU’s Career Services department aids students with job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. The department also hosts job fairs and other networking events to help students connect with potential employers. Additionally, many of CIU’s alumni have found success in a wide range of careers in the human services field, and the university has a strong network of industry connections that students can leverage for career opportunities.