Human Services

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    Everyone wants a better life, and a Human Services degree helps graduates support individuals and communities to achieve that dream.

    Human services professionals are problem-solvers who coordinate programs and manage cases to improve people’s lives. They collaborate with organizations and communities to bring meaningful change, especially for those who are often left behind. Through our Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree completion program, students learn to understand and tackle their clients’ unique challenges. They become effective problem-solving advocates with the hands-on skills to make a real difference in social service jobs. With a solid understanding of their community’s needs and their own responsibilities, graduates are ready to seamlessly move into careers in community support, counseling, or other human services options.

    CURRICULUM

     

    What You’ll Learn

    The Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree completion program gives you the knowledge and skills you need for jobs in public, non-profit, and private sectors. The curriculum focuses on real-world problems, helping you understand and advocate for clients’ needs. You will learn how organizations, communities, and societies work while recognizing how your own values and communication styles can make a difference.

    Courses provide a solid foundation in the principles, theories, and skills needed to provide services as a human services practitioner and helping professional. Students explore case management and ethical standards, with a focus on cultural understanding. Through class projects and community work, you will make valuable connections as you gain hands-on experience in leadership and innovation in social services. Interactive online classes and supportive instructors will push you to grow in your career and prepare you to make a positive impact in human services.

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    Contact Info

    Dr. Erin Cook, LPCA, CDF

    Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Human Services

    [email protected]

    (704) 406-2644

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    Upcoming Start Dates

    GWU Online
    May 27

    Additional Info

    Cost of Attendance – GWU Online

    Financial Aid

    Transfer Students

    Program hours
    1
    Years (avg.)
    1
    Class Type

    Online

    Total Credit Hours

    120 hours required

    Transfer Credits
    Transfer in up to 60 semester hours
    Accreditation
    Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC and CHEA. The Human Services degree program also aligns with the CSHSE and NOHS.
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    AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

     

    Bachelor of Science in Human Services, Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program

    The Bachelor of Science in Human Services is a fully online program that will take 39 credit hours to complete. With six available concentrations, you can tailor your degree to meet your interests and needs:

    • Nonprofit Leadership 
    • Family Dynamics 
    • Pre-Counseling 
    • Substance Use and Abuse 
    • Social Services 
    • Generalist (where students can choose any three elective options)

    Required courses include:

    • HUS 201 General Psychology (3 hours)
    • Foundational courses (27 hours)—covering human development and behavior, ethics and professionalism, group and social dynamics, assessment and intervention and practical applications
    • Elective courses (9 hours)—choose courses that interest you in clinical practice and counseling, social policy and advocacy, nonprofits, leadership, spirituality, specialized issues and hands-on internship experiences

    Because students seeking a Human Services degree often work in public service, you may want to consider a double major in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, or Psychology. 

    Human Services degree students are eligible to take the Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HSBCP) examination, which offers a credential as a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP).

    For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

    Human Services Minor (15 Hours)

    Add a Human Services minor to your major degree with just one prerequisite course, two foundational courses and three additional courses of your choice.

    Required prerequisite and foundational courses for HUS Minor:

    • HUS 201 General Psychology (3 hours) (completing prerequisites for this course may extend the time required to complete your minor)
    • HUS 300 Ethical Issues in Human Services (3 hours)
    • HUS 304 The Human Service Profession (3 hours)

    For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

    Additional opportunities

    The online Human Services degree program at Gardner-Webb University focuses on helping people grow in a well-rounded way, demonstrating empathy, respecting others, advocating for those who need help and caring for the community and society as a whole. The coursework includes classes and experiences so you will have the knowledge and skill to perform entry-level, full-time work in public, not-for-profit and private settings.

    Case Studies

    Through case studies, students holistically examine a situation they may face as a professional. They identify community resources relevant to the case situation. By the end of their program, students will have built a comprehensive resource guide specific to their community.

    Internships

    While not required, internships are excellent opportunities for practical experience with human service leaders. They also allow students to build their professional networks and connect with professionals for potential opportunities. Our students have interned in psychiatric facilities, hospitals, homeless shelters, and shelters for victims of abuse, as well as with organizations such as the United Way, the Department of Social Services, and the Guardian ad Litem. You can substitute an internship for any elective course.

    Career Preparation

    A signature feature of our online Human Services degree program is its focus on students’ professional development. By recognizing their own strengths, our graduates are better equipped to make meaningful contributions to their work as helping professionals. Our personalized mentorship, career guidance, and other resources support students both during their education and in their future human services careers.

    I have learned so much about myself while learning how to best serve others. I can honestly say my classes forced a deep dive into who I am and how I can be better.

    Ashley Triplett, ’24

    I have gained more confidence in entering the field. The assignments completed in the program got me very comfortable with approaching working with a client and understanding how best to do so. It has made me feel more confident of my abilities in helping people in real life.

    Erica Collins, ’24

    My time in the GWUOnline program helped me prepare for graduate school. I was nervous about the online aspect of the program, but my concerns were quickly alleviated by the caring and knowledgeable professors. Professors were always quick to answer any questions or concerns. I was grateful for the sense of community and the relationships that I was able to build during my time in the program.

    Christian Napier, ’23

    What's the Difference Between Human Services and Social Work?

    Human services and social work share similar foundations as helping professions concerned with assisting others.

    Human Services Focus

    Human services is a broad, interdisciplinary field that aims to improve individuals’ quality of life. It may focus on preventing or addressing concerns, or collaborating with organizations or in a community to impact meaningful change. These professionals may represent underserved populations or manage cases. Human services workers often do community-based programming or coordinate services as well.

    Social Work Focus

    Social work is intended to provide growth or empowerment to change. Social problems are a larger focus.

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    Why Choose Human Services At Gardner-Webb?

    The Human Services degree program is consistently one of the largest in our online degree offerings.

    1 -week

    classes that work with your schedule.

    75 %

    online classes with supportive instructors.

    1

    unique concentration options!

    Related Clubs & Organizations

    • Honorary

    Alpha Sigma Lambda

    outcomes

    What You’ll Do After Graduation

    Join our Human Services degree program for a life-changing experience designed to boost your career at every step. You will clearly understand, articulate, and share your skills, helping you — and your current and potential employers — fully recognize your value. Get ready to enter the workforce with confidence and make a real difference. Our Human Services graduates work in fields that include:

    • Non-profit Work
    • Geriatric Care
    • Group Rehabilitation
    • Social Services
    • Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

    Many graduates choose to further their education in graduate school. Gardner-Webb offers a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in School Counseling.

    The assignments in the program, specifically case studies, have improved my way of documenting my case notes for the clients that I work with. And learning how to do outreach and seek local resources in the community has helped in my career and gaining partnerships that would help my client complete their objectives so they could reach their goals.

    Misty McGill, ’24

    My time in the GWUOnline program helped me prepare for graduate school. I was nervous about the online aspect of the program, but my concerns were quickly alleviated by the caring and knowledgeable professors. Professors were always quick to answer any questions or concerns. I was grateful for the sense of community and the relationships that I was able to build during my time in the program.

    Christian Napier, ’23

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    Department of Public Service

    Explore Gardner-Webb University’s Public Service programs, preparing students for impactful careers in government, law, and community leadership.

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    Meet Our Faculty

    Public Service

    Ryan Roberts

    Assistant Professor of Public Service
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2011

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    Homeland Security Administration

    Chief Tim Ledford

    Instructor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security
    [email protected]

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    Administrative Assistant, Communication, Art and Design, Public Service

    Deborah Watts

    Administrative Assistant, Communications, Art, and Design and Public Service Department
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2019

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    Public Service

    Dr. Erin Cook, LPCA, CDF

    Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Human Services
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2644

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    Public Service

    Dr. Bobbie Cox

    Professor and Chair, Department of Public Service
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4627

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    Public Service

    Homer Craig

    Criminal Justice Internship Coordinator
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2049

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    Public Service

    Dr. Stephen P. Gambill, J.D.

    Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2639

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