Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Human Services Major, B.S.


The student must meet the University’s graduation requirements for a baccalaureate degree; complete HSP 1010 Introduction to Human Services within the first 12 hours of department courses; and complete the General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy before registering for a practicum. See an advisor to verify completion of requirements. A letter grade of “C” or better is required in each Human Services course. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

Core Classes for Major:


Addiction Studies Concentration:


This concentration will provide students with broad knowledge and skills that are in all behavioral health services. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for certification in Colorado as an addiction counselor (CAC I). The counseling skills, training and knowledge that students receive are on the cutting edge of evidence-based outcome studies and best practices. Graduates attain skills and attitudes necessary to function as professional addiction counselors and that may lead to national certification.

High Risk Youth Studies Concentration:


This concentration prepares the human services professional to work in a variety of settings that serve high risk youth. Some possible program locations include outpatient counseling, institutional settings, juvenile corrections, schools, mentoring sites, and child protection. Students are also encouraged to have an understanding of substance abuse, domestic violence, and trauma as part of their degree program, due to the strong overlap between high risk youth behaviors and these issues.

Choose one of the following:


Totals:


Total hours for the major with High Risk Youth Studies concentration 66-68
General Studies 33
Electives 19-21
Total for the Degree 120

Mental Health Counseling Concentration:


The Mental Health Counseling concentration teaches students about counseling theory and develops client interaction skills to assist clients to cope with life’s personal and emotional challenges. This concentration prepares students for entry-level employment in community mental health, nonprofit counseling agencies, employee assistance programs, and general human service delivery systems under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals.

Students are encouraged to pursue graduate education in a variety of areas, including human services, counseling, psychology, social work direct services, addiction counseling, marriage and family, and pastoral counseling programs. Students should note that professional counseling licensure requires the completion of a graduate degree, passing a comprehensive examination, and completing a period of practice supervised by a licensed mental health professional.

Subtotal: 61


Required Electives


9 credits of electives may be chosen from any Human Services coursework.

Subtotal for Electives: 9


Totals:


Total hours for major 70
General Studies* 33
Electives 17
Total for the Degree 120

Nonprofit Studies Concentration:


This concentration provides both degree-seeking and career advancement professionals with the academic background and management skills necessary to become effective managers in a variety of nonprofit settings.

Paramedic Concentration:


The paramedic concentration is designed for students interested in combining their academic experience with paramedic training. MSU Denver does not offer the paramedic curriculum. Students selecting this concentration must obtain a valid and current paramedic certificate from the State of Colorado. We have a transfer agreement with the Denver Health Paramedic School. Coursework taken at Denver Health transfers into the department as follows: 8 credits for HSP 2080 and 16 credits for concentration electives. If you have a current paramedic certification from the State of Colorado and attended a program other than Denver Health Paramedic School, see the chair of Human Services if you are interested in pursuing the paramedic concentration in Human Services.

Totals:


Core 39
Additional Required Human Service Courses 16
Paramedic Certification 16
General Studies 33
Electives 16
Total for the Degree 120