Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver prepares students for careers in the human services profession: assisting individuals, couples, and families in meeting the challenges of living throughout the life cycle. The core curriculum offers introductory courses in human services, ethics, multicultural issues and at least 750 hours of field experience. The Department of Human Services offers concentrations focused on specific counseling and service disciplines, including mental health, addictions, domestic violence, high risk youth and nonprofit studies. A paramedic concentration toward a degree is available to currently Certified Paramedics through Denver Health. Human Services students are not required to complete a minor, although students majoring in other areas may minor in human services areas.

Academic Programs

This nationally recognized curriculum is approved by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. The Department is also recognized in Colorado by the Division of Behavioral Health (a combination of the Mental Health and Addiction treatment service divisions) of the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Domestic Violence Management Board, and provides course work that leads to all three levels of Colorado Certified Addiction Counselor [CAC] and Domestic Violence Counselor approval respectively. Other specialized programs provide certificates in High Risk Youth Studies and Nonprofit Studies. Multicultural issues in the delivery of human services are addressed throughout the curriculum. Field instruction and experiences at community agencies further classroom learning and provide networking and career development opportunities for students.

Employment Outlook and Further Study

Graduates with degrees in human services are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, nonprofit organizations, and social service agencies. The program has historically generated a high employment rate for our graduates in careers directly related to the major. Many Human Services graduates go on to complete graduate degrees and licensure in marriage and family counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, social work, addiction studies, public administration, or other areas, including business and law. If graduate study is part of your career plans, please talk with an advisor about options and necessary course work for entry into such programs.

Accreditation

The department is nationally accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. Graduates can apply to become a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner. This certification is recognized nationally and by the World Health Organization. Certain classes in the curriculum are required to qualify for licensure. Please see an advisor. The Department of Human Services offers five concentrations: Addiction Studies, High Risk Youth, Domestic Violence Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, and Nonprofit Studies. The department also accepts credits from the Denver Health Paramedic Program to support a Paramedic Concentration.

Centers

The Center for Addiction Studies

The Center for Addiction Studies offers four programs:

Concentration in Addiction Studies - fulfills Colorado Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) course requirements
Concentration in Domestic Violence Counseling - fulfills Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB) Approved Provider course requirements
Counselor training program for addiction counselors (meets initial CAC course requirements)
Counselor training program for domestic violence counselors (meets initial course requirements)

Individuals interested in these programs should contact the Center for Addiction Studies in the Department of Human Services for further information at 303-556-2951.

The Center for Effective Interventions

The Center for Effective Interventions (CEI) is dedicated to advancing evidence-based programs and practices in human services agencies throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. CEI assists communities in identifying programs for achieving excellent outcomes with children, youth, and families. Our goal is to provide technical assistance and to disseminate cost-effective programs in the western states.

The Center for High Risk Youth Studies

The Center for High Risk Youth Studies offers both a concentration for the human services degree and a certificate of completion program.

The Center for Nonprofit Studies

The Center for Nonprofit Studies offers a concentration for the human services degree, a minor in Nonprofit Studies, and a certificate of completion program.