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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Human Services Major, B.S.
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About the Program
Human Services refers to the art and science of helping people. At MSU Denver, students get just the right mix of hands-on experience and challenging study to become consummate and compassionate professionals. Within the Human Services major, you can choose between six study concentrations: Addiction Studies, High Risk Youth Studies, Mental Health Counseling, Nonprofit Studies, Trauma Studies and Paramedic (transfer in credit only). Most concentrations in our major are accredited through the National Council for Standards in Human Service Education. The Department of Human Services and Counseling at Metropolitan State University of Denver prepares students to become competent, self-reflective practitioners in the delivery of human services. At the core of the curriculum is an emphasis on experiential learning in the classroom and through intensive field experience and study abroad opportunities. In addition, the department offers an “Early Entry to the Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health, Emphasis in Addictions Counseling Pathway” for students who wish to begin their masters program while completing their undergraduate requirements. The department is committed to supporting students to develop high ethical standards and cultural sensitivity while becoming agents for positive change in people’s lives and in their communities.
Student Outcomes
- Students will evaluate the scope of conditions that impact all levels of human systems: individual, family, group, community, and society.
- Students will explore the mission and services of local organizations and their role and community impact
- Students will examine their own culture and values as well as those of communities other than their own and the implications for working with diverse communities.
- Students will acquire skills necessary to facilitate change at an individual, family, group, and/or programmatic level.
- Students will demonstrate professional behavior and ethical decision-making skills in the context of the human services/nonprofit sector.
- Students will develop clear professional writing and effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Students will apply knowledge and skills related to effective direct service delivery and appropriate interventions in their concentration area.
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General Degree Requirements
To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.
Program Requirements
- A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
- A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
- For students in the “Early Entry Master of Science Pathway” A grade of “B-” or better is required in any graduate Human Services and Counseling course to be applied towards their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
- A minor is not required for this program.
- Students participate in field experience as part of this major, contributing to professional experience, skill development, networking, and resume-building.
General Studies Requirements: 33 credits
Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.
- Written Communication (6 credits)
- Oral Communication (3 credits)
- Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
- Historical (3 credits)
- Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)
** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.
Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits
- Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
- Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.
Major Required Courses: 23 credits
Senior Experience: 8 credits
All students will complete the following course for their Senior Experience requirement.
Addiction Studies Concentration: 53 credits
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. These are the required courses to fulfill OBHs educational requirements for CAC I-III.
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| Addiction Studies Concentration |
53 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
0-9 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S., Addiction Studies Concentration |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
High Risk Youth Studies Concentration: 41-42 credits
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:
Choose one of the following:
Electives: 14-15
The following electives are recommended for a comprehensive education in working with high risk youth.
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirement |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| High Risk Youth Studies Concentration |
41-42 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Suggested and Unrestricted Electives |
14-15 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S., High Risk Youth Studies Concentration |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
Mental Health Counseling Concentration: 36 credits
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.
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| Mental Health Counseling Concentration |
36 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
17-26 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S., Mental Health Counseling Concentration |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
Nonprofit Studies Concentration: 24 credits
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.
Choose one of the following:
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirements |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| Nonprofit Studies Concentration |
24 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
29-38 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S., Nonprofit Studies Concentration |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
Pathway for Current Paramedics: 24 credits
The Pathway for Current Paramedics is designed for students interested in combining their previous paramedic training with additional academic course work. Students with a current and valid Colorado and/or national Paramedic Certification will receive 24 credits towards their degree requirements.
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| Additional Required Human Services Courses |
16 credits |
| Paramedic Certification |
24 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
13-22 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S., Paramedic Pathway |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
Trauma Studies Concentration: 41 credits
There is a strong documented connection between trauma and subsequent mental health and substance abuse issues. The concentration in Trauma Studies offers students the ability to gain practical knowledge and skills necessary for careers that serve a client population that likely has experienced trauma. Students will examine the myriad effects of trauma on physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning as well as the skills necessary to be effective with this population. Coursework focuses on both trauma and complex trauma, the impact trauma has on overall functioning, and treatment interventions and supportive activities for practitioners who work with this population. The concentration in Trauma Studies was designed not only to allow students choice in meeting their educational and career goals but also to prepare them well for graduate study, as students who want to be counselors are encouraged to continue their education at the graduate level upon graduation.
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Major Required Courses |
23 credits |
| Trauma Studies Concentration |
41 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
12-21 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S. Trauma Studies Concentration |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
Early Entry to Master in Clinical Behavioral Health, Emphasis in Addictions Counseling Pathway
This pathway allows students to begin their graduate work while completing their undergraduate requirements. Students may apply to the Early Entry Master of Health in Clinical Behavioral Health, Emphasis in Addictions Counseling program after completing 59-65 credit hours in their bachelor’s program including all General Studies requirements (33 credits) and specified courses in the department (32 credits). Any graduate level course counting towards either the undergrad or graduate degree must be completed with a ‘B-’ or higher. Students may complete their bachelor’s degree at 120 credits (through our department if all requirements have been met, or through the Individualized Degree Program, if applicable).
Pre-Application to Master’s Program: 32 credits
Students need to complete all of their general studies courses (33) plus 32 credits of department courses. HSP 1010 and 1020 can be used to fullful 3-6 credits of General Studies (Social and Behavioral Sciences).
Application and Bridge Semester: 13 credits
After completing 65 credits and the required course work, students may apply for the Early Entry master’s program. Students complete the regular master’s application. Students should take the following courses during the semester in which their application is being reviewed.
Undergraduate Status Taking Masters Courses: 19-31 credits
Students who are accepted into the program can start taking “dual use” master’s classes which will count towards both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Students will remain classified as undergraduate but pay graduate tuition rates for any master’s level course. Courses designated (dual purpose) will count towards undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. BHAM courses without this designation (dual purpose) will count only towards graduate degree requirements. Students need a B- or higher in all BHAM courses to count towards both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Students should consult the graduate catalog for further information regarding course information and program requirements at the graduate level.
- BHAM 5001 Advanced Ethical Practice Credits: 3
- BHAM 5002 Social and Cultural Foundations Credits: 3
- BHAM 5003 Development Across the Lifespan (dual purpose) Credits: 3
- BHAM 5004 Career Counseling Theory and Techniques (dual purpose) Credits: 3
- BHAM 5005 Theory and Techniques in Helping Relationships Credits: 3
- BHAM 5006 Group Counseling Theory and Techniques (dual purpose) Credits: 3
- BHAM 5008 Research and Evaluation (dual purpose) Credits: 3
- BHAM 5009 Addiction Counseling, Intervention and Prevention I Credits: 3
- BHAM 5010 Addiction Counseling, Intervention and Prevention II (dual purpose) Credits: 3
- BHAM 5014 Psychopharmacology, Neurobiology, and Infectious Diseases (dual purpose) Credits: 4
Senior Experience: 8 credits
Summary of Requirements
| General Studies Requirements |
33 credits |
| ESSJ Requirement |
0-3 credits |
| Preapplication Courses |
32 credits |
| Application and Bridge Courses |
13 credits |
| Dual Purpose Courses |
19 credits |
| Senior Experience |
8 credits |
| Unrestricted Electives |
12-21 credits |
| Total for the Human Services Major, B.S. Early Entry Pathway |
120 credits |
Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.
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