Major Courses

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Students will be introduced to the field of human services and will examine the human services as a profession. Students will explore the history of the helping relationship, the human services movement, intervention strategies within different settings, managed care, and models of service delivery. Students will also be introduced to career opportunities in fields such as: aging, homelessness, corrections, substance abuse, child welfare, mental health, and disabled populations.

Students will be introduced to fundamental theories of human services. This course aims to facilitate a greater understanding of how theoretical frameworks can be applied to the human services field and profession. Students will be exposed to a broad range of psychology-based counseling theories related to personal, social, and organizational issues. Personality theory and conceptual approaches in psychotherapy are featured, as well as multicultural issues and social justice themes.

Students will be introduced to issues of diversity, oppression, human rights, and social justice. Students will examine people's perceptions of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology, disability, and how these contribute to discrimination and oppression. Students will learn about diverse cultures, family structure, roles, immigration, and assimilation experiences of marginalized groups. Students will also learn about the influence of dominant culture on these diverse and marginalized (population at risk) groups. This course will also focus on advancing human rights and students will learn how to resolve conflict that may emerge across diverse settings.

The student is introduced to professional ethics in the helping professions. Class focuses on the knowledge, skills, and values essential to ethical decision-making in responsible practice. Case studies through integrated learning will be utilized for discussion, self-exploration, and skill building for problem solving of ethical issues and dilemmas.

Students will be introduced to the ways in which individuals and group behavior develop in interaction with the social environment. Through the lens of theoretical frameworks, students will understand the dimensions and complexity of the human experience and how culture shapes individual values, beliefs, and worldviews. Human development will be examined throughout the lifespan, using the developmental scientific knowledge regarding opportunities and vulnerabilities present during the different stages of the life cycle and the biopsychosocial factors that can influence individual development.

This course will emphasize community organizational theory and practice in human services, and community needs and assessment. In addition, students will be asked to develop change strategies and planning techniques to address deficits. Focuses on case management as a method of human service delivery. Students will develop skills in managing multiple aspects of human service interventions in dual roles of coordinator and provider of direct services. Case presentations, skill development assignments, and community projects are required.

An introduction to and overview of the phenomena of child abuse, as it relates to the helping professional. This class will examine the definition and cause of child abuse from sociological, cultural and psychological perspectives. The legal and child welfare systems will be studied in addition to treatment and prevention aspects of the child abuse issue.

Introduction to the theory and practice of crisis intervention including triage assessment, skill-building, cultural implications, and practical applications. Approaches that assist individuals, groups, organizations and communities to manage crises will be explored and practiced. Understanding of the short-term nature of crisis intervention, and how counselors work with first responders and others will be explored.

Study of the dynamics, cultural implications and prevention of abnormal behavior including neuroses, psychoses, character disorders, psychosomatic reactions and other abnormal personality patterns. Textual and lecture attention will be given to the impact of the environment and oppressed populations in relation to abnormal behavior.

This course addresses the social institutions of marriage and family using a theoretical and research-based approach to examine the social, behavioral, and psychological aspects as they are practiced in American culture. The course discusses dating, mate selection, the experience of marriage, marital challenges, and diversity in family forms. The course defines and evaluates marriage and the family from sociological, psychological, and biblical perspectives.

A study of the nature and meaning of social problems and deviant behavior in American Society. The incidence and characteristics of selected social problems of major public interest will be explored.

This course applies sociological principles to medicine, health, illness, and healthcare. Topics include but are not limited to: medical and sociological models of illness, epidemiology, epidemics, an (abbreviated) history of medicine in the West, public health, the social stratification of illness, medicalization and de-medicalization of illness, disability, individuals' experience of illness, the medical profession, healthcare systems in developing countries, healthcare provision, access and delivery, complementary and alternative healthcare, and, the contemporary U.S. health movement.