Get the Skills to Become a Human and Social Services Professional
51-Month* Online Human and Social Services (BS) Degree Program
As a Human and Social Services professional, you will advocate for individuals or communities to ensure they have access to necessary resources and services. Professionals in this field help others overcome challenges and improve their well-being.
If you’re a caring, compassionate person looking to get started in a respected professional career where you can help others, Human and Social Services training could be a good fit.
The best way to see if the College of Westchester is the right fit for you is to attend an online or in-person information session. You’ll get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the CW community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Becoming a Compassionate Human and Social Services Professional
The Bachelor of Science program in Human and Social Services (Online) is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to assess the social and developmental needs of individuals and families—particularly of those who are considered at-risk or otherwise vulnerable—and either to participate directly in delivering the services required to address their needs, or to arrange and coordinate the delivery of quality services by others.
The program offers three concentrations of study through the selection of three elective course tracks in Family Services, Gerontology Services, and Human Services Administration.
Program Learning Objectives
- Analyze and apply theories, knowledge and skills to the scope of conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning to the range of populations served by human services professions.
- Analyze and apply information in the service of clients or client groups through development, design, implementation and evaluation of plans of action.
- Demonstrate administrative skills necessary for service delivery such as strategic planning, leadership, supervision, budgeting and monitoring, grant and contract negotiation and compliance with regulatory statutes.
- Employ logical approaches to real world problems in the human services fields that rely on the development of data-based research, program design, and evaluation methods to draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Demonstrate the ability to self-assess, self-correct, and self-direct toward identifying needs and sources of learning and how to seek further knowledge and understanding.
Is a Career in Human and Social Services Right for You? Take the CW “Human and Social Services College and Career Readiness Quiz”
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Online College & Career Readiness Score Now >>
Human & Social Services Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN161 | Psychology » | 3 |
| This course takes a realistic approach based on the principles of general psychology and is designed to assist the student in coping with life situations. Included are theories of personality, emotions, character, motivation, environmental influences, and the development of students.
Number: GEN161 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| HMS110 | Introduction to Human Services » | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to examine the broad range of service and functions of the human service professional in his or her workplace. You will become knowledgeable about the many roles and functions of the human service professional, gain an understanding of the types of agencies where human service professionals are employed, and be exposed to an overview of the human service profession. The course will help you understand important issues related to the development of effective human service and assist you in seeing the importance of ethical, professional, legal, and multicultural issues in the human services profession. This course is the first course in your educational career to become a professional in the human services field.
Number: HMS110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS120 | Introduction to Counseling » | 3 |
| This course provides a general overview of counseling theories, an introduction to counseling techniques, the conditions, which facilitate an effective counseling relationship, and stages in the counseling process. Students will be introduced to the foundational counseling theories that will be necessary for the student’s success in more advanced counseling courses. This experiential course will emphasize practice as well as didactic information. Students will be introduced to the “common factors” that have been found through empirical research to have a significant impact on client satisfaction and therapeutic outcome, as such Aponte and Kissil’s “the person of the therapist” and style, the therapeutic relationship, and techniques that cut across different models. It is hoped that students not only develop a working knowledge of the major counseling theories but also how these theories create an environment for change in clients. Introduction to process recordings.
Prerequisite: HMS110 Number: HMS120 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| GEN167 | Contemporary Social Issues » | 3 |
| Global issues such as world hunger, human rights, and nuclear war, as well as American issues concerning inequalities of wealth, civil rights, crime and the role of government are examined in this course. In addition to gaining an understanding of the social, political, and economic dimensions of these issues, students will also consider the underlying values and ethics.
Number: GEN167 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| HMS210 | Research Methods in Social Science » | 3 |
| This course is designed to introduce students to social science research and to develop student research and analytical skills. Students are introduced to the theory and logic of research, the ethics that guide the research process, and to the range of research methods generally employed in the social sciences. Attention will be paid to research design, data collection, elementary data analysis, and report writing. The course includes discussion of specific methodological approaches. Students completing this course will have a better understanding of how to conduct their own research in the fields of Human Services as well as a better understanding of how to evaluate the research of others.
Prerequisite: HMS110 Number: HMS120 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS220 | Case Management » | 3 |
| This course examines the history and evolution of case management as a human service delivery strategy. Case management models will be examined within the context of socio-cultural determinants that have shaped the evolution of case management from early inception to today, including economic downturns and continuing financial struggles for individuals, families, communities, and states, federal legislation, emerging client groups, technology, shifting demographics, funding challenges, new service delivery models. Students will learn about the phases of the assessment process, along with strategies to develop strength-based assessments and service plans. The ethical dimensions and challenges faced by case managers will be explored as students engage in activities that emphasize quality service delivery, cultural competence and strategies to promote professional growth, clinical supervision, wellness, self-care, and continuing education. Of particular emphasis is the concept of advocacy and ways case managers may become involved in individual, community, and policy advocacy including the concepts of micro, mezzo and macro resources and their impact on individuals and families. A new model of case management, called adaptive social service leadership, will be presented as a way to help case managers respond to the dynamic nature of social services in today’s world.
Prerequisites: HMS110 and HMS120 Number: HMS220 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS280 | Human and Social Services Capstone I » | 3 |
| (ONLINE PROGRAM ONLY) The capstone course draws upon knowledge acquired throughout the program, synthesized through a final project that reflects students’ individual interests, skills and professional goals. The purpose of this class is to reflect upon learning experiences, demonstrate ability to organize thoughts, ideas and materials, offer support to fellow students, and demonstrate their preparation and readiness for work. The course applies the social science theory theories and best practices of evidence analysis to current events and reviews the theoretical foundations of the economics, political science and sociology disciplines. Prerequisites: The Capstone course must be taken in the tenth or eleventh term of a student’s online degree program. Number: HMS280 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS310 | Human Services and Disabilities » | 3 |
| This course is designed to expand the knowledge base of future human services professionals as well as all members of society to better understand and support the diverse needs and interests of individuals with disabilities. The course will introduce class members to the concept of disability and the field of special education. We will examine the history, etiology, and characteristics of specific categories of disability labels as well as educational and other federally mandated programs designed to support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in schools and communities. Topics germane to the study of disability, disability justice, and the field of special education will also be explored, including current controversies and trends.
Prerequisites: HMS110 and HMS220 Number: HMS310 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS320 | Diversity and Inclusion » | 3 |
| This course focuses on issues of diversity, oppression and social justice as well as methods of inclusion. It is designed to prepare CW’s Human Services program students to be knowledgeable of people’s biases based on 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, as well as the potential for gender fluidity, which can add to marginalization, and the opportunities for understanding and inclusion.
Prerequisites: HMS110 Number: HMS320 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS410 | Introduction to Loss and Grief » | 3 |
| This course is designed to acquaint the student with a richer understanding of loss through the life span. The course of grief varies with individuals and change resulting from loss can be transformative or life threatening as each person strives to entertain new meanings and review long-held assumptions. In addition to examining the variations in an individual’s path through grief and loss, a more general grieving paradigm will be presented. Students will gain a more complex understanding of how age and developmental stage affect perceptions and coping style. Special types of losses will be reviewed. Students will have the opportunity to practice helpful responses to loss as they learn how to facilitate healthy adaptation to change. A specific focus on death and dying and related treatment concerns will also be addressed.
Prerequisites: HMS110 and HMS220 Number: HMS410 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS420 | Group Dynamics in Human Services » | 3 |
| This course is designed to familiarize the students with small groups function. The course will highlight some of the dynamics of group process, as well as how people communicate in groups. Issues related to selecting participants, deciding structure, methods of decision of making and ethical practice will be discussed. Group Dynamics explores the various stages of therapeutic groups, including group development. Emphasis is on basic group theory, process, and effective practice skills. Students are acquainted with task-oriented and treatment-oriented groups in a broad range of settings. This course may incorporate experiential learning where students learn about group processes via group exercises in class.
Prerequisites: HMS110, HMS120 and HMS220 Number: HMS420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS480* | Human & Social Services Capstone II » | 3 |
| (ONLINE PROGRAM ONLY) The purpose of this class is to reflect upon learning experiences, demonstrate ability to organize thoughts, ideas and materials for written proposals, receive and offer support to fellow students, accept and handle criticism and gain greater self-awareness of one’s preparation and readiness for work using a project management skill set. The course applies social science theory and best practices of evidence analysis to current events and reviews the theoretical foundations of the economics, political science and sociology disciplines. Students will evaluate the comparative utilities of these disciplines in analyzing social problems, and apply them to specific social policy dilemmas. Through a mixture of discussions and written analyses, students will review major theories, organize and relate theoretical principles to evidence about real-world problems and gain experience analyzing decision-making difficulties that attend important social policy subjects. Prerequisites: The Capstone course must be taken in the final two semesters of a student’s online degree program. Number: HMS480* Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HCA400 | Public Health Issues and Practices » | 3 |
| This course will provide a framework for developing and analyzing a range of health policy issues as well as a comprehensive introduction to public health concepts and practices. This course will also address important health issues and problems facing the public health system. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for learner participation in real world public health problem-solving simulations. The various components of these courses aim to stimulate interactions among learners and instructors around important problems and issues facing public health. This course will also provide an orientation to the ethical foundations of public health research and identify resources for encouraging the ethical practice of public health.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA400 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| GEN363 | Conflict, Communication and Resolution » | 3 |
| This course will examine how communication can be used to effectively resolve conflicts between people, organizations, and cultures. Conflicts resulting from differences in gender and ethnicity in the contexts of work and personal relationships will also be emphasized. The course will have an interdisciplinary emphasis through the use of cases from history, psychology, sociology, and current events.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN363 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| BUS122 | Integrated Business Applications » | 3 |
| In this course, students will examine the concepts and applications of Microsoft Word & PowerPoint. Students will use these technology tools to create business documents, marketing materials, and develop effective business presentations that will prepare them for today’s information based business environment.
Number: BUS122 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| ACC127 | Spreadsheet Applications » | 3 |
| This course introduces Excel spreadsheet concepts using software in the Windows environment. Topics to be covered include: creating the Excel worksheet, formulas, functions, enhancing spreadsheets with graphs and charts, analyzing spreadsheet data (what–if analysis) and working with large worksheets.
Number: ACC127 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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| BUS325 | Management Applications and Strategy » | 3 |
| This course will provide the framework for understanding concepts and theories related to management across a variety of business sectors including for-profit, not-for-profit, and government-operated organizations. Students will learn how institutions are organized and governed, the role of various employee classes, and the management systems designed for their efficient and effective operation.
Prerequisite: Junior level status or permission of Chair Number: BUS325 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| BUS330 | Foundations of Fundraising » | 3 |
| This course will examine the role that external fundraising plays in non-profit organizations and the means through which funds are raised from government, individuals, foundations and corporations. The importance of stewardship, program evaluation, and the role of the board and staff in developing effective fundraising strategies will be addressed. Legal development and structure of fundraising organizations will also be introduced. Students will come to understand the role that fundraising plays in supporting the budgetary needs of non-profit and social service agencies, sources through which such funding can be secured, and the methods of successfully courting, writing, and stewarding external fundraising. The focus will be on developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and fundraising strategies using ethically based approaches.
Prerequisite: Junior-level standing or permission of chair Number: BUS330 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| Total Major-Related Credits | 57 | |
| *Online Division students taking their Human & Social Services Capstone II (HMS480) will take this over two terms. This course is
broken into two courses as listed below: HMS480A Human and Social Services Capstone II A HMS480B Human and Social Services Capstone II B |
3 | |
| Course No. | Course Title | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEN105 | Transformative Learning » | 3 |
| This course will introduce students to the value of change, personal growth, and transformation. Students will engage in activities designed to stimulate reflective thinking, create a positive personal outlook, and foster “behaviors of success.”
Number: GEN105 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN115 | Digital Technologies in the Workplace » | 3 |
| The objective of this course is to familiarize students with digital technologies as they are being used in the workplace
today, and explore how emerging technologies are likely to continue to evolve. Students will be exposed to digital technology fundamentals to better position them to readily adopt common workplace technologies. Students will also learn about security concerns, ethical considerations, digital communications etiquette, and other important concepts related to the use of digital technologies.
Number: GEN115 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN125 | English Composition I » | 3 |
| In this course, students develop their reading comprehension and written communication skills. Different styles of writing are examined as students develop writing proficiency through practice in planning, outlining, drafting, revising and editing. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division,
the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: Proficiency Examination and/or ACE108. Number: GEN125 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN127 | English Composition II » | 3 |
| This course builds on skills developed in English Composition I by presenting additional writing styles and helping students further refine their writing skills. Research skills and MLA documentation are also introduced. In addition to regular class meeting times, Day Division students are required to participate in a ten-week Writing Lab component which counts as ten percent of the grade for English Composition. For the Day Division, the Writing Lab is graded as Pass or Fail.
Note: Writing Lab is not required in the Evening division or for fully online programs. Prerequisite: GEN125 or permission to waive Number: GEN127 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN129 | Essentials of Public Speaking » | 3 |
| Communication skills require good speech habits. Therefore, this course covers organization of thoughts, voice control, diction and presentation of ideas to a variety of audiences. The art of listening is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on a series of oral presentations in order to acquire and reinforce these skills.
Number: GEN129 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN147 | College Mathematics » | 3 |
| This course will provide complimentary sessions to Foundations of Math in fundamental mathematics. Ratios, percentages, proportions, descriptive statistics, word problems, basic geometry, and an introduction to algebra will be covered. The course provides a sound understanding in basic math concepts necessary for future math courses.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106. Number: GEN147 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN157 | Statistics » | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to basic statistical theory and application. Topics to be discussed in detail include: sampling procedures; finding mean, median and mode; finding the variance and standard deviation; graphing histograms and bell curves. This course also illustrates how statistics are used in the business world as well as in the media and the benefits and drawbacks of statistical information.
Prerequisite: Proficiency exam and/or ACE106 or permission to waive. Number: GEN157 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN171 | Political Institutions » | 3 |
| This course is a study of the institutions of American and global political governments. It is an in-depth examination of national and international governments and politics. The course emphasizes the comparative study of political institutions, ideologies, political
cultures, participation, and party systems in the United States and selected nations of the world. Patterns of political change and global interactions with reference to current issues will be studied.
Number: GEN171 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN250 | Ethics and Professionalism » | 3 |
| This course will introduce the student to the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in today’s complex society and business. The definition and application of moral philosophies are used to explore ethical decision-making using a case study approach. Economic, legal, and social dimensions are explored along with interpersonal relationships and the development of morality within individual thinking.
Number: GEN250 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN330 | Personal & Professional Development » | 3 |
| This course focuses on the adult years as a complex and extraordinarily variable process, rather than as an orderly sequence of predictable stages. Through experiential, interactive processes, this course will explore various theories and philosophies of adult physical, cognitive, and personality development. Attention will also be given to the larger social contexts and the adult’s experience as worker and learner.
Prerequisite: GEN305 Number: GEN330 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| GEN421 | Business Communication and Research Methods » | 3 |
| This course will emphasize the necessary written, oral, and visual communication needed for today’s global business environment. The course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the importance of professionalism in the workplace, especially in the competitive business environment. Both interpersonal skills as well as research skills will be developed throughout the course. Throughout the semester, students will learn how utilizing creative skills and being flexible will be valuable in many career scenarios.
Prerequisite: Junior Level Status, or Permission of Chair. Number: GEN421 Credits: 3.00 Type: General Education |
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| MSC110* | Human Biology » | 3 |
| This course introduces students to the basic concepts of human biology and chemistry in preparation for further study in the Allied
Health Sciences. Biological concepts of cell theory, cell cycle, and cell reproduction will be explored and the major systems of the human body will be introduced. Chemistry concepts of atoms, molecules, and elements will be introduced along with biological molecules. Appropriate medical terminology will be introduced and utilized to accurately communicate in the biological and medical sciences. Emphasis is placed on body system components and function as it relates to human diseases.
Number: MSC110 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| Total General Education Credits | 36 | |
| Electives | ||
| Concentration Electives (2) | 6 | |
| General Education Electives (5) | 15 | |
| Open Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 27 | |
| Course No. | Family Services Concentration | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMS330 | Child and Adolescent Development » | 3 |
| This course is an introduction to the theoretical concepts and methodological approaches in child and adolescent development. Developmental processes through maturation and learning will be examined. Different theoretical perspectives (biological, cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional, and evolutionary) will be explored and relevant research discussed. This course explores the principles and theories of normal child growth and development from birth through adolescence. The course will focus on the physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains of development and their application. Topics include well-known theories of development, developmental milestones, the internal and external influences of culture, family and the community on child and youth development, and the developmental assets children and youth need to succeed.
Prerequisites: HMS110 and HMS210 Number: HMS330 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| HMS430 | Marriage and the Family » | 3 |
| Through this course students will learn to apply the various sociological theories and research methods appropriate to the study of
intimate relationships, marriages, and families, and examine the impact and influence the social institution of marriage maintains on the formation and alteration of human relationships in the past, present, and future and how those impacts are related to people’s lives. The course will explore and examine social, economic, and policy trends related to the changing nature of marriages and families within the U.S. and globally and students will learn to critically analyze topics related to intimate relationships, marriage, and family life and how those topics are related to family life choices, attitudes regarding relationships, marriage and family, maintaining healthy/effective relationships, the relationship between family/relationship well-being and various dimensions of health, etc.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of chair Number: HMS430 Credits: 3.00 Type: Human Services |
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| Course No. | Gerontology Concentration | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCA420 | Long Term Care Administration » | 3 |
| This course describes long-term delivery programs designed to meet the special needs of seniors. It will review care and service systems from the perspective of an aging population including the physiological and psychological changes common among seniors. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the dynamic field of long term care. This course helps students examine the issues, challenges, and dilemmas confronting long term care management and others in the field of long term health services.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA420 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| HCA340 | Managed Care » | 3 |
| This course presents an overview of major issues related to the design function management regulation and evaluation of health insurance and managed care plans. Provides a firm foundation in basic concepts pertaining to private and public sector health insurance/benefit plans both as provided by Medicaid and Medicare. Key topics include provider payment, accountability, cost containment and public policy. Students will also analyze and compare insurance plans for profit and not for profit organizations.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing or permission of the Chair Number: HCA340 Credits: 3.00 Type: Health Professions |
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| Course No. | Human Services Administration Concentration | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUS123 | Human Resources Management » | 3 |
| Provides the foundation for the contemporary theory and practices relating to the management of people through a behavioral approach. Major attention is devoted to the process of personnel procurement, development and maintenance of human resources. This includes sound practices in selection, training, motivation and compensation of employees.
Number: BUS123 Credits: 3.00 Type: Business Administration |
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| BUS203 | Principles of Management » | 3 |
| A thorough study of the most modern management methods. Analyzes the areas of organizing, planning, staffing, directing and controlling the organization. Examines the relationship of managers and supervisors in getting the job done.
Number: BUS203 Credits: 3.00 Type: Accounting |
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120 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
Career Opportunities
This program is designed to prepare students for career positions in human service agencies and organizations. This may include positions such as:
- Case Manager
- Social Services Supervisor
- Senior Center Administrator
- Job Counselor
- Child Welfare Worker
- Group Residence Supervisor
- Information and Referral Specialist
- Outreach Worker
- Public Health Worker
- Mental Health Associate
Online Training Suited to Your Schedule
The BS – Human and Social Services program is offered entirely online. You get the technical skills and practical industry knowledge it takes to pursue a rewarding human and social services career, with the convenience and flexibility of online training.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Human and Social Services Professional Right For You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Human and Social Services and exploring whether The College of Westchester is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 1-833-768-2842.
*Program length when completed in normal time.