Human & Community Service, B.A.
Receive education and training to provide services, advocacy and care to diverse populations through a variety of human service organizations
The major provides graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences required to successfully serve clients through a variety of public outreach organizations.
You receive training to work one-on-one with individuals as well as small groups and families to help them tackle challenges in their lives, often by connecting them with the appropriate service organizations. You also receive training to work with community organizations to accomplish more structural or systemic goals that may relate to social, economic, political, cultural and/or environmental issues.
The curriculum combines classroom and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for entry level human services jobs and/or to pursue graduate degrees in the human services field. Students completing the program are prepared to pursue master's degrees in social work, counseling, human services and other related fields.
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Outside the Classroom
The Human and Community Service major includes a capstone experience. Through a required internship, you can select from a wide array of organizations and service providers to gain invaluable work experience, learning directly from professionals in the field.
You can choose the population groups that you would like to work with, e.g. children, youth and teens, adults and/or seniors, as well as the service areas you are passionate about such as mental health services, social services, children’s advocacy, women’s services, social welfare, public health and safety and other non-profits organizations.
Previous students in the program have completed internships with the Department of Social Services, Women's Resource Center, Council on Adolescents, Cooperative Christian Ministries, and many others.
Career Opportunities
The major prepares you for entry or near-entry level professional positions in the fields of human services, law enforcement, child care administration and similar occupations.
The program provides you with the skills and dispositions needed to serve clients in a variety of public and non-profit outreach organizations. Graduates will work alongside social workers, healthcare providers and other specialists supporting persons in need.
Major Requirements
The Human and Community Service major provides graduates with knowledge, skills, and experiences to prepare them for working in human service professions. Students are educated to work with individuals, small groups (such as families), individuals needing help in other groups (work organizations, for example), and with community organizations to accomplish more structural or systemic (social, economic, political, recreational, etc.) goals. The Human and Community Service major earns a B.A. degree. Internships require daytime availability.-
General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education Requirements
- Technical Requirements (3 Hours)
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Major Requirements (40 Hours)
- HCS 220 - Concepts in Human and Community Service
- HCS 250G - Multicultural Perspectives
- HCS 304 - Introduction to Social Work in Human Service Agencies
- HCS 318 - Community Studies
- HCS 320 - Applications of Human and Community Service
- HCS 457 - Internship in Human and Community Service
- PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 200 - Social Problems
- PSY 351 - Research Methods I Non-experimental Methods
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- SOC 320 - Research Methods in Sociology
Choose Three Courses from the Following- HCS 383 - Special Topics
- PSY 253 - Personality
- PSY 320 - Lifespan Development
- PSY 328 - Health Psychology
- PSY 332 - Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 434 - Counseling Theories
- SOC 201 - Social Psychology
- SOC 207 - Marriage and Family
- SOC 212 - Aging and Society
- SOC 233 - Criminology
- SOC 340 - Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
- SOC 345G - Global Inequality
- SOC 379 - Environment and Society
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (36 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
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