College of Leadership and Public Service

Human Services Department Home Page

Human Services (HMS)
Human services is an applied social and behavioral sciences program that promotes leadership and service to others.  This interdisciplinary program fosters an understanding of the causes and consequences of individual and social problems, and prepares students for careers in the helping professions.

Students pursuing a major in human services, should be aware that a criminal background check plus Central Registry check will likely be done before the students’ professional semester.  If students have been arrested and/or convicted for certain offenses, they will not be able to complete a professional semester.  Since the professional semester is required for the major, the student will not be able to graduate with a human services major.  The student may still get a minor in human services, but will need to choose another major.

Students must earn at least a C- in all human services major prerequisites.

Major
Prerequisites: CTH 210, PSY 237 and SOC 152.

Minor
Prerequisites: CTH 210, PSY 237 and SOC 152.

* Suggested Electives for Minor

Specialization: Chemical Dependency
The South Dakota Certification Board for Alcohol and Drug Professionals has accepted selected DWU courses as meeting standards for certification. Following are the courses which are CBADP approved:

Please consult with the department chair and/or the SDCBADP for the most current list of approved courses and the requirements each meets, as this list may expand. A full list of requirements and applications for certification are available from the Certification Board.

Course Descriptions
152 Introduction to Sociology 3 hours F,S
(Refer to SOC 152)

210 Interpersonal Communication 3 hours F
(Refer to CTH 210)

220 Concepts and Practices of Management 3 hours F,S
(Refer to BUS 220)

225 Introduction to Human Services 3 hours F
This course explores human service delivery systems, including public welfare, public mental health programs and private practices. Students will identify needs, problems, eligible consumers, and the process of service and delivery. The class examines rural service delivery systems and agency settings to familiarize students with the application process.
Prerequisites: SOC 152 and sophomore status.

237 Developmental Psychology 3 hours F,S
(Refer to PSY 237)

245 Drug Use and Abuse 3 hours F
This course is an introduction to the physical, psychological and social effects of drug use and abuse in American society. This course is designed to assist students in making value choices relative to their own use of legal and illegal drugs.

270 Human Services Practice 3 hours S
This course teaches an integrated approach to basic helping, interviewing and counseling skills in human service settings using a case management approach. Students will learn communication skills, listening skills, case management skills, and current ethical and professional issues.
Prerequisites: CTH 210 and sophomore status.

275 Field Experience/Internship 1-2 TBA

299 Selected Topics – Basic 1-3 hours TBA

300 Alcohol Use and Abuse 3 hours S
This course is a study of the psycho/social aspects of addiction. Study will include symptoms, causes and available treatment approaches. This course serves as an introduction to alcohol and related drug abuse. Students will explore historical, theoretical and current perspectives of alcoholism.

312 Methods of Social Research 3 hours F
(Refer to SOC 312)

317 Minority Groups 3 hours S
(Refer to SOC 317)

320 Victimology 3 hours S13
Victimology is the scientific study of crime victims, focusing on the physical, emotional and financial impact on victims, communities and the larger society.

330 Child Welfare 3 hours F12
This course explains the social services provided for children. The physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs of children are considered in the context of the institutions established by society on behalf of children.

337 Adolescent Psychology 3 hours F,S
(Refer to PSY 337)

340 Policies and Legalities of Public Welfare 3 hours TBA
This course is designed to familiarize students with the operation of the legislative process (federal, state and tribal) and the legal system (state and federal) as it relates to the role of the human service worker.

350 Adjustment to Aging 3 hours TBA
(Refer to SOC 350)

359 Community 3 hours TBA
(Refer to SOC 359)

370/770 Theory and Practice of Counseling 3 hours F
This course examines counseling theories, techniques, differences and similarities in counseling and interviewing. Students will discuss the ethical responsibilities of a counselor.
Prerequisite: PSY 237.
Corequisite: CTH 210.

400/700 Group Counseling 3 hours S13
Students will learn counseling theories and techniques related to operational practices in group counseling, including group structure, processes and dynamics.

430 Ethics in Human Service Practice 3 hours S12
This course examines professional and ethical issues that most affect the practice of human services, counseling, chemical dependency treatment and related helping professions.

443 Abnormal Psychology 3 hours S
(Refer to PSY 443)

450 Internship 1-4 hours TBA

451/751 Family Counseling 3 hours S12
Students will study the theories and techniques of working with families in human service settings. The class explores the dynamics of healthy and dysfunctional families.

460 Independent Study 1-3 hours F,S
Students may arrange research on an individual basis with the instructor. Students must have junior or senior status. The instructor and department chair must approve topics.

470 Professional Semester 1-16 hours F,S,SU
Placement of up to 40 hours per week during the professional semester will provide experience in a human service agency under professional administration and educational supervision designed to prepare the student for professional practice. This course is for human services majors only. This course is offered Credit/No Credit only.
Prerequisites: HMS 370 and consent of department chair.

499 Selected Topics – Advanced 1-3 hours TBA