Spotlight: Post University: Master of Science in Human Services
Post University MHS
- Curricula includes work experience or internships
- Study online or at the Waterbury campus
- Choice of two specializations: clinical counseling or program administration
“I highly recommend Post University Online for anyone with a busy schedule looking for an alternative to the classroom setting.”- John Julian, Online Student
The field of human services is a broad one, and always in need of trained professionals who use their talents to help others. Social workers and other human services professionals help disadvantaged individuals and communities solve everything from mundane personal problems to major health and family crises. With a degree in human services, you could become a social worker, a community educator, a residential care supervisor, a substance abuse counselor, a government employee at the local, state or federal level--the list goes on and on.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts very strong employment growth in this field. About half of all social work jobs focus on health care; another third involve government work. Many entry-level and office management human services jobs require only bachelor's degrees, but to work directly with clients or to help shape policy, you'll need a master's degree. Competition for jobs is high in urban areas, but rural areas are often in desperate need of additional staff.
Careers in human services are challenging but rewarding. You may help families in need of food, shelter and other basic care. You might work with teens or adults who need additional education to get their careers and lives on track. You might manage a regular caseload of welfare dependents and other underserved people who rely on you for support and assistance. Disabled veterans, single mothers, struggling families, abused children: if you want to make a real difference in someone's life, maybe even in hundreds of lives, then a career in human services is for you.
The Master of Science in Human Services at Post University
Post University's MS in Human Services is intended to prepare you for a wide variety of social and human services jobs. It is available online or at the Waterbury, CT campus. Designed for students who already have bachelor's degrees, the rigorous curriculum provides the theoretical, analytical, and practical knowledge that graduates need to obtain the human services careers of their choice. The program emphasizes fundamental skills in the field, and additionally offers two specializations:
- Human service program administration
- Clinical counseling in organizational settings
Regardless of specialization, all MHS graduates are expected to build an in-depth understanding of human behavior, ranging from individual and group interactions to the behavior of organizations, communities, and societies as a whole. The MHS coursework emphasizes the intricacy and interconnectedness of human problems, social and cultural pressures, national policies, and the demands of organized employment.
Core coursework in the program includes:
- Sociology
- Ethics & diversity
- Human development
- Policy
- Applied research
Students in the clinical track will study theories of counseling, family systems, group therapy, and psychopathology. In the management track, students will learn about information technology, HR and financial management of human services organizations, as well as organizational development.
MHS students and alumni are committed to the core values of the human services industry. Students learn about its history and ethical standards; they develop awareness of their own personal principles and learn to develop a sympathetic understanding of their clients' values, everyday lives, and goals. Graduates are familiar with the primary methods of intervention, rehabilitation, and industry-competent problem analysis, and they have the skills to prepare, implement, and assess these strategies.
What particularly differentiates the MHS program from bachelor-level human services degrees is its focus on the organizational and managerial skills vital to the successful operation of human service programs. Graduate students will master the basics of grant writing, personnel management, budgeting, and relevant technology.
Why Choose Post University?
Since 1892, Post University has been empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals, and to take on leadership roles in their chosen fields. At Post, you'll enjoy a dynamic, rigorous educational experience, learning about specific subjects and careers--and about yourself.
Post's degree programs are designed to promote your intellectual growth while preparing you for the career of your choice upon graduation. All curricula incorporate cooperative work experiences or internships, as well as a core set of courses that emphasize leadership skills. Each program's comprehensive general education requirements ensure that you develop the "soft skills" that employers seek: writing, interpersonal and group communication, and critical thinking.
Both online and campus classes are taught by top-tier, full-time instructors committed to fostering a vibrant academic environment. Post University is proud of its low student-teacher ratio, and its broad base of student support services. The school supports a holistic approach to education that encourages social as well as intellectual development.
Post encourages online students to remain in frequent communication with faculty and fellow students from all over the world. Students in the online MHS program enjoy meaningful, career-focused study with like-minded classmates, and receive individual attention and support from caring instructors. The convenience and flexibility of online programs enables working professionals from around the world to earn the advanced degrees they need to move forward in their chosen careers.
After completing one of Post University's online certificate programs, John Manks was impressed by the school's approach to online instruction. He described his online learning experience as challenging, rewarding, and valuable. "I know some people who work full time think it's not possible to do this. In this kind of format, you can log in and go to class anytime you want. You can make time for it," Manks advises. He is now enrolled in Post's MBA program.
All of Post's degree and certificate programs are specifically designed to meet professional needs in the fields of business, IT, health care, education, sports and more. Post University's primary goal is to help students develop the knowledge, skills and expertise required to become leaders in tomorrow's workforce. Graduates enter the workforce as confident, capable, and competitive participants in the global job market.
Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
