Program Overview
Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services
Overview
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively with individual clients and families in various settings, such as schools, nonprofit agencies, and community-based programs.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand policy development in order to effectively advocate for clients and communities
- Apply culturally responsive practices across diverse populations to strengthen professional practice and enhance human services outcomes
- Learn legal and ethical standards of the human services profession
- Develop a deep knowledge of human service principles and practices, along with the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to create and implement appropriate assessment and intervention strategies
- Learn how to collaborate effectively with government agencies, schools, families, and communities to effect social change
- Apply current and tested human services practices, with the full consideration of individual differences and environmental context and with an understanding of the history of the human services profession
- Effectively and accurately apply a range of practical research skills necessary for the continuous improvement of services, program evaluation and accountability, and the competent meeting of individual, family, and community needs
- Demonstrate the leadership and supervision skills needed to successfully manage human services organizations
Program Eligibility
To qualify for admission to Highline's BAS Human Services Program, eligible applicants must have:
- Completed a regionally accredited AAS degree or higher (or its equivalent), in one of the following: Chemical Dependency, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Paraeducator, Paralegal, or Community Health and Wellness.
- Other associate degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Official transcripts from an accredited college or university.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.
Application Process
To be considered for the bachelor of applied science program, prospective students must submit the following:
- Completed Highline bachelor application form.
- Students who have completed related AAS degree.
- Other associate degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Official transcripts from a regionally accredited college.
Requirements
Please contact Faculty Advisor or Program Manager for the most updated information. Students must have a total of 50 credits of general education courses and 60 credits of 300/400 level courses to be awarded the BAS degree.
Required Prerequisite Coursework
The following courses need to be completed if not part of your associate's degree. They are prerequisites for some of the courses in this program.
- HSER 101 - Introduction to Human Services
- HSER 103 - Case Management
- HSER 110 - Interviewing & Counseling
General Education Requirements
Communication Requirement (5 credits)
- ENGL& 101 - English Composition I
Quantitative Skill Requirement (5 credits)
- Any MATH course numbered 100 or above
Humanities Requirement (10 credits)
- CMST 320 - Presentation Skills
- Any College-level humanities distribution Credits / Units: 5
Social Science Requirement (25 credits)
- PSYC& 100 - General Psychology
- PSYC& 200 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- PSYCH 320 - Social Psychology
- SOC 340 - Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- POLS 360 - Politics of Youth Development
Natural Science Requirement (5 credits)
- Any college-level Natural Science with lab distribution.
Total General Education Credits: 50
Program Core Requirements
- HSER 301 - Learning Strategies in Higher Education
- HSER 302 - Research & Writing for the Human Services
- HSER 303 - Navigating the Human Services Profession
- HSER 310 - Introduction to Positive Youth Development
- HSER 401 - Theoretical Foundations of Youth Development
- HSER 423 - Program Design and Implementation
- HSER 430 - Leadership and Supervision
- HSER 435 - Collaboration and Community
- HSER 442 - Advanced Field Experience
- HSER 444 - Advanced Field Experience Seminar
- HSER 446 - Senior Capstone
- HSER 450 - Current Issues in Human Services
- HSER 460 - Cultural Competence for the Human Services Professional
Total Program Core Credits: 55
Electives (15 credits)
Select 15 credits from the following areas: Human Services, Early Childhood Education, SUDP, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Community Health & Wellness, and Paraeducator. The required HSER prerequisite courses can count as your electives if needed.
Associate Degree/Related Credits (up to 60 Credits)
Up to 60 Applicable credits from an associate of applied science degree issued by a regionally accredited institution. Transfer associate degree credits from a regionally accredited institution may be applied to general education requirements if applicable.
