The field of Human Services is one of the rapidly growing professions in USA as well as international levels. Professional degree holders are capable to work in diverse settings like state agencies to substance abuse programs of counseling and educating people. Professionals play important roles such as counselors, manger or program developer. Community colleges are the primary institutes that prepare students to find jobs in broad range of social and government agencies or for further studies in social work, psychology, education and other related fields on graduate levels. Governmental and non-profit organizations need highly qualified staff to execute needs of different clients.
Besides jobs placement, Human Services is also a rapidly progressing educational program, comprises of knowledge and course work based on multiple aspects like social work, education, psychology, political Sciences, Sociology, Gerontology and Anthropology. Moreover, students with majors like psychology, Education, Sociology and Law are equally eligible to join Human Services Degree Programs to pursue Human Services Degrees.
Major Stream for Human Services Degree Holders
Human Services allows Human Services Degree Holders to follow any of these three streams/pathways. It is important to note that these pathways are just appropriate suggestions rather than rigid choices that may limit career growth. They help students to enhance their understanding to follow more focused career pathway to get ultimate success in the field.
• Global System
• Interpersonal and Family Systems
• Organizational Systems
Global System
Students who feel comfortable to work in human services agencies on national and international levels should follow this pathway. Relevant course suggestions are Sociology and Cultural Studies. With these courses students will be obtaining required knowledge and skills necessary to work as professional in Global Systems.
Interpersonal and Family Systems
Interpersonal and family system is suitable for students who are willing to offer their services in non-legislative community agencies. Primary courses that prepare students to join this stream are Gender Studies, Sociology and Cultural Studies.
Organizational Systems
Individual with management and good communication skills are good for this stream of Organizational Systems. Students should include management courses in their curriculum. These areas of study enable students to develop understanding implement change systems while considering critical debates with in the policy.
Conclusion: I have discussed some suggested pathways that Human Services Degree Holders may keep in mind while they are pursuing their degrees in Human Services. All students of campus based or Online Degree Programs in Human Services are equally eligible to join any of the above mentioned career pathways. The only requirement is to have relevant courses in Human Services Degree programs.
