Human Services

Faculty

Andrea P. Francis, director, human services concentration; assistant professor of psychological science.
B.A., Colorado State University; M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University.

Barbara J. Keyes, internship coordinator, human services concentration; professor of psychological science.
B.A., College of Wooster; M.A., Ph.D., Bowling Green State University.

Albion’s human services concentration, which is selected in addition to an academic major, is designed to allow students to explore their interest in various human service careers, as well as to prepare them for entry-level positions upon graduation and/or for graduate school in human services disciplines. Students interested in the helping professions are expected to learn about underrepresented populations, administration and public policy, ethics, and professional practice. Human services promote physical and mental health through prevention, outreach, community organizing, and provision of services. Although human services workers will be employed primarily in applied settings, they may also have opportunities to conduct research that promotes physical and mental health.

Admission—Admission to the human services concentration is based on a genuine interest in exploring one or more of the human services areas and evidence of academic ability. Students must apply for admission to the concentration and are advised to do so during their sophomore year. For more information and an application form, contact the director of the human services concentration.

Career Opportunities

Students who have completed the human services concentration may pursue entry level jobs right out of college, or they may go on to graduate school to earn any number of degrees, including an M.S.W. (social work), M.P.H. (public health) or an M.A. or Ph.D. (psychology, counseling). Careers in human services include: legal aid and advocacy; social justice; individual, marriage and family therapy; social work; child and family services; health and wellness; non-profit organizations; policy development; community service; and pastoral counseling.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to identify conditions which promote or limit optimal daily functioning

a. May include medically oriented, socially oriented, psychologically-behaviorally oriented, and educationally oriented functioning

2. Students will be able to explain interventions which promote growth and goal attainment

a. May include assistance, referral, advocacy, or direct counseling

3. Students will be able to describe the nature of human systems: individual, group, organization, community and society, and their major interactions

4. Students will be able to apply ethical behavior within a Human Services framework

5. Students will be able to analyze the impact of diverse cultural values in Human Services

Programs

Concentration

Human Services Concentration