Public Service/ Human Services (B.S.)
Public Service is a term encompassing a large variety of occupations performed in the public interest. Most of these jobs are in local, state, and federal government; public and private agencies; and enterprises established to provide social services. The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service/Human Services is designed to prepare graduates for entry into this occupational sphere.
All students in the Public Service program will take courses specifically designed to meet current and future job requirements. Courses include abnormal psychology, public agency management, conflict resolution and crisis management, interviewing techniques, program assessment and research methods, ethics of public service, funding sources and grant writing, legal issues, and a pre-professional internship. Curricular flexibility is deliberately structured into the Public Service major, which permits students to take courses in information technology, business management, health services, and other areas. Students, in consultation with an academic advisor, design their programs to suit individual academic and occupational goals.
The Public Service -- Human Services degree prepares students for entry into a variety of public and private sector situations. The degree is excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing graduate level study in the social sciences, social work, law school, and other professional endeavors. The fields of social work, human services, law, health, and business provide opportunities for other entry-level human services positions for which the degree is appropriate training.
Students may declare the B.S. in Public Service as their major during the admissions process to the University, or at any time during their college career. Students who are thinking of changing their major are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor in the Department. Freshman and sophomore students should follow the curriculum outline for the degree presented below. Transfer students are welcomed to the Public Service degree program. General education and supporting courses will be evaluated for credit during the admission process. All upper-level transfer courses must be approved by the Chair of Psychology and Criminal Justice. This will be done on a case-by-case basis using transcripts and appropriate college catalog course descriptions. Students transferring academic credits in the program must meet all university residence and transfer-of-credits requirements. A transfer grade intended to satisfy any PBSV or Human Services core requirement or major track elective course must be at least a "C."
- Please note that PSYC 1101 (Introduction to General Psychology), PSYC 2101 (Introduction to Psychology of Adjustment), PSYC 2103 (Introduction to Human Development), SOCI 1101 (Introduction to Sociology), SOCW 2215 (Introduction to Social Work), and MATH 1200 (Elementary Statistics), all must be completed with grades of "C" or higher.
- In addition to the academic regulations of the University, all PBSV and Human Services core and major track electives must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Student must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 to remain in good standing.
- Note that students must have completed AT LEAST 18 hours of Public Service and Human Services core requirements prior to attempting the capstone PBSV 4950 or 4996 course; the remaining three credit hours may be taken concurrently with either capstone course.
Curriculum for Bachelor of Science in Public Service/Human Services
Core Curriculum (Credit: 42 hours)
See listing of requirements
Area F: Lower Division Major Requirements (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 18 hours)
| PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 2101 | Introduction to the Psychology of Adjustment | 3 credits |
| PSYC 2103 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 credits |
| SOCI 1101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits |
| SOCW 2215 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 credits |
| MATH 1200 | Elementary Statistics | 3 credits |
Note: If students fulfill a required Area F course in Areas D or E, they may substitute with a guided elective in Area F.
Guided Electives (Credit: 0-9 hours)
Choose up to three (3) 1000- and/or 2000- level courses with guidance from an academic advisor.
Upper Level Core (Credit: 60 hours)
Public Service - Human Services Required Courses (Credit: 24 hours)
Track Electives (Credit: 21 hours)
Choose seven courses from the following:
Electives (Credit: 15 hours)
The student will choose, in consultation with the student's academic advisor, any five courses not used to satisfy requirements in another area. A maximum of two additional PSYC courses can be counted toward satisfying this requirement. At least nine hours must be at the 3000 and 4000 level.
Total Hours: 120