People employed in human services agencies are there to help improve the lives of the people they serve. A minor in human services meets the increasing need of public and private sector employers for paraprofessionals. Students who complete a minor in human services may be employed through public agencies, hospitals, government-sponsored housing or clinics, and some criminal justice offices. These jobs can be both personally and professionally rewarding. There are many opportunities for people to gain experience that can lead to graduate education and certification and licensure in counseling and other helping professions.
The fifteen credit hour online program of study for the undergraduate minor will focus on an overview of the human service profession, multiculturalism and diversity, communication skills, career preparation and introductory helping skills. Graduates will be prepared to work in social services, mental health and substance abuse agencies as entry level counselor aides, or in other related paraprofessional positions under the guidance of counselors, psychologists, nurses and social workers.
The minor is designed to develop better interpersonal and intergroup skills. While primarily regarded as a study of organizational, workplace behaviors, the human services field is emerging as a broader study of sociological and emotional motivation.
* Special Notes: To qualify for a minor in human services, a student must have earned a minimum grade of C or better in each of the above required courses.
For additional information about the minor, contact Regina Burgess at (304) 293-2186 or Regina.Burgess@mail.wvu.edu.
© 2019 West Virginia University. West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Last updated on January 11, 2018.