How the Degree is Built: Requirements of the Major
An Undergraduate Major in Human Services consists of 56 credits, one of the most flexible pathways to a bachelor’s degree at PSU. A focused major means more of your 180 credits are yours to shape. There is room for transfer coursework you’ve already completed. Room for a specific concentration in the field you want. Room for Credit for Prior Learning. We offer a shorter path to finishing if you’ve been working towards this degree for years
Prerequisites for HS Majors
Complete one of the following 4 credit courses, ideally in your sophomore year: 4 credits, does not count towards the 56-credit major
- HS 299/HS 201 - Exploring Human Services: Careers that Make a Difference (4 credits)
- SW 301U-Introduction to Social Work or and Intro to Human Services equivalent (4 credits)
- PSY 201Z or 202Z (4 credits)
Transfer students: coursework from your community college may satisfy this requirement. Contact HS@pdx.edu to have it reviewed.
Human Services Required courses (20 Credits)
All HS courses are only offered asynchronously online
- HS 303 - Trauma Informed Helping Professional (4 credits)
- HS 305 - Introduction to Management Systems (4 credits)
- HS 307 - Evaluating Organizational Change (4 credits)
- CFS 391 - Family Theories (4 credits)
- FS 487 - Examining Bias and Belief (4 credits)
Competency Based Practice Courses (12 Credits)
Prior Learning will be assessed in HS 411, which may lead to the award of Credit for Prior Learning in lieu of HS 412 and HS 413.
- HS 411 - Practice and Skill Development (4 credits P/NP)
- HS 412- Practice and Skill Development(4 credits P/NP)
- HS 413- Practice and Skill Development in Human Services III (4 credits P/NP)
Culturally Responsive Electives (12 Credits)
Choose three 4-credit courses that build your capacity to work across cultural differences.
Human Services offers its own culturally responsive electives (Navigating Conflict and Culture, Social Movements, Responsive Partnerships) taught fully online and available every quarter.
You may also select from an HS approved list of courses across PSU, including offerings in Anthropology, Black Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Psychology, Public Health, Child and Family Studies, Indigenous Nations Studies, and Women’s Studies. Some of these also satisfy PSU’s Race and Ethnic Studies (RESR) requirement, speak with your academic advisor to see which options let you meet both requirements at once
Workforce Concentration (12 credits)
Choose one of four concentrations aligned with Oregon’s highest demand human service roles
- Addictions
- Behavioral Health
- Children and Youth Work; (CYFS Minor)*
- Aging Services/Gerontology
*Students who choose Child and Youth Work concentration are close to completing a CYFS minor, ask your advisor for more information
Each concentration draws from an approved list of set courses across PSU. You may also meet these credits through transfer coursework, so relevant coursework you’ve already completed can count towards your concentration rather than being repeated.
Questions? Contact the Human Services Team: HS@pdx.edu