This course provides an introduction to the helping process in the context of a human service agency. There are two essential components to this course. The first examines the economic, social, and political forces that have shaped the development of human service organizations and their status today. It reviews the issues and obstacles involved in providing quality service to various populations in our society. The second major emphasis offers students the opportunity to review the basic elements of the helping process. Students examine the development of a professional working relationship with clients. They also learn what the process of helping includes. Emphasis includes the influence of personal experiences and values on prospective workers in the helping professions.

This project-based practicum is designed to assist Human Services majors in exploring career and vocational settings in which they can use and apply their knowledge and skills. The practicum is exploratory in nature, involves extensive student initiative in designing and implementing the practicum, and is conducted under the supervision of the practicum mentor. A supplementary objective of the practicum is to explore and assess possibilities for settings in which the student may engage in a Human Services capstone internship or ideas for a potential Human Services capstone project. NOTE: Students must follow college policy that all research activities which involve human participants, regardless of the level of risk foreseen, require review and written approval by the College's Institutional Review Board prior to the initiation of the activity.

This capstone course is a field-based internship designed to develop and hone the practical application skills of a Human Services major. The course requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained from other courses in the program and to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge to practical situations. Students apply for an internship at a self-selected site and negotiate the terms of the internship experience with a site supervisor under the general auspices of their college mentor. The internship requires documented evidence of 80 hours of supervised experience and practice in a field setting where human services knowledge and skills are applied. NOTE: Registration for this course, a field-based experience, is by permission of the Academic Affairs. Early registration deadlines will apply. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.

This integrative course is the culminating experience for the Master of Science in Human Services Administration degree. All other required coursework must have been completed prior to receiving approval to register for this course. This course builds on the knowledge and skills learned through the degree program allowing the student to demonstrate competency in translating theory into practice. The course combines traditional coursework with a field-based experience, providing direct exposure to the field of human services administration. Final products include a comprehensive project to demonstrate mastery of professional practice. After documenting the above, students will discuss and defend their project orally.