Human Services Disability Studies Major BHS
This concentration is for students who seek a Bachelor of Human Services Degree in Disability Studies (BHS-DS). The BHS-DS concentration (49 credits) provides a comprehensive background of issues relevant to persons with disabilities throughout the life span. In addition, the Disability Studies curriculum is constructed to address policy issues affecting persons with disabilities. The BHS-DS concentration embraces the philosophy of the Disability Rights Movement that focuses on self-determination, civil rights, and culture.
The field of disability studies is relatively new and is an outgrowth of civil rights for persons with disabilities that led to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. Disability Studies embraces similar philosophies of Women's Studies, African American Studies, as well as ethnic and GLBT programs. Disability Studies represents a focus on empowerment, self-determination, and independence.
This degree program requires five core human services courses. The required core content areas insure that graduates have a sufficient complement of theoretical knowledge and practical training for entry as a professional in the field of human services.
Required Core Courses (20 credits)
- HSER 355 Introduction to Human Services: History and Trends
- HSER 353 Social Casework Methods
- HSER 344 Counseling Theories and Techniques or
- HSER 346 Counseling and Interviewing Skills
- HSER 395 Human Services and Diversity
- HSER 455 Human Services Capstone Seminar
Practica (5 credits)
In addition to the core and competence area courses, a practica is required. Experiential (practica) experience is a vital component of the human services degree program. Every student is required to complete a practicum experience.
- HSER 320 Human Services Pre-Practicum Group Seminar
- HSER 331 Human Services Group Practicum and Seminar
Concentration Requirements (24 credits)
- HSDS 304 Introduction to Disabilities
- HSDS 305 Disability Rights: History and Current Trends
- HSDS 306 Community Resources and Services for Persons with Disabilities
- HSDS 307 Blind, Deaf Blind, and Deaf Culture, History, and Resources
- HSDS 308 Aging and Disabilities
- HSDS 400 Current Issues and Special Topics in Disability Studies
Recommended Elective Courses
- HSER 303 Disability Awareness
- PSYC 389 Mental Retardation: Adulthood and Old Age (Independent Study)
- PSYC 390 Mental Retardation: Issues, Assessment and Intervention (Independent Study)
- PSYC 393 Special Education Overview
- PSYC 394 Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (Independent Study)
- PSYC 397 Developmental Disabilities: Issues Concepts and Problem Solving (Independent Study)
- EDU 310 Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities in Urban 5-12 Classrooms
- HSTD 395 Disability and Career Development