Columbia College Bachelor's in Human Services
Learn about improving the quality of life for individuals and communities with a Bachelor's in Human Services degree from Columbia College.
Residential classes
Aug
30
next start date
16
week semester
5
year locked-in tuition
Online & night classes
Jun
28
next start date
8
week sessions
$375
undergraduate tuition
Available program formats: Online: BS In class: BS
Explore human services at Columbia College
We see the benefits of human services around us every day—as people adjust to major life changes, as organizations work to solve social problems and as communities cope with emergencies. Columbia College students with a desire to help others will gain the interdisciplinary knowledge they need to be effective, as well as insights into specific topics like counseling, case management, rehabilitation and victim services.
You’ll study strengths-based practices for working with individuals, families, groups and communities. For a deeper perspective, you’ll explore social policy and research.
Opportunities to study:
- Social gerontology
- Disabilities
- Addiction
- Military case work
- Mental health
- Child welfare
- Social inequality
Prepare to help people adjust to changing life circumstances
As a graduate of the human services program at Columbia College, you’ll enter a growing field with career possibilities in social services, public policy, advocacy, probation services and rehabilitation.
Human services professionals focus on both preventing and resolving problems, with a commitment to improving people’s overall quality of life. You can apply your knowledge to help others overcome adversity in a variety of settings, including the court system, public welfare agencies and counseling programs. Your role within these organizations could range from service coordination to case management, policy development or program evaluation.
Some possible paths include:
- Community Health Worker
- Social Services Director
- Director of Social Services
- Care Case Manager
- Family Services Coordinator
- Victim Advocate
- Case Aide
Michael Perkins
"Any non-traditional student who is working, has a family … that’s a tough thing to do, and this college has been at the forefront; we need to remember that. We’ve been innovators."
Read about MikeView more faculty profiles
Find your path
Submit this form to get information about applying to Columbia College.
Questions about admissions? Call the main line.
Main line: (573) 875-8700
Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.
Department phone: 573-875-7570
Office: STC 218
Email: HASS@CCIS.edu
Your degree starts here Take these courses
Available program formats
- General education requirements 39-42 credit hours
- Core requirements 36 credit hours
- Electives 33-36 credit hours
- Multicultural requirements 6 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
Introduction to case management theory, models of case management, and skills necessary to function effectively as case managers. Content includes the use and case management implications of psychotropic medications. Students develop abilities to serve special populations in a case management role. Prerequisite: HUMS 105 or PSYC 101 (courses may be taken as co-requisite).
This course offers a critical interdisciplinary examination of disability as a social construct that informs identities, social locations, and serves as a platform for social movements. Prerequisites: Junior standing.
This course provides a look at mental health problems from a diagnostic perspective. Students learn diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders, psychotropic medications and the role of the family. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, sophomore standing.
Examination of the unique challenges and opportunities facing veterans, active duty military and their families. Topics include programs and services specific to these populations. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
- General education requirements 39-42 credit hours
- Core requirements 39-41 credit hours
- Electives 34-40 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
Examination of substance use and abuse and the progressive nature of addiction. Factors leading to regular and problematic use will be explored. An overview of the pharmacological effects of drugs within major drug categories, theories of addiction, intervention, treatment methods and prevention are examined. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
This course begins with a historical overview of child welfare services in American society, establishes a framework for both policy and practice, and examines current trends in the field of child welfare. Special emphasis will be placed on evaluating the needs of high risk populations of children/youth and families. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
Emphasis on social stratification systems and social inequalities, including the areas of economic class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Analysis of theories of power in constructing and maintaining systems of social inequality; the creation of wealth and poverty in the U.S. and globally; sources and consquences of ethnic and gender inequalities; and the stratification system surrounding sexulalities. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Examination of family function and assessment using the major models, theories and perspectives of family and family therapy. Students learn how to apply those theories and perspectives to assess families in conjunction with other assessment tools such as eco-maps and genograms. Prerequisite: HUMS 105 or PSYC 101 (courses may be taken as co-requisite).
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April 20, 2020
"Columbia College has opened up a world of opportunities."
— Genoveva Gomez-Lince, Psychology student
August 25, 2020
Summer Semester 2020 Dean's list announced
April 20, 2020
"My success here is exactly what I need to redefine how I see myself and relocate my self-esteem."
— Michael Guthrie, General Studies student
Value Colleges listed Columbia College as the No. 2 school in Missouri for online programs in 2020.