We are no longer accepting new applications for the Bachelor of Professional Studies program.

 

CORE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Introduction to Professional Studies.
This core BPS course introduces students to the professional environment, the skills and attributes that are required for success in that environment, and interpersonal, organizational, and professional framework that each leader must navigate (3 cr.)

Digital and Professional Communication.
This course provides the profession with knowledge of the importance of communication in the workplace; with skills in digital, written, oral, and interpersonal communication; and with the ability to apply those skills to successfully accomplish the work of the organization (3 cr.)

Critical Thinking, Research, & Presentation
The ability to analyze problems, to conduct and use research for decision-making, and to share those decisions with others in the organization are all important in the career success of the professional. This course emphasizes the process of collecting, analyzing, and using information to document and solve a problem or challenge in the workplace (3).

Technology for Information-Based Organizations
Technology is a critical component for any organization or business. This course focuses on network technology, common professional software programs, technology requirements and supports, and information management in the workplace (3 cr.).

Ethics in Professional Life
This course provides a broad overview of ethical behavior in professional life, and addresses corporate culture and expectations, workplace behavior and interpersonal interactions, and parameters for ethical decision-making (3 cr.).

The Legal Environment
Positive work environments, mutual respect, appropriate behavior, and compliance/regulations are all factors that influence life at work and within any organization. The Legal Environment is a survey course that addresses legal requirements for managers, workers, and clients; codes, regulations, and laws; and processes to maintain a safe and productive work culture that is safe and responsive for all staff and employees (3 cr.).

Leadership in the Workplace
This course explores the role of the leader at work, covers the different leadership styles, and encourages students to identify and actively use their own leadership style. Hands-on opportunities for leadership will be available throughout the course (3 cr).

Human Diversity in Social Contexts.
Diversity is one of the highlights of life in American society, and this course provides opportunities for students to read about, discuss, analyze, and write about the ways in which diversity enhances, but also challenges, the workplace. Application of theory to practice is a main focus for this course (3 cr.).

Public Advocacy and Negotiation.
This course addresses ways in which the professional in the workplace can advocate for key constituent groups, and negotiate a pathway to consensus even in the most challenging situations. Tools such as arbitration, mediation, facilitation, and presentation will be covered in this course as students learn the basic tenets and applications of these key skills (3 cr.).

The Professional Internship.
The BPS Internship is a capstone for the BPS degree, occurring at the end of the student’s course of study, and requiring hands on application of key theories and practices learned through the degree. May be completed in the student’s current place of employment, if appropriate (150 hours, 3 cr.).

Human Services Courses

Human Services Delivery Systems
This course aims to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a multi-tiered services delivery system in a variety of settings (mental health centers, geriatric facilities, agencies serving individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation centers, substance abuse programs, hospitals, detention centers, etc.) offering services to individuals, families, groups, and communities, and to support various human services functions. Students will demonstrate an understanding of governmental, organizational, and private structures, resources, and laws and regulations in human services. Also covered will be the evolving role of the human services practitioner, as well as current approaches and philosophies relevant to human services and its impact on service delivery (3 cr).

Chemical Dependency and Treatment Practices
Students will develop working knowledge of substance-related and addictive disorders as well as evidence-based practices for treating addictions. Also covered are models and theories of addiction, relapse and prevention methods, and effective use of interviewing skills and various screening and assessment tools. Special attention is given to co-occurring disorders, community resources, documentation approaches, and cultural and diversity aspects relating to addiction (3 cr). 

Mental Health and Counseling
The goal is to familiarize students with the history, issues, and services related to mental health including the roles and functions of the mental health practitioners in the contemporary mental health system. Topics include the definition and conceptualization of mental health/illness; basic interviewing skills, diagnoses, biopsychosocial perspective to mental health and illness, pathological outcomes (anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis, etc.), multicultural factors, ethical guidelines, and presentation of evidence-based treatment strategies for mental illness (3 cr). 

Children, Family, and Community-based Services in Human Services
The focus of this course explores the dynamics, problems, and practical aspects underlying behaviors and various issues experienced by children, adolescents, and their families. An overview of interventions and treatment aspects will be reviewed as well as programs and community organizations (e.g., Department of Social Services, medical and mental health centers, non-profit organizations, etc.) that offers support to individuals and families. Special attention will be given to understanding the unique needs of vulnerable and underserved populations. Tools such as eco-map, genograms, family assessments etc. frequently used in understanding family systems will be presented (3 cr).

Gerontology in Human Services (3)
This course critically examines the psychological, social and physical aspects of aging as well as the theoretical and practical issues impacting the aging population. Students will investigate current resources and services available to the aging population with discussions focusing on family, levels of care, and local, private, state, federal programs. The human services worker’s roles and responsibilities with the aging and topics regarding the social welfare system, bereavement, managed care, and other applicable issues will be reviewed (3 cr). 

Advanced Case Management Practice and Principles (3)
This course provides an overview to the practice of case management with emphasizes on developing and strengthening human services competencies in areas of assessment procedures, interviewing, utilizing resources and networking, and program development in human services. Course will cover the impact of case management in different settings, data collection methods, and ethical principles and multi-cultural issues related to providing effective case management services as well as a review of all phases of case management process through real life situations will be discussed (3cr.).

Crisis Intervention and Ethics in Human Services
This course is designed to examine effective crisis intervention approaches utilized with individuals, groups, and community.   Students will become acquainted of major theories of crisis intervention as well as the potential ethical and legal dilemmas posed to practitioners to assist students in developing ethical decision-making skills applicable to professional practice. Preventive and reactive intervention strategies will be studied (3 cr.).

Social Policies and Advocacy in Human Services (3)
This course examines social policy development at the federal, state, and local levels and its influences on populations served by human services organizations. The implementation and evaluation of current/national social welfare policies and programs will be conducted with special attention given to policies in the area of income maintenance, personal social services, in-kind benefits, poverty, health, and education.  Students will become familiar with the role of advocacy and social change action in efforts to pursue social and economic justice. Case study examples of human services policy are included in the learning process (3cr.).

Evaluation and Program Planning in Human Services (3)
This course focuses on approaches to program planning and evaluation methodologies in human services. Course activity includes conducting research of a current human services program to broaden an understanding of the knowledge and skills essential to conducting needs assessment, developing goals, identifying specific strategies for delivery of program service through process and outcome evaluation, and to learn about any evaluation studies currently being conduct relating to the selected program. Student will discuss issues the program encounters in establishing strategies for continued program implementation and services (3 cr.).

Field Experience and Seminar in Human Services (3)
This course is designed to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity through participation in a supervised field practicum that aims to broaden students’ understanding of the structure and functioning of the human services organizations. Students will engage in accompanying seminar that includes weekly lectures/discussions/other assignments to apply classroom knowledge and to reflect, discuss, and analyze their field experiences and concerns. Students will complete at a minimum of 150 hours of on-site work experience at a mutually agreed upon human service organization (3 cr.).