Old Dominion University
Idea Fusion
Human Services (B.S.)
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide variety of community and social service related settings. Students learn the roles and functions of the human service profession; characteristics of human growth and development; personal, social, and environmental factors affecting individual development; characteristics of human service agencies; theories and skills of human services; and how ethical issues, legal issues, and multicultural issues affect the work of the human service profession. Graduates are prepared to assist clients in coping successfully with developmental tasks of normal growth and in solving problems caused by personal, social, and environmental stress.
Human Services (B.S.)
Description
What is this program at ODU like?
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide variety of community and social service related settings. Students learn the roles and functions of the human service profession; characteristics of human growth and development; personal, social, and environmental factors affecting individual development; characteristics of human service agencies; theories and skills of human services; and how ethical issues, legal issues, and multicultural issues affect the work of the human service profession. Graduates are prepared to assist clients in coping successfully with developmental tasks of normal growth and in solving problems caused by personal, social, and environmental stress.
Program Highlights
What makes this program at ODU unique?
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Accredited by The Council for Standards in Human Services Education
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Approved by the Virginia Certification Board as a provider of addiction education which can lead to Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification
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Courses offered both on-campus and online
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
$47,830
MEDIAN SALARY
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Social and Human Service Assistants
$35,460
MEDIAN SALARY
Assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$56,630
MEDIAN SALARY
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
MEDIAN SALARY
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
City of Norfolk Human Services, City of Virginia Beach Human Services, YWCA of South Hampton Roads, Department of Health and Human Services
Courses
What are some courses offered in this program at ODU?
HMSV 346:
Diversity Issues in Human Services
This course serves as an introduction to multicultural helping. The influence of socio-identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation) on individuals' functioning, concerns, and the helping process will be explored. Pre- or corequisite: HMSV 341 with a grade of C or higher.
HMSV 449:
CRISIS INTERVEN PREV ETHICS
This course explores effective crisis intervention, examines prevention strategies, and develops students' ethical decision making within human service practice. Prerequisite: HMSV 341 with a grade of C or higher and HMSV 343W with a grade of C or higher.
HMSV 491:
Family Guidance
This course provides a study of the family as a system and an introduction to a variety of issues confronting the family, including child abuse, substance abuse and addiction, spouse abuse, and others that produce more than usual stress in the family. Available community resources for helping families will be examined. Prerequisites: HMSV 341 and HMSV 343W with a grade of C or higher.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for this program at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in this program should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Students' prior coursework will be evaluated by an advisor at the time of admission to the program. Following admission, students must obtain permission from an authorized advisor from the Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC) before registering. Students should obtain a curriculum sheet from the Human Services website or from their academic advisor to assist in making course selections. Students must adhere to all course prerequisites and corequisites as stated in the course descriptions and on the curriculum sheets.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Jessica Rhea Turner Scholarship
Available for one student annually that meet with requirements
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Department Website Explore our academics
Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Human Services Program Director
Name:
Jennifer Simmons
Location:
2130 EDUCATION BUILDING, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4722
Human Services Online Program Director
Name:
Mark Rehfuss
Location:
2107 EDUCATION BUILDING, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-5511
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
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