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
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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
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
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.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
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.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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
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.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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.
Transfer
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...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 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.
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
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