Human Service Studies
The focus of the human services field is to help people, families and communities. This interdisciplinary program provides the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of settings. Our students and alumni work with populations that include children and families, the elderly, immigrants, veterans, people with addictions, people with disabilities, people with mental illnesses, people who are/were incarcerated, or people who are homeless. Our students take part in applied, experiential learning that includes service-learning projects and a one-semester field placement at a human service agency. The coursework and applied learning prepare our graduates for employment or graduate study.
Career Potential
- Case Worker
- Case Management Aide
- Family and Child Advocate
- Community Outreach Worker
- Child Care workers
- Home Health Aide
- Crisis Support Worker
- Juvenile Court Liaison
- Family Support Worker
- Mental Health Aide
- Adult Day Care Worker
- Residential Counselors
- Probation Officer
- Social Service Liaison
What Will I Learn?
This major emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of human services by focusing on the mastery of concepts, theory and research from fields such as health, psychology, sociology, and communication. As a major, you will learn:
The employment opportunities in this feed are a sample from Career Services’ Handshake portal. Some positions may require additional certifications. Handshake is available to current SUNY Cortland students and alumni.
- What factors contribute to the need for human service programs/interventions
- How human service agencies and their programs address the needs of populations across the lifespan
- How to interpret research and apply best practices in the prevention, intervention and treatment of complex social problems
- Knowledge and skills that will help you to communicate effectively in the human services field
- How to apply ethical principles in human services work
Special Features
- Complete a field placement and culmination project in the field of human services
Get Involved
College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with extracurricular opportunities: Combine academic course work with out-of-class experiences that provide you direct contact with health and human service professionals. Such experiences include a well-developed internship program and independent study opportunities.
Student Club
- Health Club