Bachelor of Human Services Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Human Services program educates students through a Christian perspective about the human condition. The field of Human Services focuses on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of those we serve. The Human Services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery. The field of Human Services is a broadly defined one, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.
Who are Human Services Professionals?
“Human services professional” is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in such diverse settings as clinics, hospitals, group homes, correctional centers, government agencies, day treatment centers, sheltered workshops, extended care facilities, community-based living homes and social service agencies throughout the community. Depending on the employment setting and the kinds of clients served there, job titles and duties vary a great deal. A human services career is extremely rewarding as a result of helping others overcome obstacles and providing guidance for members of society that are in distress.
Why Gerontology?
According to the U.S. Census, approximately 21 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older by 2030. With more individuals living longer, there is an increasing demand for professionals with knowledge and experience focusing on Gerontology (the study of aging). The gerontology concentration focuses on the physical, mental, and psychosocial development of humans during the aging process. Choose this concentration if you have an interest in working directly with the growing aging population and as an advocate for seniors in our society. The courses are designed to prepare you to work with the change process of aging and address how the aging population impacts social policy and program delivery.
With Anderson University’s Bachelor in Human Services with a concentration in Gerontology degree, students will be well qualified for service positions in community-based organizations, healthcare and public health programs, senior centers, assisted living facilities, hospitals, home healthcare systems, nursing homes and other agencies that assist the elderly.
Courses are structured in a convenient 7-week flexible path format for working adults that gives the learner the opportunity to complete at an accelerated rate. Skilled and experienced professors with real world expertise instruct the courses and work with the learner to expand their knowledge and improve skills. Learners are required to possess a high school diploma before enrolling in the Bachelor of Human Services program. Students can enroll with or without an associate’s degree.
