(36 credits)
Program Description
New England College’s Master of Science (MS) in Human Services program offers a 36-credit non-licensure degree program designed to equip students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of human needs and the strategies to address them. Emphasizing both prevention and problem-solving, the program prepares graduates to enhance the quality of life for diverse populations by promoting well-being and resilience. Through the integration of theory and practical skills, graduates will be well-prepared to address complex challenges in the field, focusing on improving service delivery systems, fostering greater accessibility and accountability, and enhancing collaboration among professionals and agencies.
This program also prepares students with the educational requirements for the optional Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential through the Center for Credentialing Education (CCE).
Program Learning Outcomes
The Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) reflect a combination of current scholarly literature on the assessment of human services competencies, professional disposition assessments, ethical codes, and prevailing certification standards.
Students that successfully complete the Human Services Program will demonstrate the ability to:
-
Apply self-awareness and reflection to maintain professional growth and ethical decision-making in human services roles.
-
Examine the impact of systemic inequalities on vulnerable populations and propose strategies to promote social justice.
-
Evaluate basic programmatic or community interventions using evidence-based practices and feedback from stakeholders.
-
Demonstrate effective communication and active listening skills tailored to diverse populations and settings.
-
Identify ethical standards and legal guidelines applicable to human services practice, with an emphasis on professional boundaries.
-
Explain foundational concepts, theories, and frameworks in human services, including biopsychosocial-spiritual models of care.
Program Delivery & Residency Requirements
The Human Services program is offered fully online. There are no requirements for students to attend classes at a physical campus location (except for partnership programs located in NH). The program uses asynchronous (via Blackboard) and synchronous (via Zoom) course delivery methods, and each course runs for 10-weeks. Regardless of delivery method, each course may have a Microsoft Teams companion site to enhance student-faculty interaction and collaboration.
There are four (4) courses totaling 15 credit hours that are designated as Residency. Residency courses are essential, skills-based classes designed to help human services students develop key professional competencies, apply research to practice, and enhance cultural competence. These courses aim to prepare students for effective, interdisciplinary work in human services settings, ensuring they are equipped to address the diverse needs of individuals and communities.
Residency courses require intensive, live, synchronous interaction (usually weekly) through Zoom with faculty and other students in the course. Students can expect to have ample opportunity to engage in supervised practice, in-depth interpersonal and emotional processing, and reflective faculty/student interaction during the residency courses.
The remaining seven (7) courses (21 credit hours) are offered asynchronously via Blackboard Learning Management System. The non-Residency courses are fundamental to the holistic development of competent, ethical, and culturally responsive human services professionals. These courses prepare students to address the complex challenges of the field and make a meaningful impact on the individuals and communities they serve.
Program Length
The Human Services program is designed to be a full-time program, with the option to start in any one of four (4) terms. Each term is 10-weeks long and typically has a two-week break before the start of the next term. When attending full-time (i.e., 6 credits per term), the program typically takes one and a half (1.5) years, or six (6) academic terms, to complete. Students may also take fewer courses per term to help balance their work/life/academic commitments.
Although everyone has different learning styles, students should expect to engage in 13-15 hours of academically related activities per week on each 3-credit course and 27-30 hours for each 6-credit
Application Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements, all applicants to the MS in Human Services program:
-
Must have an earned bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, human services, or related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Department of Education (majors other than those listed may receive, upon request, individual consideration by the CMHC Program Director, or designee).
-
Must have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale may receive, upon request, an individual interview with the Program Director, or designee).
-
Must submit two professional and/or academic letters of reference - at least one must be from a current supervisor or current faculty member.
Course Map
Please visit the course map by term for this program here: Human Services, MS Course Map
Return to: