Location
Curriculum
120 credit hours
Program Length
as few as 48 months
Accreditation
Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC
Dare to Make a Difference! Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Are you seeking a career in the helping professions? A Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree at Columbia International University will provide you with a dynamic and comprehensive educational experience and prepare you for a fulfilling career.
In the Human Services program, you will develop a fundamental understanding of the human services field and establish a clear career path that aligns with your interests and goals. The knowledge and skills gained in the program also prepares you for further study at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels in the health and human services fields.
CIU Human Services graduates are well-prepared for careers in diverse settings such 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. The Human Services program at Columbia International University can provide you with a solid foundation for seeking a fulfilling career in the helping professions.
By earning a degree in Human Services at CIU, you will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in your community. Through interactions with stakeholders from various fields, you will gain valuable insights and collaborate with others to learn how to bring about positive change. Your education at CIU will empower you to serve individuals and families with compassion, empathy and competence, making a lasting impact on their lives.
Why Choose Columbia International University for this degree program?
Here's why CIU is the perfect choice for your Human Services education:
Comprehensive Course Content: At CIU, you will have access to a well-rounded curriculum that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the field of Human Services. From psychology and sociology to counseling techniques. Our courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the diverse needs of individuals and families.
Hands-On Experience: As part of your program, you will have the opportunity to engage in at least one practicum in a human services environment. This hands-on experience will allow you to apply the theories and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, gaining valuable practical skills and enhancing your ability to achieve successful outcomes in your future career.
Experienced Faculty: You will have the privilege of learning from faculty members who have obtained advanced degrees and possess years of experience. These professors are not only experts in their respective subjects and will provide you with academic advising, mentorship and guidance to help you excel in your studies and future career.
Holistic Support: At CIU, we prioritize your overall well-being, not just your academic success. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to getting to know you personally, providing the support and guidance you need to thrive spiritually, academically and emotionally. We believe in fostering a community where you can grow not only as a professional but also as an individual.
Overall Benefits of getting this degree – what you can do with the degree
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? If you have a heart for helping individuals in need and want to pursue a rewarding career in the human services field, then the Human Services major at Columbia International University (CIU) is the right choice for you.
By choosing the Human Services major at CIU, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to effectively engage in a wide range of professional and paraprofessional roles within diverse settings. Whether you envision yourself working in clinics, hospitals, law enforcement, government agencies or non-profit community centers, our program will prepare you for success.
Here's why our program stands out:
Comprehensive Career Preparation: Our curriculum is carefully designed to provide you with a solid foundation in human services theory, research and practice. You will explore various topics such as psychology, sociology, counseling techniques, case management and social policy. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared to navigate the complex challenges of the human services profession and make a positive impact on the lives of those you serve.
Diverse Opportunities: The human services field offers a wide range of career paths, and the possibilities are vast. Depending on the employment setting and the clients you serve, job titles and duties can vary significantly. Our program prepares you to excel in various roles, allowing you to assist individuals and families facing different challenges. You will have the opportunity to provide guidance, support and resources to help others overcome obstacles and improve their overall well-being.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Engaging in a human services career is an incredibly fulfilling endeavor. By helping others overcome obstacles and providing guidance to those in distress, you will have a direct and positive impact on members of society. As you witness the transformation and growth of individuals under your care, you will experience a deep sense of personal fulfillment and purpose.
By completing the Human Services major at CIU, you will earn a bachelor's degree and be equipped with the skills and experience needed to excel in a variety of human service occupations. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to:
- Develop a personal biblical philosophy of human helping, recognizing your strengths and potential areas for growth.
- Apply principles and skills of ethical decision-making and demonstrate respect for diversity within a biblical worldview.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in helping relationships and group dynamics.
- Understand the social and psychological dimensions of human interactions in diverse settings.
Embark on a fulfilling career path in human services at CIU, where you will receive a comprehensive education, gain practical experience and make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need. Your journey towards a rewarding career in the human services field starts here.
Featured Faculty
What Will I Study?
Below is the list of courses required for this program. NOTE: You will choose one course each from the mathematics, history, science, and culture and arts areas. Your enrollment counselor can provide more information about course selection.
- BIB 1116 Old Testament Survey
In this course, you will become familiar with the basic contents of each book of the Old Testament and the broad historical framework of Old Testament events. You will pay special attention to key passages and prominent themes of the Old Testament. You will read the Old Testament with a view to using it for spiritual formation and discipleship.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 1120 New Testament Survey
This course is an overview of the books of the New Testament and the historical circumstances surrounding these writings. You will focus on the background, content, message, and personal application of each book in the New Testament. You will also examine the process by which the New Testament canon was formed and the New Testament was transmitted through the history of the Church.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 3420 Principles of Bible Interpretation
This course will guide you through the hermeneutical principles basic to interpreting Scripture. Many of these principles are common to language and literature, while others apply uniquely to the Bible. All of them are based on the way in which the Bible interprets itself. You will begin to lay a foundation of cognitive understanding, with an emphasis on practice in applying the principles.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 3616 Romans
Within the framework of an exegetical study, you will focus on the New Testament's most organized, thorough exposition of the Christian faith and its relation to human history and implications for Christian living. Giving special attention to the personal application of the message, you will apply principles of biblical interpretation to the study of this book.
3.00 credit hours
- BIB 4310 Progress of Redemption
In this course, you will explore God's plan of redemption as it progressively unfolds in the Bible. You will trace the basic historical revelation in the Old and New Testaments to see what God is doing and by what method. You will consider the spoken revelations as you observe the progress of doctrine.
3.00 credit hours
- THE 3310 Christian Theology
This course provides a study of the theological truths of the Bible, during which you will focus on the basic doctrines necessary for a Christian worldview: Scripture, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, sin and salvation, church, and future events. You will examine the doctrinal teaching of the Bible, supplemented with insights from the theological reflections of the church throughout its history and from contemporary theological discussions.
3.00 credit hours
- COM 2110 Public Speaking 3.00 credit hours
- ENG 1110 Composition and Research
This course provides you an introduction to reaching well-reasoned conclusions based upon the most credible evidence available, skills fundamental to college writing but also for life as an educated adult. You will develop your abilities with modern academic library resources as evidenced through an annotated working bibliography, among other assignments. You will spend the majority of the course drafting and revising papers which demonstrate the effective use of secondary resources.
3.00 credit hours
- ENG 1111 Literature and Research
This second writing course is designed to foster an appreciation of literature, use literary texts as a platform for strengthening skills in reading, writing, and analysis, and continue to emphasize foundational skills in library research. Texts and genres (such as short fiction, poetry, and drama) will vary.
3.00 credit hours
- PHI 2110 Introduction to Philosophy
In this course, you will explore some of the fundamental issues that must be addressed by anyone attempting to formulate a comprehensive understanding of things (worldview), and will examine primary texts in order to observe some of the very best thinking regarding these fundamental issues.
3.00 credit hours
- PHI 4140 Seminar in Ethics
In this capstone course, you will integrate Scripture, theology, and philosophy as they relate to who we are, what we should do, and living well. You will develop a Christian framework for ethical thinking and decision-making based on the Christian understanding of human nature as bearing the Image of God. Course limited to students classified as seniors.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 2110 General Psychology
In this survey of scientific psychology, you will focus on historical roots, human development, and the physiological basis of behavior, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, socialization, and pathology. You will learn how to filter psychological data through biblical principles to help produce a biblically-consistent model of human psychology which can then be used in both Christian and non-Christian environments.
3.00 credit hours
- MAT 1110 College Algebra
This course covers standard college algebra such as functions and expressions, linear, quadratic and rational expressions, and financial formulas. The course will also include real numbers, equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- MAT 2100 Introduction to Statistics
This course provides an elementary overview of probability and statistics that will prepare students to conduct and interpret research in a variety of scientific fields. The content will include descriptive statistics; probability; discrete and continuous random variables; binomial, normal, and student-t distributions; methods for conducting inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; and linear correlation and regression. (3 semester hours)
3.00 credit hours
- PHI 2610 Introduction to Logic
This is an introduction of the science of reasoning in both formal and informal logic, so that you can begin to accurately apply the logic/ mathematical properties of validity, satisfiability, consistency, logical truth, and logical equivalence.
3.00 credit hours
- HIS 1110 Introduction to World History
This course gives an overview of the major trends in global history that have created our modern world. The course will explore the major chronology of world history, focusing on the changes, continuities, and connections between major world regions during this period focusing on Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The course will examine the cultural, technological, political, economic, religious and social transformations which shaped the societies. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HIS 2310 United States History and Government
In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.
3.00 credit hours
- ART 2110 Art Appreciation
This course introduces students to the fine arts in their various media and period styles, with the goal of developing students' understanding and experience of the role of the arts in life. An ongoing focus on the relationship between art and the Bible will encourage students to develop a theology of art.
3.00 credit hours
- MUS 2110 Music Appreciation
This course will introduce the student to the place that music traditionally held as one of the seven liberal arts as an apologetic to the study and enjoyment of music. The goal of the class is to enhance critical listening skills and to develop a working vocabulary of music that is meaningful to the non-musician. The course will introduce the basic elements of music and a brief overview of the history of Western classical music, American Jazz, World, and Pop music. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- BIO 2113 General Biology
In this course, you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms. Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular biology, botany, zoology, and human biology.
3.00 credit hours
- NTR 2110 Introduction to Nutrition
This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge about nutrition as health science that discusses the nutrients essential for human life. Students will begin to learn and better understand the biochemical composition, metabolic action, requirements, and food sources of the nutrients studied. Students will also learn scientific basis for promoting health and quality of life. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- PHE 2120 Health Science & Personal Wellness
This course provides an introduction to health science and personal wellness concepts. You will have the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge that will help you actively pursue a healthy and well lifestyle. An introduction to and application of the foundations of physical, aerobic, and muscular fitness will be included. Strategies to maintain personal health and wellness, including weight control through nutrients and physical activity, will be covered. You will gain an understanding of the impact physical activity has on personal wellness as well as the broad spectrum of health science issues. This course provides information and experiences that will enable you to make informed decisions by incorporating healthy solutions as they relate to quality of life and longevity.
3.00 credit hours
- CSL 0101 Christian Service Learning I
Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 20 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)
0.00 credit hours
- CSL 0201 Christian Service Learning II
Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)
0.00 credit hours
- CSL 0202 Christian Service Learning III
Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)
0.00 credit hours
- ICS 1210 Discovering the Mission of God
This course is designed to help you develop world-Christian characteristics. You will explore the Christian's heritage in the history of the church and missions, begin to develop a scriptural perspective on the purpose of the gospel in confronting ideologies, religions and spiritual needs of the world, and discuss current strategies for identifying and reaching the lost.
3.00 credit hours
- MSD 1110 Encountering Spiritual Formation
This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational principles of spiritual formation for effective life, ministry, and vocation. The process of the student's spiritual formation includes their relationship with God, their biblical self-image, their relationship with the Body of Christ, their personal relationships, and their relationship with the world. Students are invited into a multiple-year journey of encountering spiritual formation in community. The goal of this course is to help students build a foundation for continued spiritual formation at and beyond their time at CIU.
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 1110 Introduction to Human Services
This course gives an overview of human services as a profession and as an academic discipline. It provides a sampling of the knowledge, skills, ethical values, and practical experiences needed to successfully assist others to a higher quality of life. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 1115 Cultural Diversity
This course introduces the application of diversity perspectives to social science research and practice. It emphasizes why all sub-disciplines within the social sciences need to understand diversity issues. Approaches for serving underserved groups will be examined with current theory and research applied. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 2110 Social Welfare Policy and Practice
This course is designed to provide students with the concepts to form the ability to analyze contemporary social welfare policy issues and programs in the United States and to understand the relationship between social policy and human services practice. Topics include, influence of social, political, and economic forces, as well as policies affecting individuals, families and children, and social groups. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 3110 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is a concentrated look at the application and practice of applied behavior analysis. This course provides practical knowledge and experience with a critique from the Christian worldview. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 4310 Case Management
This course is designed to provide students with best practices for case management common to various human services. Topics include interviewing skills, documentation, cultural aspects, self-care, and ethical issues. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 4320 Working with Older Adults
This course will examine the psychological theories, practices, and issues in working with older adults. Students will have the opportunity to gain an increased understanding of personal development and self- knowledge in the context of the life cycle. Classroom experiences will be designed to enhance communication skills and helping techniques to every day family encounters with older adults. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- HMS 4920 Human Services Practicum
This is an intensive, on-site experiential learning opportunity, involving approximately 100 hours of direct, on-site service and requiring additional paperwork, feedback, and measurements of outcomes. Usually, this practicum is taken during a student's senior year. For this practicum, you are typically placed in a human services occupation setting where your work is supervised and evaluated by both a site supervisor and a college faculty member.
3.00 credit hours
- SOC 3740 Marriage and Family
This course is a study of the societal patterns of marriage and family life. Biblically and sociologically, you will address issues of courtship, choice of a mate, engagement, the marital adjustment, parenting, divorce, and the development of problem-solving skills. You will use personal application and training from the course to develop the skills to communicate more effectively to others about marriage/family issues.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 3310 Abnormal Psychology
In this course, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, assessment/classification, and prognosis of mental and emotional disorders. You will also focus on treatment and prevention, as well as the influence of personal faith and the local church upon mental health and functioning.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 3370 Human Growth and Development
In this lifespan course, you will examine developmental psychology covering the stages of physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual growth of the individual from conception to adulthood. You will analyze significant terms, theories, methods of assessment, and the biblical nature of the developing person. Special attention will be given to the cultural diversity of developing persons in varied learning environments.
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 3445 Theories of Counseling
This course introduces students to popular approaches to counseling and therapy. The course includes a review of assumptions about personality made by the therapeutic schools and the techniques they typically use to effect change. The course covers a variety of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and phenomenological approaches, and addresses the desire for evidence based practice. (3)
3.00 credit hours
- PSY 4540 Integration of Psychology & Christianity
This course is an overview of some basic approaches to the integration of psychological science and practice with Biblical the theological perspectives. Students will be exposed to a variety of beliefs regarding the relationships between science and Christianity, and they will engage in thoughtful discussion on difficult integrative topics while developing their own perspectives and convictions regarding integration. (3)
3.00 credit hours
Accreditation and Accolades

Career Path Opportunities
- Social Services Manager
- Case Manager
- Probation Officer
- Group Home Manager
- Behavioral Interventionist
- Residential Counselor
- Correctional Officer
- Juvenile Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Mental Health Worker
- Why should you consider studying human services?
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Studying human services offers a meaningful and fulfilling career path for those with a genuine interest in social issues and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
- What are the advantages of studying human services?
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Studying human services opens up a wide range of career opportunities and provides versatility in the field. With a human services degree, you can pursue careers in social work, social services, substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling. This diversity allows you to explore different areas of interest and find a career path that aligns with your passion and strengths.
- What is the highest level of degree in human services?
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The highest degree attainable in the field of human services is a Doctoral Degree. Pursuing a doctoral degree in human services equips you with advanced knowledge and expertise, enabling you to become a leader in the field, conduct research and contribute to the development of new approaches and theories in human services.
- What skills are essential for success in the field of human services?
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To thrive in the field of human services, you will need a range of skills. These include empathy, effective communication, active listening, strong interpersonal skills, patience, organizational abilities, critical thinking, self-care practices and cultural competence. These skills will enable you to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, understand their unique needs and provide appropriate support and assistance.
- Is human services the same as social work?
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While human services and social work share similar goals of helping individuals and communities, they are distinct fields. Human services encompass a broader range of professions and focuses on addressing various needs in social work, mental health, rehabilitation and related areas. Social work, on the other hand, is a specific discipline within human services that emphasizes social justice, advocacy and the provision of social assistance programs and services.
- Is human services the same as human resources?
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Human services and human resources are entirely different fields. Human resources primarily involves managing personnel within organizations, including recruitment, hiring, training, employee benefits and performance evaluations. On the other hand, human services focuses on providing care, support and assistance to individuals and communities, addressing their needs in areas such as healthcare, social work, counseling and community services.