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Master of Science in Human Services Social and Community Services
Social and Community Services coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 48
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 6 courses
- Specialization 3 courses
- Elective 2 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. The number of courses you take in a quarter and the time it takes for you to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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HMSV5002
Core Theory and Application in Human Services
4 quarter credits
This course presents contemporary social problems addressed by human services professionals in the field and familiarizes learners with the community resources available to them. Learners examine the theories behind human services delivery and management in order to gain a broader understanding of the human services profession and the role of human services professionals within diverse delivery settings. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Human Services degree program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5402
Core Social Change and Public Policy in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the concepts, principles, and stages of public policy development and analysis in the human services field. Learners gain an understanding of the approaches used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the effects of programs and projects on societal problems in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Other course topics include the policy process, agenda setting, advocacy, analysis, political process management, policy implementation, and public policy evaluation feedback based on information gained from the field.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5334
Core Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services
4 quarter credits
This course is a survey of theories, research, and concepts that highlight the importance of race, culture, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity in individual and group experience. Learners consider the effects of gender, social class, religion, and disability on experience and evaluate the role of the human services and educational professional in addressing the multicultural needs of clients and colleagues in the workforce. Learners also examine community cultural competency and practice applying a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies to real-life scenarios.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5340
Specialization Course Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations
4 quarter credits
This course familiarizes learners with the unique expressions of leadership in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners differentiate among the capacities of various types of leaders and stakeholders to ensure continuous leadership and organizational development.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5320
Core Ethical Practice in Human Services
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course analyze the ethical standards and expectations required of human services professionals in research and practice. Learners apply an ethical problem-solving framework to solve a variety of ethical dilemmas and issues relevant to the human services field. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002 or PSL5002.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5314
Specialization Course Program Development and Evaluation in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine needs assessment, program development, and program evaluation as fundamental tools in a variety of organizations. In particular, learners use research-based models and best practices to inform program development and evaluation in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Learners also gain the skills they need to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and address ethical implications of various approaches to program development and evaluation.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5390
Core Interpersonal and Leadership Skills for Human Services Professionals
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the fundamental professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and information literacy skills necessary for working with individuals, communities, and agencies. Throughout the course, learners apply techniques for developing goals and recommending strategies and explore appropriate ways for disseminating information to assist stakeholders in achieving those goals. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5316
Core The Effective Use of Analytics in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the skills needed to apply the early aspects of the life cycle of human services analytics. Learners examine the various data sources, data models, and algorithms and use basic tools to complete an analysis. Learners also collaborate within teams to evaluate case studies and explore the ways in which stakeholders' needs are met through data analytics.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Elective Choose a Specialization Elective Course
4 quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course - Elective Requirement
quarter credits
quarter credits
Elective Requirement Choose an Elective Course - Elective Requirement
quarter credits
quarter credits
HMSV5993
Integrative Project Human Services Capstone for Master's Learners
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in their specialization area by applying learning from required and elective courses to complete an analysis of a human service organization or system or to propose a new application in their professional field. For MS in Human Services learners only. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can’t be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 12 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
HMSV5314
Specialization Course Program Development and Evaluation in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine needs assessment, program development, and program evaluation as fundamental tools in a variety of organizations. In particular, learners use research-based models and best practices to inform program development and evaluation in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Learners also gain the skills they need to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and address ethical implications of various approaches to program development and evaluation.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5340
Specialization Course Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations
4 quarter credits
This course familiarizes learners with the unique expressions of leadership in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners differentiate among the capacities of various types of leaders and stakeholders to ensure continuous leadership and organizational development.
4 quarter credits
SHB8478
Specialization Elective The Family in Social Context
4 quarter credits
Learners examine how families are influenced by the dynamics of the family system and societal factors. Using current family science literature, learners develop critical research skills necessary to evaluate how community systems and policy impact family dynamics.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5990
Specialization Elective Human Services Internship
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework for a minimum of 100 hours in a human services setting. Learners critically analyze and evaluate problems encountered within a human services organization and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and research findings to develop strategies for direct care, resource management, and service delivery. Learners observe and collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the organization to analyze ethical practices and critically evaluate the implementation of best practices at their internship site. For MS in Human Services learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002, HMSV5316, HMSV5320, HMSV5334, HMSV5390. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can’t be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.
Show all descriptions
HMSV5993
Integrative Project Human Services Capstone for Master's Learners
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in their specialization area by applying learning from required and elective courses to complete an analysis of a human service organization or system or to propose a new application in their professional field. For MS in Human Services learners only. Prerequisite(s): All required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can’t be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
HMSV5316
Core The Effective Use of Analytics in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the skills needed to apply the early aspects of the life cycle of human services analytics. Learners examine the various data sources, data models, and algorithms and use basic tools to complete an analysis. Learners also collaborate within teams to evaluate case studies and explore the ways in which stakeholders' needs are met through data analytics.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5402
Core Social Change and Public Policy in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the concepts, principles, and stages of public policy development and analysis in the human services field. Learners gain an understanding of the approaches used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the effects of programs and projects on societal problems in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Other course topics include the policy process, agenda setting, advocacy, analysis, political process management, policy implementation, and public policy evaluation feedback based on information gained from the field.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5002
Core Theory and Application in Human Services
4 quarter credits
This course presents contemporary social problems addressed by human services professionals in the field and familiarizes learners with the community resources available to them. Learners examine the theories behind human services delivery and management in order to gain a broader understanding of the human services profession and the role of human services professionals within diverse delivery settings. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Human Services degree program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5320
Core Ethical Practice in Human Services
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course analyze the ethical standards and expectations required of human services professionals in research and practice. Learners apply an ethical problem-solving framework to solve a variety of ethical dilemmas and issues relevant to the human services field. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5002 or PSL5002.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5390
Core Interpersonal and Leadership Skills for Human Services Professionals
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the fundamental professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and information literacy skills necessary for working with individuals, communities, and agencies. Throughout the course, learners apply techniques for developing goals and recommending strategies and explore appropriate ways for disseminating information to assist stakeholders in achieving those goals. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5334
Core Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services
4 quarter credits
This course is a survey of theories, research, and concepts that highlight the importance of race, culture, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity in individual and group experience. Learners consider the effects of gender, social class, religion, and disability on experience and evaluate the role of the human services and educational professional in addressing the multicultural needs of clients and colleagues in the workforce. Learners also examine community cultural competency and practice applying a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies to real-life scenarios.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
† Practicum and/or Internship hours are considered complete once all program required practicum/internships hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum/internship requirements/hours can’t be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.