Making a lasting difference starts here.
Human beings have countless needs, and sometimes it takes someone trained to help us figure out how to fulfill them. That's where a high-quality, student-focused Human Service Degree comes in. It's a pretty self-explanatory industry: human services means serving humans, no matter their age, culture, or current situation. As people recognize their need for a hand up in life, human service workers step in to meet the need.
As you pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services at Cumberlands, you will study with faculty members who are experienced professionals in the field. Each one is equipped to offer their expertise through a curriculum based on a Christian perspective and an attitude of servant leadership. Course topics navigate current topics and treatment for a variety of mental health challenges, substance abuse treatment, and other applications of social work that human services professionals provide. After you complete your bachelor’s degree in human services, you’ll be able to consider a variety of possibilities for employment or advanced study.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from University of the Cumberlands is the perfect chance for you to build a foundation of knowledge and skills focused on one thing: serving others. No matter the background, race, gender, or beliefs of a person, each individual is worth helping in their time of need. But in order to serve them well (and keep from burning yourself out), you need good training from experienced advisors. That's where this degree comes in.
Course Requirements
All of the following (30 hours)
- SOWK 131 - Intro to Social Work and Social Justice
- SOWK 234 - Social Work Practice Skills
- SOWK 331 - Individual and Families Assessment
- SOWK 332 - Group and Organizations in Social Work Practice
- SOWK 335 - Social Research Methods
- HSRV 336 - Human Services Administration
- SOWK 338 - Case Management
- SOWK 434 - Professional Ethics
- SOWK 436 - Human Diversity in a Global Society AND SOWK 460 - Field Practice I OR SOWK 461 - Field Practice II OR HSRV 439 - Professionalism in Human Services * With an additional 3 credit hour 300/400 level elective
And one of the following (3 hours)
Students may replace SOWK 237 with PSYC 232 if they are completing the counseling concentration.
- SOWK 237 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment Credits: 3 hours
- PSYC 232 - Child and Adolescent Development Credits: 3 hours
*Internship is recommended and an invaluable tool to prepare students for employment in the human services field. Students who choose not to take internship must complete HSRV 439 and another 300 or 400 level course in this department that is approved by the student’s advisor.
Field Practice Placement
Students who do not meet the placement guidelines (including academic performance and recommendations) for SOWK 461/462 Internship and Seminar may enroll instead in HSRV 439 to fulfill part of the core requirements for the Human Services major. This course may also serve as an elective for minors. See the Department Chair for more information concerning internship placement
Courses used as part of an emphasis area cannot be counted in the 33-hour Core
Students completing a emphasis in Human Services do not need to complete a minor in order to graduate.
Human Services Emphasis: 18 Credit Hours
Note: A statistics course is recommended for those intending to pursue graduate studies.
- SOCI 131 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOWK 334 - Introduction to Field Practice
- HSRV 402 - Human Tragedies and Interventions
- SOWK 404 - Understanding Child Maltreatment
- HSRV 430 - Human Services in Schools
- HSRV 431 - Spirituality and Values in the Helping Profession
- SOWK 432 - Addictions and Recovery
- SOWK 433 - Social Policy and Practice
- SOWK 437 - Mental Health Perspectives in Social Work
- HSRV 438 - Applied Interventions
- MATH 335 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Mental Health Emphasis: 18 Credit Hours
Addictions Emphasis: 18 Credit Hours
SOCI 131 Introduction to Sociology
HSRV 236 Experiential Opportunities
HSRV 402 Human Tragedies and Interventions
HSRV 404 Understanding Child Maltreatment
HSRV 430 Human Services in Schools
HSRV 431 Spirituality and Values in the Helping Profession
HSRV 432 Addictions and Recovery
HSRV 433 Social Policy
HSRV 437 Mental Health
HSRV 438 Applied Interventions
MATH 335 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
HSRV 236 Experiential Opportunities
PSYC 435 Abnormal Psychology
COUN 445 Grief and Crisis
COUN 432 Addiction and Recovery
COUN 431 Spirituality and Values in the Helping Profession
COUN 451 Marriage and Family Counseling
COUN 457 Drug Abuse Education and Prevention
A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.
FREN 131 Elementary French I
FREN 132 Elementary French II
FREN 231 Intermediate French I
FREN 232 Intermediate French II
SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Minor in Human Services
If you have a heart for serving others but would prefer to major in a different area of study, then minoring in human services could be perfect for you. Supplement your major with a minor that teaches you better empathy, boundary-setting, communication, initiative, and servant-leadership skills. Employers are always on the lookout for "soft skills" like these, making you a more valuable employee to any company.
Course Requirements
Associate of Science in Human Services
An associate degree in human services from Cumberlands will lay the groundwork you need for a variety of careers in the human service/social work field. Learn the essentials of human service work, from basic counseling skills, to sociology, to group dynamics. Whether you're taking classes on campus or online, you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to step into an entry level career in human services or continue your education. what's more, this associate degree can be completed entirely online in as little as one year.
Course Requirements
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
The mission of the bachelor's in human services degree at Cumberlands is to provide students the foundational knowledge and skills required to work within the helping profession.
Develop practical skills to serve others well.
Enhance your self-awareness and increase your understanding of your personal values.
Foster an appreciation of diversity and the needs of humanity.
Gain an understanding of behavioral theory and current social issues.
Learn to conduct ethical practice and establish appropriate boundaries.
Human Services Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Human Service Assistant: $37,610
Human Service Assistant: $37,610
Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
Social Worker: $50,390
Social Worker: $50,390
Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
Mental Health Counselor: $48,520
Mental Health Counselor: $48,520
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.
Career Counselor: $60,510
Career Counselor: $60,510
School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
Probation Officer: $60,250
Probation Officer: $60,250
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.
Community Health Worker: $48,860
Community Health Worker: $48,860
Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being. Community health workers promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors.
Common Questions
A human services degree focuses on preparing individuals to work in various roles that support and assist people in need. It covers topics such as counseling, case management, community outreach, and social services, equipping students with the skills to help individuals and communities access resources and improve their well-being.
A bachelor's degree in human services typically takes four years to complete when studying full-time. Associate degrees generally take about two years, while advanced degrees such as a master's or doctoral degree would take additional time.
Yes, many universities offer human services degrees online. These programs often include online coursework combined with practical experiences or internships that may require in-person attendance.
A human services degree can be worth it if you are passionate about helping others and working in social service roles. It provides a solid foundation for various careers in the helping professions and can lead to fulfilling work with opportunities for advancement.
With a human services degree, you can pursue careers such as human service assistant, social worker, mental health counselor, career counselor, probation officer, or community health worker. These roles involve helping individuals and communities improve their lives and access essential services.
To obtain a human services degree, you need to enroll in an accredited program offering either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. You will complete coursework in human services, psychology, sociology, and related fields, and may also engage in internships or practical experiences.
Human services and social work are related but distinct fields. While both involve helping individuals and communities, social work often requires a more specialized focus and licensure. Human services is broader and may include roles such as case management and community outreach.
The highest degree in human services is typically a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW). These advanced degrees prepare individuals for leadership roles, advanced clinical practice, or academic positions in the field.
Human services is a field dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and communities by addressing their needs and connecting them with appropriate resources. It encompasses a range of services including counseling, community outreach, case management, and support for mental health and social issues.
Departmental Events
Engage your peers, faculty members and professional members of the human services community.
Faculty Experts in Human Services
Get to know your future human services professors at Cumberlands!

Dr. Tanise McInnis

Dr. Devin Ariel Williams

Dr. Jessica Johnson
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