Highlighting Saint Leo University's Human Services Degree Programs
Check out this Q&A to learn more about Saint Leo University's human services degree programs at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
Are you intrigued by the idea of a rewarding career in a field where you can provide direct services to help meet the needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations? Can you envision yourself managing a government agency or launching your own nonprofit to make a difference in the world?
If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, a degree in human services just might be right up your alley. Saint Leo University offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Master of Science in Human Services Administration to meet your needs.
We recently caught up with Dr. Amina Abdullah, chair of the undergraduate program, and Dr. Nancy Wood, director of the graduate program, to learn more about these exciting human services programs and some unique options to fast-track your education.
The BA in Human Services Degree Program
Q: Can you elaborate on the bachelor's in human services degree program?
A: Saint Leo's undergraduate human services degree program prepares students to turn their passion for helping others maximize their quality of life into a fulfilling career. Graduates with this degree can find a wide range of practitioner-oriented career tracks helping various at-risk populations who may be dealing with a host of unique challenges in their lives.
Q: How is this human services degree program delivered?
A: This program is delivered entirely online. However, students can take face-to-face courses in the program at several of the university's Education Centers. These include the locations in Jacksonville, Lake City, Ocala, and Brooksville in Florida, as well as Savannah, GA and North Charleston, SC.
With flexible start dates, students can start the program any time by enrolling in one of our introductory courses. Each course takes eight weeks to complete.
The online format with options for in-person learning means students get plenty of flexibility, demonstrating that this program can essentially fit seamlessly into any student's schedule.
Q: What are some of the specific topics covered in this undergraduate coursework?
A: The curriculum is made up of a variety of courses geared toward increasing a student's knowledge of service, case management, social policy, referrals, research, facilitation, and the development of interpersonal skills to use when working with diverse and at-risk populations.
Q: Is there a field placement requirement within this human services bachelor's degree program?
A: Yes. As part of the core curriculum, you will gain practical experience through field placement at a nonprofit agency or government office. This learning experience is designed to prepare you for a wide variety of careers in human services.
The MS in Human Services Administration Degree Program
Q: Can you elaborate on the master's in human services administration degree program?
A: The human services administration graduate degree program is unique in that it provides courses on the administrative and business side of starting and running a nonprofit within the human services realm or working in a higher-level role in a government agency or for-profit business.
Q: Where is this master's degree program offered?
A: This is an online degree program in which the classes begin every eight weeks. However, students do have the option of taking courses in this particular program at the university's Ocala Education Center in Florida and the Savannah Education Center in Georgia.
Q: What are some of the topics covered in this graduate degree program?
A: The courses provide students with foundational knowledge in grantsmanship, leadership, fundraising, marketing, and creating a nonprofit. Students gain relevant skills from a competency-based curriculum to prepare them for a wide variety of careers.
Q: Is there a field placement requirement within this human services graduate degree program?
A: It is an option but not required like it is in the undergraduate program. However, it is highly recommended to help students gain real-world experience to hone their skills and narrow their career interests.
The 2+1 and 4+1 Program Tracks
Q: What is the 2+1 option for these two human services degree programs?
A: Students can earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just two years. This applies to students who transfer into the bachelor's in human services degree program with an associate degree. They can earn this BA degree in two years and go on to earn a master's in human services administration in just one additional year.
Keep in mind that students who have earned an associate degree in human services or a related field will be prioritized for admission into this 2+1 program track.
Q: What is the 4+1 option?
A: Students can earn a bachelor's in human services degree in four years and go on to attain a master's in human services administration in just one year. This means students can earn both degrees in only five years.
Q: What are the benefits to the 2+1 and 4+1 program tracks?
A: The biggest benefit is that you can save time and money by completing multiple degrees in a shorter amount of time than it would normally take for such programs.
Plus, you may be able to transition from our bachelor's program directly into our master's program more smoothly than if you were to pursue a graduate degree at another institution.
Q: How can I learn more about these human services degree programs and fast-track options?
A: You may visit the BA in Human Services program page and the MS in Human Services Administration program page to learn more about these exciting degree programs.
For additional information on the human services bachelor's and master's programs and to enroll in the 2+1 or 4+1 program tracks, please contact Jenifer McGrew at Jenifer.Mcgrew@saintleo.edu.