Human Services Major, B.S.

Core Classes for Major:

Addiction Studies Concentration:

This concentration will provide students with broad knowledge and skills that are in all behavioral health services. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for certification in Colorado as an addiction counselor (CAC I). The counseling skills, training and knowledge that students receive are on the cutting edge of evidence-based outcome studies and best practices. Graduates attain skills and attitudes necessary to function as professional addiction counselors and that may lead to national certification.

Domestic Violence Counseling Concentration:

A concentration in domestic violence counseling provides the student with a broad knowledge base through the core classes in human services, and with knowledge and skills essential for working with perpetrators and victims of abuse. The courses included in this concentration are based on the Standards for Treatment with Court Ordered Domestic Violence Offenders, established by the Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board of the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

High Risk Youth Studies Concentration:

This concentration prepares the human services professional to work in a variety of settings that serve high risk youth. Some possible program locations include outpatient counseling, institutional settings, juvenile corrections, schools, mentoring sites, and child protection. Students are also encouraged to have an understanding of substance abuse, domestic violence, and trauma as part of their degree program, due to the strong overlap between high risk youth behaviors and these issues.

Mental Health Counseling Concentration:

The Mental Health Counseling concentration teaches students about counseling theory and develops client interaction skills to assist clients to cope with life’s personal and emotional challenges. This concentration prepares students for entry-level employment in community mental health, nonprofit counseling agencies, employee assistance programs, and general human service delivery systems under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals.

Students are encouraged to pursue graduate education in a variety of areas, including human services, counseling, psychology, social work direct services, addiction counseling, marriage and family, and pastoral counseling programs. Students should note that professional counseling licensure requires the completion of a graduate degree, passing a comprehensive examination, and completing a period of practice supervised by a licensed mental health professional.

Nonprofit Studies Concentration:

This concentration provides both degree-seeking and career advancement professionals with the academic background and management skills necessary to become effective managers in a variety of nonprofit settings.

Paramedic Concentration:

The paramedic concentration is designed for students interested in combining their academic experience with paramedic training. MSU Denver does not offer the paramedic curriculum. Students selecting this concentration must complete the paramedic aspect of the program at the Paramedic School at the Denver Health Medical Center and must obtain a valid and current paramedic certificate from the State of Colorado. Training at the Denver Health Paramedic School transfers into the department as follows: 8 credits for HSP 2080 and 16 credits for concentration electives.