Thumbnail
Undergraduate

Human Services

Rooted in an ethic of care and compassion and dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities, this program encompasses a diverse range of professions focused on helping others thrive.

Why Study Human Services at Assumption?

Whether advocating for social change towards equity and accessibility for those we serve, providing crucial direct support to vulnerable populations, or shaping policies for positive change, Human Services graduates are equipped with the skills and passion to make a difference. From counseling and case management to organizational leadership to advocacy and community development, a career in Human Services offers endless opportunities to create meaningful change and foster a brighter future for all.

Supporting and Affirming the Potential of All People

A degree in human services is for you if you care deeply about supporting and affirming people on their journey to health, optimal functioning, and wellbeing. A human services major understands the potential that all people have and works to support individuals, families, communities, organizations, and social settings at large.  

Students may choose to work on the individual and interpersonal level or engage in social-level change through advocacy, research and policy development. 

Research Opportunities

Working with a faculty mentor, students have conducted research on:

This degree at Assumption University combines theoretical knowledge and theory-driven skills classes along with a semester-long full-time internship that will prepare you for either a career in Human Services or graduate school in a number of disciplines including child life, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, and many more. 

NACP

Students who complete the course, HUS/SOC/CRM 301 Victim Advocacy: Working with Survivors of Violence will be eligible, at minimum, for the NACP Provisional Credential, but potentially at a higher level of Credentialing based upon their verifiable field experience. For more information, please visit the NACP.

Program Contact

Cinzia Pica, Ed.D.

Director of the Women’s Studies Program, Professor, Human Services
508-767-7306 Switzer Building - Room 109

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
100%
Human Services graduates complete a full-time internship
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • The major in Human Services requires 13 courses and provides a strong undergraduate foundation for graduate professional education in a variety of health and human service-related fields, including adjustment counseling, counseling psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, school psychology, social work, special education, and speech-language pathology. 

    HUS 119 Introduction to Health and Human Services
    HUS 121 Human Development Across the Lifespan
    HUS 200 Addictions, Etiology, Assessment & Treatment 
    HUS 201 Culturally Responsive Practice in Human Services 
    HUS 210 Medical Aspects of Human Functionality   
    HUS 230 Applied Interviewing Skills 
    HUS 310 Group Work Strategies in Human Service Practice 
    HUS 315 Fundamentals of Research Literacy and Program Evaluation 
    HUS 320 Psychosocial Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy 
    HUS 340 Principles of Case Management
    HUS 420 Family Systems  
    HUS 421/HUS 435 Grief and Loss/Crisis Intervention 
    HUS 490 Internship in Human Services

    Course Descriptions

  • The  minor consists of six courses, four of which are required. The remaining two are Human Services courses of the student’s choice that suit their individual interests and career objectives. Students also have the opportunity to customize a minor based on their interests.

    Required Courses

    HUS 119 Introduction to Health and Human Services
    HUS 230 Applied Interviewing Skills
    HUS 340 Principles of Case Management
    HUS 400 Individual in the Community (Field Placement for non-majors)

    Two other HUS courses

    Course Descriptions

    1. To acquire theoretical knowledge and understanding of the interconnectedness of human service systems at various levels, encompassing individual, interpersonal, group, family, organizational, community, and societal dynamics. 
    2. Acquire the skills to assess client needs, design and execute appropriate interventions, and evaluate their outcomes. 
    3. Develop an understanding of the diversity of human experiences and cultivate the ability to work professionally, ethically and effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and needs.   
    4. Develop the ability to identify, evaluate, and effectively use relevant information from various sources in human services practice. 
    5. Develop essential interpersonal skills necessary for providing effective care and fostering collaboration within the human services field. 
    6. To acquire the leadership skills to ethically guide teams, advocate for clients, and proficiently navigate the administrative aspects of human services delivery. 
  • A significant distinction of Assumption’s Human Service’s curriculum is a required internship that enables students to develop and refine the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for working as a human service professional. Students complete a 400-hour internship in a human service setting where they are supported and supervised by a faculty member as well as other personnel. Graduate admission officers and employers remark on the importance and value of this undergraduate experience.

Faculty and Staff

Cinzia Pica, Ed.D.
Director of the Women’s Studies Program Professor, Human Services
Mark Leary
Adjunct Professor, Human Services
Alison J. Myette, MS, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor of Practice, Human Services
Ryan T. Paskins, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Practice, Rehabilitation Counseling Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling
Susan Sabelli
Clinical Coordinator, Health and Human Services
Gary R Senecal, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Human Services
Temperence Staples
Adjunct Faculty, Human Services
Alexandria Marie Vassallo
Adjunct Faculty, Human Services
Christian (Scannell) Williams, Ph.D., LMHC
Assistant Professor of Human Services
Michael O. Wood
Adjunct Faculty, Human Services

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Career Paths

American Red Cross

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Catholic Social Services

Department of Youth Services

Devereux School

Genesis Club

Jewish Health Care

Public Schools of Massachusetts

Youth Opportunities Upheld

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Upcoming Events


Dual Degree Programs

Apply as a high school senior to an undergraduate and graduate program with one application. If admitted, you will be enrolled in both programs - allowing you to seamlessly transition from your undergraduate studies into one of our graduate programs. We offer the following dual degree programs:

Programs Related to Human Services