Bachelor of Arts in Human Services

A Bachelor of Arts in Human Services is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to work in the social service field, drawing upon the social sciences and humanities as well as the disciplines of social work, counseling, sociology (including criminology), psychology and business. Students learn how to identify the needs of individuals, families, and communities, the services that they are entitled to, and to effectively deliver such services. Graduates are qualified for entry-level careers in social work, counseling, case management, juvenile justice and other professions, as well as continuing their studies in graduate programs in social work, counseling, and public administration. Employers likely include schools, hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.  

A Bachelor of Arts in Human Services aligns with Rivier University’s mission “to transform hearts and minds to serve the world,” its “respect for all people” and its charge to members of the Rivier community to “take responsibility for ourselves and for others, and to engage in dialogue about basic human issues facing society, especially the plight of the poor and powerless.”

Program Learning Outcomes 

1. Analyze foundational concepts in social services at the societal, political and moral level.
2. Integrate and apply multiple perspectives from the humanities and social sciences to identify the needs of individuals and groups receiving, or entitled to, various forms of social services.
3. Communicate effective strategies and policies at the individual and community level for various human service programs to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, oral, and digital formats.
4. Develop the skills necessary to effectively support clients receiving various types of social service programs, ensuring ethical practice in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching, while preparing for professional service upon graduation.
5. Demonstrate readiness to coordinate and manage activities of social service programs and community outreach, including through collaboration with colleagues and community stakeholders.