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Human Services Management

  • Credits:
    120
  • Degree:
    Bachelor of Science

Program Description

Develop the management skills to oversee and direct the activities of human services related organizations. The Human Services Management program integrates classroom learning with applied skills through a field education placement in a community human service agency or program. Designed for adult learners, the degree in human services management is offered through convenient day, evening, weekend, and online classes.

What Is Human Services Management?

Human services management involves the leadership and administration of any of the wide variety of organizations that provide support services for people and communities. As part of the human services management curriculum, you’ll gain an understanding of the mission and scope of service delivery within multiple program models. You’ll also develop the management skills necessary for the procurement of contracts and the delivery of services for community-based and residential programs.

Cambridge College Human Services Program Highlights

Is your passion helping others? If so, human services management offers a wide variety of rewarding career options. This hands-on bachelor’s program combines research, theory, and practice to give you the training you’ll need to excel in the field.

  • Real-world training. Field experiences will take your education beyond the classroom, giving you opportunities to provide counseling, advocacy, research, and other services, and then document and reflect on your activities. The program also includes a research intensive final capstone project.
  • Day, evening, weekend, and online classes. Cambridge College offers flexible course options to meet the needs of working professionals. Talk to a Cambridge College academic advisor to start planning a course of study that works for you.
  • Affordable tuition. Rated one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States, Cambridge College offers a world-class education at an exceptional value.
  • Experienced faculty. Cambridge College faculty are experienced human services professionals and dedicated, accessible teachers who are here to help you succeed.
  • Great location. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free parking for students. 

Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from over 50 different countries around the world. We were recently ranked #7 for Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews. Cambridge College also offers scholarships, clubs, organizations, and associations for ethnic groups.

Human Services Management Program Learning Outcomes

As a human services management major, you’ll learn to identify the needs and strengths inherent in individuals, families, and communities, and work to develop program services that address client needs.

You’ll gain essential management skills, including effective communication, human relations, teamwork, and negotiation skills, while creating work environments that foster corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and long-term growth. You’ll understand the importance of valuing and respecting diversity, along with current ethical and legal issues.

You’ll also gain a theoretical and practical understanding of service delivery, often to very vulnerable persons, and the professional demands of creating and maintaining effective business processes and organizational systems. This includes analyzing complex managerial and organizational situations, taking into account the larger context, strategy, policy, ethics, and justice.

Jobs in Human Services Management

Health and human services is a rapidly growing field, with a high demand for skilled management professionals.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for supervisory and mid-level management positions in human services. Job opportunities include:

  • Case manager
  • Family engagement manager
  • Human resource manager
  • Social services program manager
  • Human services program director

The bachelor’s program is also excellent preparation for graduate study in management, human services, and social sciences.

Example Human Services Management Courses

  • Understanding Family and Community Systems
  • Human Resource Management
  • Community Building Principles and Strategies
  • The Art of Advocacy, Skills for Policy and Service Delivery

Download the Human Services Management program sheet.

Human Services Management Scholarships and Financial Aid

Get financial assistance to help pay for your degree. In addition to scholarship opportunities, you might also be eligible for federal and state grants, loans, and other types of financial aid.

The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about applying for financial aid. 

Related Programs at Cambridge College

If you’re still exploring undergraduate degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:

Human Services Bachelor’s Degree
Management Studies Bachelor's Degree Program
Health Care Management Degree

Curriculum

General Education Courses
42
Credits

WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.

Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 • 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group col­laboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 • 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 • 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
College Writing II
WRT 102 • 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
Digital Literacy
CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor. Digital literacy is the ability to find, use, and share information using technology in order to excel in a digital world. Students will practice using a range of digital tools, including tools for searching and evaluating information and for creating and communicating digitally. Students will learn to select and use appropriate digital tools for a variety of settings including the classroom and workplace. Ethical and effective use of information will contribute to students’ identities as effective digital citizens.
General Education Distribution Requirements

Arts & Humanities - 6 credits

Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits

Social Sciences - 6 credits

Open Electives
36
Credits

Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals. (Course prerequisites must also be met.)

Human Services Management Major
42
Credits

Required courses:

  • Human Services Capstone
Organizational Communication
BSM 203 • 3 credit(s)

This course focuses on developing the communication skills necessary to be an effective member of an organization. Students will apply basic communication principles to the creation of effective business documents and oral presentations. The role of communication in team building and the use of technology to enhance messages will also be emphasized.

Principles of Managing Organizations
BSM 305 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the evolution of traditional and modern management theories, practices and behaviors for planning, organizing, leading and controlling in organizations, and considers the contemporary and changing forces that challenge the practice of management. It helps students understand the importance of the environment in which managers function, and explores the processes of strategic, operational and tactical planning. It considers various organizational structures, the contexts for which they are best suited, and the role of communication, decision-making and leadership in managing organizations. It also discusses the principles of organizational control and the role of control systems in improving organizational productivity and efficiency.
Diversity in the Workplace
BSM 315 • 3 credit(s)
This course looks at the significance of diversity in management and the implications of diversity for how organizations are organized and how they function. The changing demographics of the workplace are examined and the significance of diversity for domestic and international business are discussed. Organizational approaches to diversity are examined and analyzed. The course attempts to engage differences within the class and help students develop leadership skills for managing diversity, including consensus building, conflict resolution and talking through differences.
Financial Accounting
BSM 204 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces the principles that govern financial accounting systems and the income statement and balance sheet that are the principal end products. Students learn how accounting information is used to evaluate the performance and financial status of private, non-profit and public organizations. The course emphasizes the use of accounting information by managers within the organization and by shareholders, lenders, and other outside parties. Basic accounting terms and concepts, and the language of financial management are presented as well as the essentials of the accounting process. The course also builds an awareness of the ethical, information and regulatory environment of accounting.
Human Resource Management
BSM 335 • 3 credit(s)
This introductory course surveys what current and aspiring general managers need to know about personnel and human resource management in business and nonprofit organizations. It is for students who are exploring career opportunities in personnel management rather than experienced personnel specialists. The course covers staff recruitment and selection, performance evaluation, compensation, and management training. It considers the impact of human resource policies on productivity, employee morale and turnover. It also covers the promotion of equal employment opportunity, with discussion of recent court decisions, government regulations, and technical advances that affect the personnel management function.
Grant Writing and Fund Raising
BSM 402 • 3 credit(s)
A critical skill in business, especially for non-profit organizations, is the ability to raise money by fund raising and grants. This covers the planning and proposal development phases of grant writing, strategies for fund raising, identifying and qualifying potential donors, and grant administration. Hands-on activities provide practice in the skills of grant preparation.
Entrepreneurship
BSM 410 • 3 credit(s)
Entrepreneurship explores the challenges and rewards of operating a small business. Areas studied include opportunity evaluation, location, marketing, financing, organizing and operating start-up and small business. Of special interest are the issues of success and growth management.
Business Ethics
BSM 441 • 3 credit(s)
Business Ethics provides an in-depth understanding of the ethical, social and political context of organizations today. It approaches social problems with an ethical framework for choosing among alternative courses of action. The course emphasizes the application of ethical reasoning to real business and management situations, problems and decision-making.
Introduction to Human Services
BHS 305 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of the history, philosophies, structures and systems of delivery for human services. Drawing from a variety of resources including case studies, students learn what the programs are, whom they serve, and how they work; they explore protocols and procedures to evaluate their success. Particular attention is paid to questions of poverty and wealth and their impact upon public welfare. Students become familiar with ethical issues involved in working with different populations and communities, and consider the implications for public policy.
Understanding Family & Community Systems
BHS 315 • 3 credit(s)
This course builds on systems thinking by applying systemic concepts to understand the makeup and functioning of families and communities. Students review the characteristics and interrelationships among family and community systems, and learn how to assess their respective strengths, resources, needs, and coping strategies. Local community issues impacting families, such as kinds of employment opportunities and unifying traditions on the one hand, and violence and discrimination on the other, are addressed. Students use assessment models to look at their own life situations such as job, family, neighborhood. Students interact with their peers and others seeking to make an impact with families and communities.
Community Building Principles & Strategies
BHS 320 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces the history, theory, and practice of community building in order to increase the effectiveness of people working to improve their communities. It increases students’ capacity and engagement in community planning, advocacy, organizing, decision-making and evaluation. The fundamental principles of community building are explored: Such as incorporating those directly affected by policies at the heart of dialogue and community building; valuing racial and cultural diversity as the foundation for wholeness; promoting active citizenship and political empowerment, building on community strengths and assets; ensuring access to fundamental opportunities and removing obstacles to equal opportunity; supporting and enhancing the well-being of children and their families; fostering sustained commitment, coordination and collaboration based on a shared vision and mutual respect. This course is based on The Boston Community Building Curriculum, developed by the Boston Foundation and currently being implemented by Interaction Institute for Social Change.
The Art of Advocacy, Skills for Policy and Service Delivery
BHS310 • 1 credit(s)

Advocacy is an art which integrates policy and passion with the skills of communication, social intelligence and change analysis to achieve a better world. Students will recognize how they already engage in advocacy while exploring systems and institutional level advocacy for social change. Each student will outline an advocacy campaign based on a social issue they have selected. The class will visit the Massachusetts State House and other sites. Students will communicate advocacy actions they have undertaken.

Contract Compliance and Risk Management for Human Service Programs
JUS 360 • 1 credit(s)
This course examines the clinical, personnel and environmental dynamics present within human service programs and the legal, fiscal and ethical responsibilities program leadership assumes to identify situations that may require immediate intervention. Students learn to develop and implement pro-active harm reduction strategies in order to achieve fiscal and programmatic contract compliance.
Human Services Field Education I
BHS 470 • 4 credit(s)
Human services field education gives students opportunity to practice knowledge and skills gained in the classroom, and to become familiar with the structure and functioning of organizations and community agencies. Under agency supervision, students provide counseling, advocacy, research, information, referral, and similar services, and then document and reflect on their activities. The accompanying seminar includes students from varied placements, who give and receive feedback on case presentations and agency and organization issues. All field sites must be approved in advance by the concentration director and close ties are maintained between the agency supervisor and the course instructor. Students wishing to use their place of employment as a site should contact the concentration director to start the approval process before signing up for this course. The parameters (number of hours, days, etc.) are negotiated between the site, the student, and the College; and a joint contract is signed. Site supervisors must be immediately available to students, and must provide weekly individual or small group supervision. Students should be at their field sites approximately 6-8 hours a week and participate in a 2-hour/week seminar. Satisfactory completion requires satisfactory work at the site and the College seminar. HS Field Education II continues HS Field Education I or covers a new or special situation; offered as a focused study.
Download Program Sheet

Program Chair

Jeff.Lokey@cambridgecollege.edu

Pages

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
    Apply Online Now
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)

Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

 

School Requirements

See Admissions Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

For the MEd in Interdisciplinary Studies, see Graduate Education Programs Admission Requirements

International Students 

International students need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit

Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more about transferring credits.

Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.

 

Tuition

  • Credits:
    120
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $502
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
  • Health Insurance Fee:
    $3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.

see all fees

Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more

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