College of Professional Studies
School of Social Work:
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Course Descriptions
Core Curriculum
HMS 205 Contemporary Issues in Human Services
3 semester hours
Overview and historical perspective on issues and practice in the
human services profession. Focuses both on the individual professional
in the field (knowledge, skills, and values essential to success), and
on the various organizational contexts of human services delivery: missions,
strategies, funding, and community connection. Explores the interplay
of managerial, fiscal, political, organizational, and practice issues
in the design, delivery, management, and evaluation of human services.
No prerequisites
HMS 210 Software and Technology for Nonprofits
3 semester hours
The course provides an introduction to the fundamental microcomputer
operations and the basic skills students need to have to operate and use
microcomputers and popular software in their professional lives. Emphasis
is on the basic concepts and usage of the Internet: how to access information
from the World Wide Web, use of electronic mail (sending and receiving)
and attachments (attaching, opening and saving). Students will have hands-on
experience with an integrated software package.
HMS 220 GroupWork
3 semester hours
Principles and methods, tools, settings, and resources for the development
and delivery of successful programming in-group settings. The theory and
dynamics of groups: formation, process, roles, leadership, communication,
non-verbal behavior, the individual and the group, and issues in values
and ethics. Explores successful group work and programming in the organizational
contexts of various contemporary human services agencies.
No prerequisites
HMS 275 Sophomore Career Investigation Field
Experience Practicum
1 semester hour
The Career Investigation/Field Experience Practicum provides the student
with a supervised, professional experience to gain first hand knowledge
and understanding of a human services agency. Must be taken in the sophomore
year in combination with HMS 375 in the junior year.
Prerequisites: Students with less than 5 years of human service work
experience. Arranged with approval of the Human Services Program Director.
HMS 330 Mediation and Conflict Resolution
3 semester hours
Provides instructions and basic techniques needed to manage conflict
and effectively facilitate group decision-making. Participants will explore
the process of conflict resolution, balancing power for successful problem
solving, various communication techniques, and moving beyond impasse for
successful outcomes.
HMS 335 Development and Fundraising Strategies
for Nonprofits
3 semester hours
Overview of the development and fund raising strategies for the non-profit
human services sector. The course is designed for anyone who is directly
or indirectly involved in fund development, marketing, and special events
for nonprofit organizations. The major components of the nature of giving
will be outlined as well as the various dynamics that impact the ability
to raise money beyond the proposal and letter of request.
HMS 350 Legal Issues and Advocacy for Nonprofits
3 semester hours
Legal, risk management, and legislative issues that impact the development
and growth of nonprofit organizations. This course provides instructions
in how to create the federal exempt tax structure for the nonprofit organization,
the legislative and legal aspects of nonprofits at the local, state and
federal levels with emphasis on human resources and risk management.
HMS 375 Junior Career Investigation Field Experience
Practicum
2 semester hours
The junior level Career Investigation/Field Experience Practicum provides
the student with a supervised, professional experience to gain more first
hand knowledge and understanding of human services agency management.
They should receive an understanding of program leadership and personnel
variables regarding the economic, environmental and societal influences
that impact the operation of the agency.
Prerequisites: HMS 275. Must be taken in the junior year following
HMS 275. Arranged with approval of human services program faculty.
HMS 380 Effective Nonprofit Management
3 semester hours
Practical applications of effective management principles in the setting
of nonprofit organizations: understanding and developing one's individual
management and communication styles and skills; fostering cooperative
effort and effective teams within the organization; translating the organizational
mission into effective practice; planning; managing change; grant preparation
and other issues related to external funding; personnel and supervision
issues; evaluating organizational success.
No prerequisites
HMS 390 Assessment of Human Services Work Experience
3 semester hours
Students with 5 or more years of professional youth work and/or human
services agency experience must submit a professional portfolio for three
semester hours of academic credit. Portfolios must address the following
criteria: description of professional positions held in youth work and/or
human services agencies; verifiable documentation from agency supervisors
of work performance; successful completion of continuing education workshops
and/or certifications related to their agency work; and a summary of their
professional development and how they have used it in their work.
Prerequisites: Students who have completed 5 or more years as a human
services professional/volunteer.
HMS 400 Financial and Quantitative Basis of Management
3 semester hours
Integration of accounting principles and applications, financial management
in not-for-profit organizations, budgeting, and financial controls in
the organizational setting. Economic issues in fundraising and the government
funding of human services; community economic issues relevant to the field
of human services agencies. Statistical applications and use of internal
and external quantitative data for planning, projecting, and evaluating
human services agency management.
Prerequisites: College-level math skills as demonstrated by placement/proficiency
exam, coursework, or standardized test.
HMS 420 The Community Environment
3 semester hours
The social environment of the community and its relation to human
service issues, needs, and programming: social structures and processes,
social change, social control, and social stratification; socialization
through community organizations and institutions. The role of human services
in the community; interrelations with other institutions and with the
family structure and individual development.
No prerequisites
HMS 430 Programming, Supervision, and Evaluation
3 semester hours
Organizing, planning, managing, delivering, and evaluating recreation/activity
programs for human services agencies. Assessing needs; assuring adequate
supervision; safety risk management; setting program goals and designing
activities to meet them. Managerial issues related to the delivery of
youth recreation/activity programming in the agency setting.
No prerequisites
HMS 475 Senior Project Practicum in Human Services
3 semester hours
Senior project practicum arranged with and approval by a human services
program faculty member. The student will gain exposure to unique features
of the organization and be assigned to a specialized project designed
to impact the effectiveness of a human services agency. Projects
can focus on public relations, marketing and promotions, strategic planning,
assessment and evaluation. The student will have an opportunity to attend various meetings
such as department meetings, inter-disciplinary staffing, board meetings,
community meetings, and professional meetings. The importance of networking
with individuals inside and outside of the profession will be stressed.
HMS 499 Professional Human Services Practice
Seminar Capstone
3 semester hours
The required capstone course for all students in the Bachelor of Science
in Human Services program. Students are challenged to synthesize their
learning from the program, and to begin to develop an individualized,
ethical, and effective style of leadership in human services management.
Includes developing resources for applied scholarship in the field to
provide a foundation for continued professional growth and development.
Students prepare a graduation portfolio for presentation to a review committee
of faculty and practitioner/consultants. As part of the requirements of
HMS 499, the student's professional graduation portfolio must demonstrate
knowledge of the domains of General Education at Aurora University in
the context of their major coursework and in relation to their personal
and professional goals.
Specialization: Youth Development, Programming, and Management
REC 208 First Aid and CPR
2 semester hours
This course is designed to provide people with the knowledge and skills
necessary to prevent and treat injuries effectively and safely. The American
Red Cross curriculum for certification in Community First Aid, Adult
and Infant CPR and AED is covered. Certification in Community First Aid,
CPR, and AED will be awarded to students who qualify. Cross-listed
with PED 208.
No prerequisites.
HMS 240 Youth Development
3 semester hours
The many aspects of the development of young people through the teen
years: physical, cognitive, social, psychomotor, and the complex interaction
of the individual and the environment. Issues of health and wellness in
the younger years are covered. Emphasizes the relationship of developmental
issues to the planning, development, and delivery of appropriate youth
services in the context of the family, the community, and the larger society.
Prerequisites: HMS 220 or permission of the Human Services Program
Committee.
HMS 260 Activities for Youth Development
3 semester hours
Selection, development, adaptation, delivery, and evaluation of age-and
developmentally- appropriate activities for youth. Strategic use of activities
to promote social, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor youth development.
Supervision, risk management, and adaptation to special needs. Assists
students to develop a diverse repertoire of purposeful activities based
on principles of youth development.
Prerequisites: HMS 220 and HMS 240 or permission of the Human Services
Program Committee.
HMS 340 Effective Organization and Managerial
Communication
3 semester hours
Developing professional skills and strategies for effective written,
interpersonal, and presentational communication, both within the organization
and with external audiences. Communication as a managerial tool. Designing
and developing effective outreach materials and employee communications;
use of print and electronic media and adaptation to emerging digital technology.
Grant preparation and other strategic communication with external audiences.
Identifying and developing individual communication style and strategies
for effective supervision and community relations.
No prerequisites
HMS 360 Diversity and Special Populations
3 semester hours
Understanding the many dimensions of diversity and special needs in
communities, and developing strategies for appropriate design and delivery
of human services in response to this diversity. Legal and ethical issues
in serving special populations. Issues in program design and development;
innovative program design; evaluation of program effectiveness. Working
with families and communities to celebrate diversity and meet special
needs in human services.
No prerequisites
Selected Topics
HMS 381 ST: Successfully Leading Change
3 semester hours
Students will develop skills, which will help them to design and support
the effective implementation of change. Discussions will offer insight
into the dynamics of change and discuss approaches for navigating the
change process. Students will review current ideas and theories on effective
change leadership and examine examples of large-scale transformation.
They will discuss core competencies for dealing with change and bringing
about lasting, positive systemic changes in organizations. Students will
also discuss individual leadership styles, the effective use of teams,
appropriate motivational incentives and employee empowerment.
HMS 381 ST: Project Implementation
3 semester hours
Principle focus is on the effective management of the manager's work
related projects. Coursework offers insight into the dynamics of effective
management of any project. Participants will review ideas and theories
on achieving consensus between team members, meeting deadlines, and understanding
and implementing the steps for managing successful projects.
Return to B.S. in Human Services page
For more information about the Human Services program,
please contact:
Cheryl
Baldwin
Aurora University
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
630-844-4227
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