Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's B.S. in Psychology program with a concentration in Human Services is designed to teach you about issues such as drug abuse, domestic violence, and poverty, which affect many communities. By enrolling in this degree program you will have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to improve the quality of life for individuals while working cooperatively with human services agencies, families, and community-based organizations. Other topics covered in the curriculum include intergroup conflict and peace building, planning and budgeting, critical incidents and cross-agency coordination, and change and population movements across borders.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services, you should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as a desire to help communities and individuals affected by social issues. Applicants to Walden University's bachelor's degree programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; be an active member of the military or a veteran; be between the ages of 21 and 23 and have earned at least 12 transferable college credit hours; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services, you must complete 181 credits. The degree program incorporates general education courses, core courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and psychology elective courses. From the list of concentration courses below, six are required and you will choose an additional class from the remaining two listed. You also have the choice of selecting all four of the elective courses listed below or selecting any two 3000-level, 4000-level, or 5000-level classes in the School of Psychology.

Foundation Course

• Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab

Psychology Core Courses

• Psychology as a Natural Science
• Psychology as a Social Science
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Data Analysis and Presentation
• Methods in Psychological Inquiry
• Capstone: Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology

Concentration Courses

• Intergroup Conflict and Peace Building (required)
• Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination (required)
• Planning and Budgeting (required)
• Introduction to Human Services (required)
• Crisis and Intervention (required)
• Change and Population Movements Across Borders (required)
• Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence
• Human Development: Adulthood

Elective Courses

• Racial and Ethnic Identities
• Psychology of Gender
• Influence and Persuasion
• Global Perspective in Psychology

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you have finished Walden University's B.S. in Psychology program with a concentration in Human Services, you have the opportunity to pursue jobs with community centers, human services organizations, and local and federal agencies that assist individuals. As a job candidate, you should be able to demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as knowledge of best practices in handling cases that deal with drug abuse, domestic violence, and other related issues. Some potential job titles could include:

• Community advocate
• Human services policymaker
• Caseworker
• Community relations specialist

Advanced Degrees

Once you have completed Walden University's B.S. in Psychology program with a concentration in Human Services, you have the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in the field. A master's degree program in social work will likely include a clinical component as well as courses in ethnocultural issues in social work practice, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare programs and policies, and social work practice. In contrast, a master's degree program in human services administration may include courses in adult development, research methods in human services, abnormal psychology, and quantitative research methods in human services. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Master of Social Work
• Master of Science in Human Services
• Master of Science in Human Services Administration
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling