Human Services Management

Credits:
120
Degree:
Bachelor of Science

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human services and the management skills needed to provide oversight and direct the activities of human services-related organizations. Students integrate the knowledge from these two disciplines, to understand the mission and scope of service delivery within multiple program models as well as the management skills necessary for the procurement of contracts and the delivery of services for community-based and residential programs. Current ethical and legal issues will be examined.

Cambridge College integrates classroom learning with applied skills through a field education placement in a community human service agency or program. Students will be introduced to management theory and effective techniques through research, theory and practice.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

Gain the skills needed to work with people in a way that preserves their dignity and builds on their strengths, empowering them to address their concerns, leading to better outcomes.
Learn to identify the needs and strengths inherent in individuals, families and communities and work to develop program services that address client needs.
Gain essential management skills, including effective professional communication, human relations, teamwork, and negotiation while creating work environments that foster corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and long-term growth.
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.
Understand the importance of valuing and respecting diversity, as one manages within the human service agency environment.
Gain skill in the analysis of complex managerial and organizational situations, taking into account the larger context, strategy, policy, ethics and justice.

Careers and Further Study

Graduates will be prepared for supervisory and mid-level management positions in the rapidly growing human services profession. Graduates will be ready for graduate study in management, human services, and social sciences.

Curriculum

General Education Courses

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.

Information Literacy

CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)

Prerequisite: CMP130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor. Information literacy is necessary for lifelong learning and career advancement. It is the ability to analyze problems, research and select relevant information, create an effective presentation from that information, and, when appropriate, publish it in print or electronic formats. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to apply principles of information literacy to their academic and professional lives. A problem-centered approach is used. Students use the Internet and e-mail news groups, file transfer and Netscape, and search engines. They learn to evaluate the credibility of information and use problem-solving paradigms.

General Education Distribution Requirements

Arts & Humanities - 6 credits

Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits

Social Sciences - 6 credits

Open Electives

Credits

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

Human Services Management Major

Credits

Required courses:

Contract Compliance & Risk Management
Human Services Management Field Education
Human Services Capstone

Introduction to Business

BSM 200 • 3 credit(s)

Students learn how American business operates. The course begins with a study of business in its broader perspective, looking at the context within which American business fits, and the investment markets which provide the capital needed to grow. The external factors influencing business development and the role business plays in the world economy are examined. The course then focuses on the internal organization and the operations of American business, highlighting major issues associated with managing functional areas of a business, such as marketing, production, technology, and supply chain management. In the later part of the course, financial management, both personal and business, and financial institutions are studied.

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 330 • 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 345 • 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.

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Abigail Dolinger

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