The field of human services exists to address a wide range of fundamental human needs, including health, wellbeing, safety, and security. A few examples of human services careers include:
- Law enforcement officers, sheriffs, and state patrol officers
- Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and rescue workers
- Social workers and adoption caseworkers
- Substance abuse counselors and mental health technicians
- Health inspectors and EHS consultants
A common element in many jobs that help people is working to improve the overall quality of life for individuals and communities. According to the National Organization of Human Services, the objective of modern human services professionals and organizations should be to enhance service delivery systems by continually improving both quality and accessibility. Achieving this objective requires ongoing coordination between professionals and the various human services agencies within both the public and private sectors.
Social workers, firefighters, non-profit administrators, and other human services professionals are all vital to the communities they serve. Without these individuals and the organizations they work for, many members of the community could face greater hardship.
Colorado State University offers several online human services degrees, certificates, and courses that can help you gain skills to advance in your current career or prepare for a new opportunity.
Human Services Degrees
Study online, learn from experienced practitioners in your field of interest, and start earning the credentials you need to achieve your career goals.
Expand your knowledge of individual and family development, including key biological, psychological, and sociological concepts. Combine coursework and field experience as you explore the ways family, community, and society can affect human development throughout the entire lifespan.
Gain valuable administrative and leadership skills as you earn your bachelor’s degree. Expand your knowledge as an emergency services professional by studying topics like current trends in fire science technology, emergency management strategies, budgeting, and human resources.
Start integrating contemporary research into your practice to better serve individuals, families, and communities. Gain valuable skills and field experience as you work within a social services organization. Classes are offered in-person and online.
Learn the strategic approaches that will allow you to successfully facilitate adult training and educational programs. Apply what you learn in the online classroom to your own work environment, bringing your reflections back to share with classmates.
Human Services Graduate Certificates
In addition to degrees, Colorado State University also offers several online graduate certificates related to the human services field.
Prepare to confidently step into clinical practice in today's challenging behavioral health setting with this three-course graduate certificate. Sharpen your diagnostic abilities with clinical skills training, understand recent changes to industry diagnosis standards, and utilize practical insights from trauma-informed care training.
Develop conflict resolution skills that can benefit you professionally in a variety of industries, and personally in everyday situations accompanied by tension, stress, and confrontation. Learn the process of mediation, including the specific steps needed to come to a formal, written resolution.
Get specialized training for working with members of the military, veterans, and military families. Learn to identify and assess common clinical diagnoses, interventions, and treatments within the military community.
Get training in nonprofit administration from a human services perspective. Gain specialized skills in board development, program architecture, staffing, volunteer recruitment, and more.
Prepare to face the unique challenges of school social work with knowledge of policy and intervention. Explore topics that include working with people who have disabilities, conflict resolution and mediation, family power dynamics, and social work ethics.
