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Bachelor of Science in Human Services
A degree in Human Services is an interdisciplinary degree that provides students with a foundation for a better understanding of how social structures are created and how people operate within those systems. Students are taught how to conceptualize, develop, and implement programs to help address social and economic issues in a community. Students will also learn how to connect with clients in order to help them access services, programs, and skills that address their needs.
Graduates from our program can work in a variety of settings leading group activities, providing counseling or crisis intervention, and administering food banks or community or emergency programs. Program paths may also include working in treatment and recovery facilities or meeting with adults or adolescents who need help with life-planning strategies and daily-living skills. Human Services professionals provide support to people of various backgrounds, evaluating the needs of their clients and communities to aid in their wellbeing and stability.
With a strong projected job growth, careers in Human Services continue to remain in high demand. Employment is expected to grow by 17% through 2029 for Human Services professions. This is significantly higher than the average job growth in other sectors.
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Apply today!Concentrations Pathways
Addiction Studies
Our curriculum is nationally accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). This concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of addictions treatment.
Students who graduate with the Addiction Studies concentration will have all the coursework and the 1,000 professional experience hours completed to apply to become a Certified Addictions Technician (CAT). Graduates will need to pass the State Jurisprudence Exam and the NCAC I Exam in order to qualify for the CAT.
We also offer all courses required for the Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS.) See the CAT/CAS chart for more information.
Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing master-level training to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) can apply for our Master of Science in Clinical Behavioral Health, emphasis in Addictions Counseling program. Find information here.
The MSU Denver Department of Human Services and Counseling does not oversee licensure for CAT, CAS, or LAC. The state is the final authority on licensure, and students are responsible to follow state guidelines set forth by the state of Colorado. Refer to Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for more information:
http://dpo.colorado.gov/AddictionCounselor
For more information, please contact our department at [email protected].
| B.S. in Human Services, Addictions Studies | |
| General Studies | 33 |
| Human Services core courses | 31 |
| Addiction Studies concentration | 53 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Total hours | 120 |
Addiction Studies Concentration Coursework:
| Addiction Studies required courses: | |
| HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience | 4 |
| HSP 2030 – Theory and Practice of Counseling | 4 |
| HSP 2040 – Family Systems | 4 |
| HSP 3400 – Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol | 3 |
| HSP 3460 – Addiction, Immunity, and Infectious Diseases | 2 |
| HSP 3470 – Counseling the Substance Abuser | 4 |
| HSP 3660 – Advanced Motivational Interviewing and Applied Counseling Skills | 2 |
| HSP 4040 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| HSP 4320 – Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician | 4 |
| HSP 4660 – Clinical Supervision in Human Services | 3 |
| HSP 4780 – Human Services Internship II | 8 |
| HSP 4790 – Human Services Internship III | 12 |
| Total: | 53 |
A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
You must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in order to graduate and 40 of those credit hours must be upper division (3000 or 4000 level).
Note: If you are on a catalog year prior to 2020, your required coursework will be different than the information presented here. See a department advisor to review a Degree Progress Report to verify which classes you need to complete the program.
Click here to review past and present Academic Catalogs.
Mental Health Counseling
The Mental Health Counseling concentration will prepare you for a broad range of entry-level positions in the field of human services including programs for homeless populations, domestic violence shelters, group homes, family support services, hospice and a wide array of agencies that provide behavioral health support to the community. Designed to support students who want to provide direct service to a variety of populations. This concentration provides the most flexible curriculum for students who want to work in the field. Students who want to be counselors are encouraged to continue their education at the graduate level upon graduation. The Mental Health Counseling concentration is also accredited Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).
Students who want to be counselors are encouraged to continue their education at the graduate level upon graduation.
| B.S. in Human Services, Mental Health Counseling | |
| General Studies | 33 |
| Human Services Core courses | 31 |
| Mental Health Counseling concentration | 39 |
| Electives | 17 |
| Total hours: | 120 |
Mental Health Counseling Coursework:
| Mental Health Counseling required courses: | |
| HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience | 4 |
| HSP 2030 – Theory and Practice of Counseling | 4 |
| HSP 2040 – Family Systems | 4 |
| HSP 2105 – Foundations of Trauma Counseling | 3 |
| HSP 3070 – Advanced Behavioral Analysis | 3 |
| HSP 3220 – Conflict Resolution and Decision Making | 3 |
| HSP 4040 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| HSP 4320 – Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician | 4 |
| HSP 4360 – Interpersonal Psychotherapy | 3 |
| HSP 4780 – Human Services Internship II | 8 |
A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
You must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in order to graduate and 40 of those credit hours must be upper division (3000 or 4000 level).
Note: If you are on a catalog year prior to 2020, your required coursework will be different than the information presented here. See a department advisor to review a degree progress report to verify which classes you need to complete the program.
Click here to review past and present Academic Catalogs.
Trauma Studies
The concentration in Trauma Studies offers students the ability to gain practical knowledge and skills necessary for careers that serve a client population that likely has experienced trauma. Students will learn about trauma and complex trauma; the impact trauma has on overall functioning as well as treatment interventions and supportive activities for practitioners who work with this population. The concentration in Trauma Studies was designed not only to allow students choice in meeting their educational and career goals but also to prepare them well for graduate study in mental health and behavioral health programs (e.g., programs leading to an LPC, LAC, LMFT, LCSW, etc. credential).
| B.S. in Human Services, Trauma Studies | |
| General Studies | 33 |
| Human Services core courses | 31 |
| Trauma Studies concentration | 41 |
| Electives | 15 |
| Total hours: | 120 |
Trauma Studies Coursework:
| Trauma Studies courses: | |
| HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience | 4 |
| HSP 2030 – Theory and Practice of Counseling | 4 |
| HSP 2040 – Family Systems | 4 |
| HSP 2105 – Foundations of Trauma Counseling | 3 |
| HSP 3105 – Exploring the Impact of Trauma Counseling | 3 |
| HSP 3220 – Conflict Resolution and Decision Making | 3 |
| HSP 3660 – Advanced Motivational Interviewing and Applied Counseling Skills | 2 |
| HSP 4040 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| HSP 4105 – Advanced Trauma Counseling Skills | 3 |
| HSP 4320 – Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician | 4 |
| HSP 4780 – Human Services Internship II | 8 |
| Total: | 41 |
A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
You must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in order to graduate and 40 of those credit hours must be upper division (3000 or 4000 level).
Note: If you are on a catalog year prior to 2020, your required coursework will be different than the information presented here. See a department advisor to review a degree progress report to verify which classes you need to complete the program.
Click here to review past and present Academic Catalogs.
High Risk Youth Studies
The High Risk Youth curriculum is designed to prepare you to work in a variety of settings with youth, including mentoring programs, juvenile probation, diversion programs, group home settings and gang prevention. Students learn about issues that directly impact the lives of youth, skill development for interacting with youth, as well as the treatment and support network available for youth in the Denver metro area.
High Risk Youth Studies is also accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).
| B.S. in Human Services, High Risk Youth Studies | |
| General Studies | 33 |
| Human Services core courses | 31 |
| High Risk Youth Studies concentration | 41-42 |
| Electives | 14-15 |
| Total hours required for degree | 120 |
High Risk Youth Studies Coursework:
| High Risk Youth Studies required courses: | |
| HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience | 4 |
| HSP 2030 – Theory and Practice of Counseling | 4 |
| HSP 2040 – Family Systems | 4 |
| HSP 2105 – Foundations of Trauma Counseling | 3 |
| HSP 3220 – Conflict Resolution and Decision Making | 3 |
| HSP 3230 – High Risk and Offender Youth | 3 |
| HSP 3260 – Systems Serving Youth | 2 |
| HSP 4540 – Youth, Drugs, and Gangs | 2 |
| HSP 4780 – Human Services Internship II | 8 |
| Choose one of the following: | |
| CJC 3350 – Juvenile Justice and Delinquency | 3 |
| PSY 2210 – Psychology of Human Development | 3 |
| PSY 3260 – Psychology of Adolescence | 3 |
| SOC 3400 – Child and Adolescent Socialization | 3 |
| SWK 3010 – Social Work Practice with Children and Youth | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | |
| HSP 3070 – Advanced Behavioral Analysis | 3 |
| HSP 4320 – Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician | 4 |
| Total: | 41-42 |
| Recommended Electives: | |
| HSP 1470 – Addictive Experiences: Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll | 3 |
| HSP 3500 – Domestic Violence: Patterns of Relationship Abuse | 2 |
| HSP 4040 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| HSP 4200 – Child Abuse and Neglect | 2 |
| HSP 4250 – Counseling the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender Client | 2 |
| HSP 4290 – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma Informed Care | 1 |
A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
You must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in order to graduate and 40 of those credit hours must be upper division (3000 or 4000 level).
Note: If you are on a catalog year prior to 2020, your required coursework will be different than the information presented here. See a department advisor to review a degree progress report to verify which classes you need to complete the program.
Click here to review past and present Academic Catalogs.
Paramedic
Students seeking a degree in Human Services with paramedic prior learning must have completed a paramedic program and be licensed by the State of Colorado as a Paramedic.
Students receive 24 credits toward the major for their completed paramedic coursework; 8 credits count for HSP 2080, Practicum I, which is required for all Human Service majors. The other 16 credits count toward the completion of the concentration.
In order to have the credits transferred to MSU Denver, bring documentation of the license and proof completion of a paramedic program to the Chair of Human Services. The credits are only applicable if you major in Human Services.
| B.S. in Human Services, Paramedic Studies | |
| General Studies | 33 |
| Human Services core courses | 31 |
| Paramedic Studies concentration | 16 |
| Paramedic Certification | 16 |
| Electives | 24 |
| Total hours required for degree | 120 |
Paramedic Coursework:
| Paramedic courses: | |
| HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience | 4 |
| HSP 2030 – Theory and Practice of Counseling | 4 |
| HSP 2040 – Family Systems | 4 |
| HSP 4320 – Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician | 4 |
| Total: |
A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.
You must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in order to graduate and 40 of those credit hours must be upper division (3000 or 4000 level).
Note: If you are on a catalog year prior to 2020, your required coursework will be different than the information presented here. See a department advisor to review a degree progress report to verify which classes you need to complete the program.
Click here to review past and present Academic Catalogs.
For more information pertaining to our courses, please check out our course catalog.
The MSU Denver Department of Human Services and Counseling is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.
CCD Transfer Students
If you are a Community College of Denver (CCD) student who is transferring to complete a B.S. in Human Services at MSU Denver, the following are the classes that transfer directly from the CCD Human Services program into the Human Services major at MSU Denver:
HSE 106 Survey of Human Services transfers to MSU Denver as HSP 1010 Introduction to Human Services.
HSE 107 Interviewing Principles & Practices and HSE 108 Introduction to Therapeutic Systems transfer in together to MSU Denver as HSP 2030 Theory and Practice of Counseling.
HSE 205 Human Services for Groups transfers to MSU Denver as HSP 2020 Small Group Dynamics.
HSE 206 Human Services for Families transfers to MSU Denver as HSP 2040 Family Systems.
HSE 188 and HSE 288 Human Services Practicum I & II transfer in together to MSU Denver as HSP 4770 Internship I.
A maximum of 64 credits can be transferred from a community college to MSU Denver. Any additional human services coursework you take at CCD will not count towards the human service major at MSU Denver, but will applied to the total number of credits required for degree completion. We encourage you to meet with an advisor in the MSU Department of Human Services to discuss your educational goals and plans early in your educational career.
Be aware that Human Services classes fill quickly, so you should apply and be prepared to register for classes early. Summer and Fall registration typically begin in March or April. Spring registration generally begins in late October.
Meet Our Advisors
Staying connected with academic advising is one of the best ways to ensure your path to successful degree completion. We are here to support you!
Your academic advisor is
Monique Left Hand Bull
[email protected]
for General Studies, Registration, and Departmental advising
Connect with faculty for concentration and career advising. Find information here.
Scholarships
The Scholarship Center coordinates applications for a variety of scholarships for MSU Denver students. The annual application deadline is March 1st for scholarships to be used the following fall semester.
The Institute for Women’s Studies and Services coordinates workshops on how to develop successful scholarship applications and hosts a database of community-based scholarships.
Scholarship set up in memory of Dr. Branch
Comments from individuals who attended the memorial event for Dr. Branch:
“Dr. Branch had an amazing presence. He always took time for everyone no matter the position or age. He took time for me, a student hourly and made me feel my work was just as important. He was a kind and generous person. I will never forget him.”
“He suggested that I never give up, although I wasn’t doing well in his class. He told me to read the study guide at the end of the chapter, then read the chapter. My grades improved drastically in all my classes. He was a great man who cared about his students. He inspired me.”
“Charlie was a good friend and colleague. His smile brightened my day. His wisdom always powerful and spot on. His impact on Metro State is a true legacy. He will be missed.”
Scholarships for Human Services Majors
The Department of Human Services has seven scholarships for Human Services students. Awards are made on an annual basis depending on availability of funds.
To Apply: Apply through the Scholarship Center. Be sure to include your major and concentration on your application; write about your commitment to your chosen field; and address any criteria listed below in your essay.
John Donohue Endowed Scholarship is for students with a declared Addiction Studies concentration. Applicants who are in recovery must be clean and sober for a minimum of two years.
Additional Qualifications:
- minimum grade point average of 3.0
- enrolled full-time, be degree-seeking
- show financial need
- be a sophomore, junior or senior
Donald Kubacki Endowed Memorial Scholarship is for students with a declared Addiction Studies concentration. Applicants who are in recovery must be clean and sober for a minimum of two years.
Additional Qualifications:
- minimum grade point average of 3.0
- enrolled full-time
- be degree-seeking
- show financial need
- be a sophomore, junior or senior
Jan Embree-Bever Endowed Scholarship is for a student with a declared High Risk Youth concentration. Preference is given to single parents.
Additional Qualifications:
- minimum grade point average of 3.0
- show financial need
Human Services Student Memorial Endowed Scholarship is given to a major with a disability in even-numbered years and a student studying to work in the domestic violence field in odd-numbered years.
Additional Qualifications:
- minimum grade point average of 3.0
- enrolled full-time
- show financial need
Tyler Bass Endowed Scholarship is for a Human Services major in any concentration.
Additional Qualifications:
- minimum grade point average of 3.0
- enrolled full-time
- show financial need
- be a sophomore, junior, or senior
Professional Standards, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Professional Standards
The National Organization for Human Services has established standards for ethical behavior in the field of human services. Students are expected to know and follow these standards. In addition, individuals who work in the field of mental health must know and follow the Colorado Mental Health Statutes.
The Department of Human Services and Counseling has established a Professional Review Policy to provide guidance and a process to support student success in the classroom and in the field.
Human Services Professional Review Policy
In order to achieve a degree in Human Services, students are required to meet academic, personal, professional, behavioral, and ethical standards that go above and beyond the ability to pass academic classes. The goal of the Department of Human Services and Counseling is to support student academic success as well as success in the field and in graduate school. The following expectations and procedures are designed to provide guidance to support student success in the field of Human Services.
Academic Expectations: The student must maintain ethical behavior in their academic performance. Work must be original to the student. Appropriate use of citation is required for all papers. Students must maintain a C or higher in all Human Services classes within the major. Written and oral skills must be clear, organized, grammatically correct, and set a professional tone. Academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students.
Behavioral Expectations: The student must display professional conduct in the classroom, the Human Services and Counseling Office, in field placement sites and during interactions with other students, staff, and faculty. Students are expected to attend and participate in class, and be punctual. Students are expected to be able to accept and work with constructive feedback, making any changes necessary if behavioral concerns are addressed by staff, a faculty member, or by the Professional Review Team.
Personal and Professional Expectations: Students must take responsibility for their actions, be able to work independently, show diplomacy, set appropriate boundaries, operate effectively under professional ethics and codes of conduct, and demonstrate personal characteristics conducive to working in the counseling and human service profession.
Given the rigorous nature of the standards in the field of Human Services, the Department developed the following procedure to support student success.
Department faculty are encouraged to give feedback to students on an ongoing basis throughout their educational career at MSU Denver. If a faculty member has a concern about a student’s behavior, academic performance, or professional demeanor, the faculty member will meet with the student to discuss his/her observations as well as strategies for positive change. Students are expected to meet with Human Services and Counseling faculty members upon request and to respond to the feedback in a professional manner. If the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, the behavior will be reported to the Dean of Students.
If the issue is not resolved, the student refuses to meet with the faculty member, or faculty continue to note concerning behavior or issues, the Chair of the Professional Review Team and the Department Chair will be notified. The Chair of the Professional Review Team will contact the student to set up a meeting between the student, the faculty member(s) who expressed a concern, and at least one other faculty member who will facilitate the meeting. The focus of this meeting is to discuss the concern in a supportive environment and to assist the student to strategize ways to improve performance in the area of concern. The review meeting is intended to be informative rather than punitive. Students are expected to participate in review meetings. However, if a student refuses to participate with department faculty in this process, the meeting will be held and the Professional Review Team will develop recommendations relating to the concern expressed by faculty. In both cases, the student will receive a letter and/or email following the meeting that will summarize what was discussed at the meeting and will include departmental recommendations to support positive change.
If the recommendations are not followed and/or the behaviors seem to be ongoing, a follow-up review meeting will be convened. This meeting may include the student, a faculty member to chair the meeting, and any faculty who have expressed concerns about the student’s behavior. The Professional Review Team will send a written recommendation to the Department Chair following the meeting about what next steps should occur in the process. These next steps may include, but are not limited to:
•Developing a Behavioral Contract with expected outcomes and consequences clearly outlined
•Requiring counseling or some other form of appropriate intervention
•Removing a student from a specific class
•Requiring the student to meet certain expectations prior to engaging in field work classes
•Dismissing the student from the major. In this case, the student will be referred to Academic Advising to review major options or the Center for Individualized Learning to develop an individualized degree.
The Department Chair will review and implement the recommendations. The student will be informed via letter and/or email regarding the recommendations. Students are welcome to meet with the Chair for clarification on next steps in the process. Students who have concerns about the recommendations can write a letter of appeal to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies. The Dean’s decision will be final.
In addition, students will go through a formal Professional Readiness Review as part of the course requirements for HSP 2070, Pre-field Seminar. The Professional Readiness Review defines professional expectations that students must meet in order to be effective in the classroom and in the field. This process is intended to create a space for open and honest feedback and dialogue about student performance and appropriateness for the field between students and faculty in the Department of Human Services and Counseling.
Professional Expectations
Reliability: The student can be counted on. S/he is consistent in terms of attendance and punctuality and follows through on tasks and assignments.
Demonstrates a positive attitude: The student is enthusiastic about the field of Human Services and, in particular, field work and class activities, and is able and willing to cooperate with faculty, field supervisors, co-workers, other interns, other students, and the public.
Demonstrates self-awareness: The student is willing to examine his/her own feelings, values, and behaviors and is aware of his/her own strengths and challenges as well as the potential impact of his/her personal style on others.
Accepts and uses feedback for improvement: The student is responsive to feedback and responds in a professional manner (without defensiveness). S/he incorporates the feedback into future performance.
Demonstrates ethical awareness and behavior: The student demonstrates an understanding of ethical issues and a knowledge of the Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals established by NOHS. The student does not engage in activities that are contrary to the ethical standards and is able to use critical thinking skills and ethical decision making when situations are not clear-cut.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity: The student is aware of the impact of cultural diversity (in the broadest sense of the term) and is able to act in a meaningful manner that demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural competence.
Demonstrates professionalism: The student presents him/herself in a professional manner verbally, in writing, and on a nonverbal level. S/he is groomed and wears clothes that are appropriate to the context.
Demonstrates an ability to effectively handle conflict and problem solve: The student utilizes communication to effectively manage conflict, is able to access appropriate resources for assistance with conflict or life issues, and uses critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Demonstrates emotional/mental stability: The student demonstrates emotional and mental stability. If the student has a mental health issue, is in recovery, or has an unstable life situation, s/he is aware of his/her issues and is taking appropriate steps to manage the impact of the issues on his/her behavior and performance.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the market for addiction treatment is $35 billion per year. Qualified addiction professionals are in high demand, especially as much of the current American workforce is retiring and the need for treatment services continues to grow. In fact, the US Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that between 2014-2022, jobs within the addiction counseling field are projected to be significantly higher than average.
• Mental health counselors: 19%
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 22%
• Rehabilitation counselors: 9%
Graduates in the Addiction Studies concentration will have the skills and knowledge necessary for entry level positions in D.U.I. Therapeutic Education Programs, Detoxification Facilities, Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs and other environments.
According to information gathered by PayScale in 2016, here are sample compensations* for professional positions within the Addiction Treatment industry:
Substance Abuse Counselor: $32,741
Case Manager: $38,061
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor: $40,775
Licensed Professional Counselor: $46,086*
* Some positions may require a master’s degree.
Counselors help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and other relationships. Employment of mental health counselors and therapists is projected to grow 19% between 2014-2024, much faster than for other occupations.
Students in the Mental Health Counseling concentration will gain the knowledge and skills to work with clients through class work and internship. They will be prepared for a variety of entry level positions in a range of settings, including:
• Group Homes
• Hospice
• Crisis Intervention
• Victim’s services
• Mentoring Programs
• Nursing Homes
• Programs serving homeless populations
• Residential Treatment Facilities
• Domestic Violence Shelters
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for mental health counselors is $42,250.*
*To become a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a School Counselor or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker requires a master’s degree.
Counselors who work with high risk youth provide guidance, information, and often case management for youth ages 11-21. Counselors work with a wide variety of problems, including substance abuse, trauma, social skills, academic underachievement and family issues. With your degree and a concentration in High Risk Youth, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to work with young clients.
High Risk Youth counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including:
• Crisis Intervention
• Drop-out Prevention Programs
• Drug & Alcohol Prevention Programs
• Foster Care
• Gang Prevention & Intervention Programs
• Group Homes
• Juvenile Correction Facilities
• Mentoring Programs
• Juvenile Probation Programs
• Residential Treatment Facilities
• Shelters serving youth
• Outpatient
According to PayScale, the average salary for High Risk Youth Counselors is between $21,985-$39,777.
Career Resources
Career Services offers support for students exploring career options and preparing for job searches. They sponsor a variety of workshops on career topics and individualized support for resume and cover letter development, as well as provide an opportunity to do a mock interview to prepare for job interviews. In addition, they host career fairs and an online Joblink search database.
Our faculty members are happy to talk with you about the Human Services field and career paths and options. Find contact information for Concentrations/Career Advising from our faculty on this page.
“I’ve only been at my job for two days, and I can tell you that MSU Denver has already covered – in depth – everything they are teaching new employees. I have sat there thinking, ‘Wow, I already know this and had a WHOLE semester on each topic you’re covering’.”
From a recent Human Services and Counseling graduate
Board Certification
What is the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner credential?
The Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential is offered by the Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc. (CCE). It gives practitioners with a degree in Human Services independent verification of their practical knowledge and educational background.
How do I apply for the HS-BCP?
Applicants must hold a degree in Human Services and pass a national examination. Graduates from our program do not need to complete a Verification of Experience Form because our program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).
Do employers know about this credential?
Because this is a new credential, many employers may not be aware of the HS-BCP. The combined efforts of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), CSHSE, and CCE will raise awareness of the credential and the value of hiring an applicant who holds this credential.
How much does the credential cost?
The application and exam fee is $195, which includes the first year’s maintenance fee. Thereafter, the annual maintenance fee is $35.
Is continuing education required to maintain my HS-BCP?
Yes, credential holders must complete 60 clock hours of continuing education during each 5-year certification period.
How do I find more information about this certification?
Go to the Center for Credentialing & Education website for further details or call CCE at 336-482-2856.
Information for this page was used with permission from NOHS.