Program Mission Statements

Degrees:

• Early Childhood Education and Child Development (CHLD)
• Education/Special Education (ESPE)
• Social Services - Social Work (SOWK)
• Social Services - Gerontology (GERN)
• Social -Services - Mental Health (MNTL)
• Social Services - Substance Abuse (SUBS)

Certificates:

• Early Childhood Education Certificate (CHLC)
• Gerontology Certificate (CERT_HMNS)
• Social Services Certificate (CSOS)

Early Childhood Education and Child Development (CHLD)

Child development and early childhood education majors will be trained to work with families, parents, young children and those who impact the development and well being of children. Graduates will gain the skills necessary to be employed in a variety of educational and social settings.

Education and Special Education (ESPE)

Developed under the principle that students seeking careers in the field of Education and Special Education should receive high quality training, the mission of the Education/Special Education major is to present its students with a sequence of studies that is comprised of up to date research and is grounded in developing an understanding of typical and atypical development, the special education referral process, teaching methods and materials which are  applicable to Education and Special Education learning environments.

Students enrolled in the Department of Human Services Concentration of Education and Special Education will gain knowledge and skills necessary to be employed as Teacher Assistants in the public or private K – 12 schools, Early Intervention Centers, Residential Group Homes and Community Day Programs.

The Program will meet the wide-ranging needs of our diverse student population not only through rigorous academic courses, but also, through an array of required internships in a variety of field placements.

Social Services - Social Work (SOWK)

Social Work majors will be trained to be social service providers in a wide variety of agency programs and community settings with clients of all ages.

Social Services - Gerontology (GERN)

Gerontology majors will be trained to assist elder clients with daily living, physical care, recreation and supportive companionship. Graduates will gain the skills necessary to be employed in settings such as nursing homes, adult day care centers, senior centers and some hospitals.

Social Services - Mental Health (MNTL)

Mental Health majors will be trained to assist people with emotional problems and mental illness. Graduates will gain the skills necessary to be employed in group homes, hospitals, mental health agencies, community centers and assisted living programs.

Social Services - Substance Abuse (SUBS)

Substance Abuse majors will be trained in clinical skills that prepare them for employment in prevention, early intervention and rehabilitative treatment programs with adolescents and adults.

Early Childhood Education Certificate (CHLC)

Early Childhood Education Certificate students will be trained to improve their knowledge and skills in early childhood development and childcare.

Social Services Certificate (CSOS)

Social Services Certificate students will be introduced to the field of social services.