Human Services gerontology course work at York College

Human Services Major

If helping others is at the core of everything you want out of a career, a degree in human services is the perfect choice - and at York College, you'll get your chance to help people early and often.

Human Services is a wide-ranging industry, including careers in case management, community outreach, advocacy, social service, and beyond. Professionals in this field combine compassion with policy and process. They guide and support individuals and communities in need, while navigating complex systems. When you earn a bachelor's degree in Human Services, you will begin a career full of personal rewards as your work helps to improve the lives of others.

In York College's Human Services degree program, you'll master the fundamentals of effectively helping diverse populations, as well as the art of advocacy. You'll have the opportunity to personalize your bachelor's degree to your unique interests and goals by choosing one of our specialty areas of study:

  • Children and Families
  • Gerontology
  • Not-For-Profit Management

With hands-on projects and small class sizes, you'll get to know the faculty in the Human Services program—and they'll get to know you, offering advice and support they've gained over years of experience in the field. Human Services majors take on real-world issues and are typically engaged in the community by sophomore year.

Through a strong focus on skill development and hands-on experience, the Human Services major provides you with the experience you need to excel in the workplace. Download a transcript of this video.
Helping others is at the core of human services careers.
Helping others is at the core of what you'll do with a human services degree.

Your Future InHuman Services

With an aging population and demand for mental health and health-related services on the rise, graduates of the BS in Human Services program can expect to see great opportunities in this field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% job growth through 2029. Most human service organizations are government agencies or non-profits. While some exist to serve many populations, there are also many organizations that specialize in helping at-risk populations overcome specific issues. As a human services professional, you may find yourself in fields like:
  • Community outreach and advocacy
  • Mental health services
  • Social services
  • Human resources
  • ...and much more

StudentOpportunities and Experiences

Doing hands-on classwork also involves doing research projects in human services
Research Projects
Do research alongside Human Services faculty, and take courses that let you dive into local research that helps the community.
York College is the leader in offering a new dementia-focused validation course.
Validation Course
York is the first in the country to offer a credit course on Validation, a method of communicating with people with dementia.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of job can I get with a bachelor's in Human Services?

    A degree in Human Services prepares you for a wide range of careers. At York College, our Human Services program offers students the opportunity to specialize in the area that interests them most: children and families, gerontology, or not-for-profit management.

    Many graduates go on to work for government organizations or non-profits that serve communities and/or support at-risk populations. As a professional in the field of human services, you may take on roles like:

    • Abuse and domestic violence prevention advocate
    • Adult care worker
    • Caseworker
    • Community outreach worker
    • Family advocate
    • Human resources representative
    • Juvenile justice case manager
    • Legal and victim assistance specialist
    • Mental health aide
    • Residential counselor
    • Social service liaison

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Contact Us
Psychology Department
Jennifer Engler, Ph.D., Chair
Appell Life Sciences, Room 316
Phone: 717.815.1550
jengler@ycp.edu
Hours:
Contact for appt.