Deidra Kelly (Director)

In collaboration with Whitworth's College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Continuing Studies offers a B.A. in human services. This interdisciplinary degree builds on the strength of a liberal arts core curriculum, with specialized coursework designed to prepare students for impactful roles in human services. This comprehensive program is crafted to foster a holistic understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of human services in the context of contemporary practice. By combining curriculum in communication, sociology, political science and more, graduates of the human services program are equipped to serve their communities with cultural competence, effective communication skills and strong ethical conduct.

Human Services Program Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Continuing Studies does not guarantee admission to the Whitworth Human Services Degree Program. In addition to being admitted to the School of Continuing Studies, prior to beginning the human services major, students must:

• Complete a minimum of 60 semester credits, either by transfer or at Whitworth, with a grade-point average of 2.0 or above
• Provide a current résumé
• Complete an admission interview with the director of the human services program

Admission Evaluation for Human Services Program

The final determination of admission into the human services program is made by the director of the program, in consultation with continuing studies advisors and staff. This decision may be based on prior coursework, recommendations from prior instructors, a personal interview, business aptitude, ability to work well in a cohort-based program, and grade-point average. Applicants will receive notification of their admission status from the School of Continuing Studies.

Learning outcomes of this major are as follows.

Students will be able to:

1. Articulate and critically assess the historical and theoretical basis of human services in the context of current practice
2. Demonstrate personal reflection on one’s role in the context of the helping professions
3. Apply general theories and practice of group communication
4. Understand ethical and legal issues specific to social service engagement
5. Articulate the intersection between faith and social service practice
6. Demonstrate cultural competence and its benefits to effective stewardship