Why Major in Human Services?
The Human Services major at Northwest is designed to meet human needs through interdisciplinary knowledge, focus on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintain a commitment to improving the overall quality of life. Faculty focus on preparing students to effectively serve individuals, families, groups and communities in the human services field; communicate efficiently with clients and professionals; and develop culturally competent skills.
A career in the human service profession promotes improved service by refining accessibility, accountability and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor Statistics), careers in human services will grow up to 31 percent between the years 2012 and 2022.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read N'Niniah's story »
Career Opportunities
Below is a list of possible career opportunities and job titles:
| Career Opportunities | Job titles |
|---|---|
|
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Here is a sampling of employers hiring students:
- AmeriCorps
- Boys Town
- Gallup
- Jackson County Corrections
- Child and Family Center
- Crittenton Services
- Lake Bryn Mawr
- YMCA
- Preferred Family Healthcare
- GEO Group
- Missouri Department of Social Services
- Netsmart Technologies
- HealthFitness
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Students and faculty developed the #IWILLLISTEN Campaign in 2015 to raise awareness about mental health in a practical, safe and social environment with professional, community and campus support.
The human services major offers field experiences, internships and practicum opportunities for students to observe the real-world professional setting.
Student Organizations
The behavioral sciences organization is open to all majors and minors within the School of Health Science and Wellness. The purpose of the association is to inform students about behavioral sciences while simultaneously providing activities that are engaging and fun.
Social Science Research Group (SSRG) is a student-led research project that works together with professors to design research projects, collect data, analyze the results and present data at the Great Plains Psychology Conference.
For a full list of student organizations with in the School of Health Science and Wellness »Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions. Students from the business school have recently traveled and studied in China, Africa and Eastern Europe including Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $7,500. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $3,588 for in-state students and $9,804 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Laptop Program Information
Nearly $22 Million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Scholarship Information
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Read student stories
Graduation Rate: 90th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
