Counseling and Human Services
About
The Counseling and human services program prepares students for success and leadership in the “helping professions.”
Through Scranton's curriculum and experiential learning program, you'll develop the knowledge, practical skills and self-awareness to work with a diverse clientele in a variety of situations.
Why Counseling and Human Services is in Demand:
- According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*net Online, opportunities for social and human service professionals are expected to be excellent and to grow faster than average through 2024 - ranking these occupations among the most rapidly growing and with a "bright outlook."
- Strong written and verbal communication and leadership skills are valuable in any career field, as are characteristics such as patience and intuitiveness.
Is it for me?
- Are you a naturally patient and giving person?
- Is problem-solving second nature for you?
- Do you find human behavior fascinating?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Counseling and Human Services
Our internship supervisors appreciate the high degree of knowledge, skill and compassion that our CHS students bring to their community experiences.
-Lori. A. Bruch, Ed.D., CRC, LPC
Associate Professor and Department Chair
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You'll learn to:
- Enhance human development across the lifespan
- Maximize human adjustment and development with evidence-based interventions
- Provide thoughtful counsel and compassionate care
- Gain hands-on experience through internships and service
- Apply classroom lessons to provide real solutions
- Develop strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Internships
As a student in the counseling and human services program, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue two internship placements (150 and 200 hours) as well as a variety of community-based learning and extracurricular activities. You’ll explore your internship options and determine the best fit for your goals and ambitions during your Career Seminar course. The Panuska College of Professional Studies also has a placement coordinator to assist with local internship placements.
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
The counseling and human services undergraduate program trains field-ready professionals. You’ll take classes like Theories of Counseling, Case Management and Interviewing and Crisis Intervention to develop the knowledge needed to excel in your career.
There’s a strong focus on theory to practice and an emphasis on skill development.
Students tell us they appreciate the flexibility of the program and the opportunity to pursue a minor in subjects such as Spanish or psychology. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad.
Due to the high demand for bachelor’s trained and educated rehabilitation professionals, we offer a rehabilitation concentration to focus your coursework.
Click here to see the curriculum.Studying abroad was not only an amazing experience because of all the countries I visited, but also because of all the different cultures I encountered. It made me learn more about myself than I ever thought possible, and it affected the way I look at the world, which is incredibly beneficial for someone who has a future in counseling and human services.
Jillienne Cumming
Class of 2017
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
You’re making a career out of giving back – what could be more important than that? While you’re on campus, you’ll discover all the ways to get involved through our Counseling and Human Services Association (CHSA) student club and undergraduate honor society, TUA.
Emily Muhaul, Class of 2018, recently completed her first internship at Clearbrook Treatment Centers where she spent sixteen weeks working in an inpatient setting with individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Through my internship at Clearbrook, I came to understand that, as counselors, our competence in this profession is largely driven by confronting and processing our own life experiences. I lost two loved ones to suicide, and working through my experience is what led me to open my heart and mind to this profession. I not only understood the anxiety of reaching out to someone for help, but also how beautiful life can be after we have done so.
Emily Muhaul
Student in Counseling and Human Services
Careers
Where will Counseling and Human Services take me?
Through the counseling and human services program at The University of Scranton, you’ll build connections and network with human service organizations in the community. You’ll also develop practical skills and a high level of professionalism to translate seamlessly into real-world practice, wherever life takes you.
Graduate Schools
Typically, one-half to two-thirds of our graduates continue into graduate programs for counseling or social work. Some students pursue graduate studies in higher education with special interest in student affairs. One-third of these students continue their educational experience at The University of Scranton, while others attend graduate school in the tri-state area: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Employment Opportunities:
You’ll find counseling and human services graduates working a variety of jobs, including:
- Case Worker
- Family Support Case Worker
- Child Abuse Worker
- Social Service Liaison
- Mental Health Aide
- Residential Counselor
- Probation Officer
- Group Activities Aide
- Child Advocate
- Community Action Worker
- Parole Officer
- Rehabilitation Case Worker
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
Very few institutions offer an undergraduate program in counseling and human services. Through our internship placements and service-learning programs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference before you even graduate. Exceptional students even have the opportunity to jumpstart graduate studies through our accelerated program.
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Counseling and Human Services Department
Paul Datti, Ph.D., CRC, HS-BCP
Counseling and Human Services Program Director
(570) 941-4127
paul.datti@scranton.edu