Counseling and Human Services
About
The counseling and human services program prepares students for success and leadership in the human services.
Through Scranton's curriculum and experiential learning program, you'll develop the knowledge, practical skills and self-awareness to work with a diverse clientele across the lifespan.
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 2029 – 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.
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Counseling and Human Services
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Success plus 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 Leahy College of Health Sciences also has a placement coordinator to assist with local internship placements.
I had the privilege of interning at AseraCare Hospice and West Scranton Intermediate School (WSIS) during my time in the CHS undergraduate program. My internships allowed me to work with vastly different populations, thus introducing me to many potential career paths. Being the indecisive person that I am, thoughts about what to do after graduation seemed a bit unsettling to me. But this [WSIS] internship showed me what I was born to do...become a School Counselor.
Zachary T. Richard
CHS, Class of 2020
What You'll Learn plus 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 minors in subjects such as Spanish, psychology or criminal justice. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad.
Due to the high demand for bachelor’s trained and educated rehabilitation professionals, we offer a number of disability, substance abuse and veterans related courses to help tailor your degree.
Click here to see the curriculum.I have learned so much about other people, which has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the world. I have enriched this knowledge with immersive experiences through domestic outreach, community-based learning and my internship. I feel that my experiences at The University of Scranton have prepared me to be not only a competent and successful human service professional, but also a better person.
Meghan Pratt
Class of 2020
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Difference plus 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.
The Counseling and Human Services Department does an incredible job of shaping their students to be impactful in their personal and professional lives. This is accomplished through the teachings of the knowledgeable and authentic professors, as well as the experience students get in the field. My time serving in the community and my internship at Marley’s Mission gave me skills and perspectives that take what we learn in the classroom one step further.
Grace F. Dickson
CHS, Class of 2020
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, human resources, child life cases speciality and law school. About 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
- Outreach Specialist
- Child Abuse Worker
- Human Services Program Specialist
- Mental Health Technician
- Residential Counselor
- Probation Officer
- Social Services Assistant
- Child Advocate
- Social Work Associate
- 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