Health and Human Services

Program Overview

The Health and Human Services program at the University at Buffalo equips students with a strong foundation in social sciences, psychology, and human services. It offers flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests in child and family studies, community mental health, or social gerontology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, fostering an understanding of diverse populations and their needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Health and Human Services (HHS) at the University at Buffalo (UB)

is a program designed for individuals passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on individuals and communities. It equips students with science-based knowledge and a broad interdisciplinary perspective to become effective advocates for various populations, including children, seniors, and individuals with mental health challenges.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a strong foundation in social sciences, psychology, and human services.
• Develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Foster an understanding of diverse populations and their needs.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for and serve individuals and communities.

Description:

The HHS program offers a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Students typically begin with introductory courses in psychology, human services, and medical ethics, followed by more advanced coursework in areas like communications, sociology, and global gender studies. During their junior year, students choose a concentration:

• Child and Family Studies: Focuses on the development, well-being, and challenges faced by children and families.
• Community Mental Health: Emphasizes mental health issues, service delivery, and advocacy for individuals with mental health needs.
• Social Gerontology: Explores the aging process, the needs of older adults, and policies and programs designed to support them.
In addition to concentration-specific coursework, the program includes interdisciplinary courses that teach students to integrate knowledge from various fields to address complex social issues.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, social work
• Human Services: Introduction to human services, human development, social policy, research methods
• Health: Public health, health care systems, health disparities
• Concentration-specific courses:
• Child and Family Studies:
Child development, family dynamics, child welfare, early childhood education
• Community Mental Health:
Mental illness, mental health services, crisis intervention, advocacy
• Social Gerontology:
Aging process, social issues of aging, long-term care, policy analysis

Structure:

• Semester-based program
• Typically completed in four years
• Includes a required internship
• Option to study abroad

Course Schedule:

• Courses offered throughout the day, evenings, and online
• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate working students

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Human Services: Provides an overview of the field of human services, its history, values, and ethical principles.
• Human Development: Explores the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of individuals across the lifespan.
• Social Policy: Examines the role of government in addressing social problems and the development and implementation of social programs.
• Research Methods: Introduces students to the principles and methods of social science research.
• (Concentration-specific modules):
• Child and Family Studies:
Child development, family dynamics, child welfare, early childhood education
• Community Mental Health:
Mental illness, mental health services, crisis intervention, advocacy
• Social Gerontology:
Aging process, social issues of aging, long-term care, policy analysis

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams: Midterm and final exams assess students' understanding of course material.
• Papers: Research papers and essays allow students to demonstrate their ability to analyze and synthesize information.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings or case studies to their peers and faculty.
• Internship evaluation: Supervisors assess students' performance in their internship placements.

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding: Students demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and theories covered in the course.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Students are able to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and solve problems effectively.
• Communication: Students effectively communicate their ideas in written and oral form.
• Professionalism: Students demonstrate professionalism in their interactions with faculty, peers, and clients.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures: Professors engage students in discussions and encourage active participation.
• Small group seminars: Students work closely with faculty and peers to discuss course material and complete assignments.
• Case studies: Students analyze real-world cases to apply course concepts to practical situations.
• Guest speakers: Professionals from различных