Lander to offer Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Beginning in August, Lander University will introduce a Bachelor of Science in Human Services to its degree offerings.

Ideal for developing professionals as they prepare to serve as case managers, counselors or advocates who coordinate the care of others, the program will be offered through traditional and online outlets on Lander’s main campus in Greenwood, and a blended or hybrid environment at the University Center in Greenville.

“Michelle Grant Scott will serve as Program Coordinator for the new Bachelor of Science in Human Services,” said Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of Lander’s College of Behavioral & Social Sciences. “She brings impressive credentials as a licensed social worker, experience as a program coordinator, and her skillset will strengthen Lander’s ability to teach courses across the field of human services — building upon what is already in place with existing full-time and part-time faculty members.”

While classes begin in August with the Fall 2020 term, applications for the program are already being accepted.  Students will have the ability to select a host of electives within the degree program. The core curriculum of human services coursework also links together both applied psychology and sociology courses to prepare the graduate for a career at the supervisory level.

Emphasis will be placed on:

Faculty in Lander’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences worked with colleagues at S.C. technical colleges to design this curriculum, so that it builds upon an A.A.S. in Human Services. By merging coursework in several social science disciplines, the curriculum can also accommodate persons with an A.A. or A.S. degree or who have some college-level coursework.

While Lander already offers a Human Services minor, its decision to launch a degree major in the field meets an expected need for more professionals in the field. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a growing need for health service professionals as the U.S. population continues to expand, particularly for minority and elderly demographics.  Human services professionals may find employment within government agencies, healthcare institutions, non-profit organizations, or businesses that specialize in providing care for a specific population.

The program has been approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more information about Lander’s new Bachelor of Science in Human Services, visit www.lander.edu/human-services. Applications for the programs are available online at www.lander.edu. For more information, call (864) 388-8307.