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Department of Human Services

Are you compassionate and empathetic? Do you want a career working with children, adults and families in your community to promote mental health and equity? Do you want to devote your career to ensuring those with communication difficulties not only overcome barriers to participating in life but also thrive within their communities? The programs in the University of Central Missouri’s Department of Human Services will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a strong advocate for those most in need.

No matter which program you enter in the Department of Human Services, you’ll benefit from valuable real-world experience in clinics, agencies and organizations both on campus and in the community. At UCM, you’ll graduate with confidence and experience — and a resume that will impress any employer or graduate program.

Mission of the Department of Human Services

The Department of Human Services at UCM prepares and supports students to become ethical professionals working with diverse populations to actively create an environment of inclusivity. The department promotes lifelong learning and advocacy for community needs and populations through the faculty’s commitment to rigorous academics and practical application. Students are trained to provide effective, evidence-based services to individuals, families and communities for improved quality of life.

Career-focused curriculum

When you join one of the programs in the Department of Human Services, you’ll be supported by faculty mentors who have years of experience working as certified professionals in their respective fields. Thanks to our small class sizes, you’ll benefit from working closely with faculty and learning the practical skills that will be necessary every day on the job.

UCM’s Department of Human Services programs stand out from those at other universities because of our focus on hands-on learning, both in and outside the classroom. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll graduate with dozens or even hundreds of hours working with clients and making positive impacts in the community. This experience will show potential employers your wealth of knowledge and dedication to the field.

Regardless of your academic or career goals, our programs will prepare you to excel in whatever service-related path you choose. Many of our programs are accredited by national organizations and associations, so you can be confident your degree from UCM will be recognized and respected.

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Contact

Dr. F. Ryan Peterson
Department Chair
Wood 005B
Warrensburg, MO
Phone: 660-543-8744
rpeterson@ucmo.edu

Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies


Financial Aid and Scholarships

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Hours of real-world work experience

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Individual attention and support

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Remarkable job placement rates

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Fully accredited programs

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Flexible course delivery

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Committed to equity and social justice

 

Disciplines within the Department of Human Services

Follow your passion for serving others in a program designed around students and career preparation. Each of our programs has something unique to offer every student.

 

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Communication Disorders
 

Want to work with children and adults who suffer from issues with communication, hearing, swallowing, fluency or memory? In UCM’s Communication Disorders programs, you’ll work in real clinics helping patients improve their communication and their quality of life. You’ll graduate prepared to stand out on the job market and excel throughout your career. The graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

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Human Development and Family Science
 

If you’re interested in working with families as a program manager or a marriage and family therapist, our Human Development and Family Science graduate programs are perfect for you. We offer hundreds of hours of practical experience in our on-campus clinic, where you can work with children and adults alike. Earn credit while building a robust resume and serving your community. This program includes a Marriage and Family Therapy option.

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Social Work
 

Dedicating your career to helping others as a social worker is no light decision. That’s why you’ll spend 40 hours in a social service agency when you first start your college journey in UCM’s Social Work program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. You’ll learn how it’s run and what life as a social worker is like — gaining the insight to make sure that becoming a social worker is the right path for you. By the time you graduate, you’ll have spent 480 hours in a social work agency using your academic knowledge and skills to provide quality services to others.


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