Start and Finish at: Penn State Altoona, Delaware County, DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, Shenango, Worthington Scranton, York, or World Campus

This major integrates practical and academic experiences to provide the student with entry-level professional competence in the human service field. The objective of the major is to offer a general education background, a knowledge base in life-span and family development, and a core of professional skills that may be applied in program planning and service delivery activities. The major is offered part-time, evenings, and through independent learning.

ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING SERVICES OPTION: This option is designed to prepare students for a wide variety of service roles in mental health facilities, nursing homes and other institutions for the aged, area agencies on aging, public welfare and family service agencies, women's resource centers, human relations programs, employee assistance programs and customer services and consumer relations programs in business and industry. An approved field experience in any of a wide variety of settings that serve adults, the aged, and their families is required for this option.

CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY SERVICES OPTION: This option is designed to prepare students for service roles in preschools; day care centers; hospitals; institutional and community programs for emotionally disturbed, abused or neglected children and adolescents; as well as a variety of public welfare and family service agencies. An approved field experience in a children, youth, or family services setting is required for this option.

For more information about this program, contact the campus of interest to you.

Please note: The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult the most recent Degree Programs Bulletin for more detailed information.