Human Services

The Human Services Program is designed to educate and prepare graduates to fulfill a wide range of family and individual needs in a variety of human service settings, especially in and around tribal communities. The program combines liberal arts education, human services/mental health care courses, and practicum courses. Information is presented in the classroom setting and through field placements in supervised program experiences.

NOTE: In order to graduate, LCOOU Human Services students must have a 2.5 GPA in the program.

  • The Master’s of Human Services degree at COOU prepares students to effect rea change in tribal communities and beyond, providing skills necessary for leadership roles in human service organizations. Students will integrate theory and practice to gain advance knowledge of human service systems and delivery of services, applying values and standards of the profession to lead organization and community change.

    Upon successful completion of the program requirements, graduates will:

    • Exercise leadership skills to identify and promote organizational, human resource, and fiscal development of human service organizations

    • Demonstrate knowledge of social and human conditions that promote or inhibit effective human services systems, policies, and intervention outcomes

    • Apply legal and ethical standards in the delivery and administration of services

    • Analyze and interpret data to develop effective advocacy and social justice strategies

  • Program Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services will:  

    Use inclusive practice with diverse, underrepresented and vulnerable groups in society throughout a variety of local, regional and global human service settings, particularly empowering practice with Native and other diverse populations.

    Apply ethical and principled decision-making guided by the values and standards of the social work profession.

    Advance social justice principles in practice situations.

    Engage as lifelong learners, to maintain competence and stay current with best practice.

    Champion social justice and change through generalist social work activities with local, regional and international constituencies.

  • Program Outcomes

    Students who complete the Associate of Science in Human Services will:

    Support individuals and families with issues that potentially cause people to experience problems in life, in tribal, and non-tribal life.

    Develop plans to address the impact of social policies on Human Services client systems and in particular in tribal systems.

    Guide people through systems (tribal and non-tribal) that are in place to help with a variety of problems

  • This Certificate provides you with all the education hours (360) needed for state certification as a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin. Coursework covers assessment, professional responsibilities, education, case management and counseling. Additional supervised work experience, additional written examinations and an application portfolio must also be completed for state certification as a substance abuse counselor. Courses also can be used for continuing education credits.

    Student Profile

    AODA associates are held to high ethical standards to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. Your conduct must never compromise your ability to fulfill your professional responsibilities. To succeed, your skills and character must include:

    • Emotional stability, maturity, self-awareness, self-discipline, and personal responsibility.

    • A lifestyle free of substance use-related problems.

    • An interest in working with people and appreciation of cultural diversity.

    • Strong reading, writing, and abstract thinking skills.

    Program Outcomes

    Students who complete the Certificate in AODA will:

    • Develop education and skill development specific to the prevention process

    • Evaluate the impact of community organization in specific to substance abuse prevention

    • Identify key issues related to public and organizational policy

    • Apply an ethical decision-making process to personal and professional situations

    • Support professional growth and responsibility related to working in the substance abuse field

    Career Outlook

    This certificate combined with a

    related degree prepares you for work

    in a licensed AODA facilities such as

    clinics, hospitals, and community

    residential facilities.

    • Substance abuse counselor

    • Treatment Specialist

    • AODA counselor

Career Outlook

Graduates may work in a wide variety of settings such as:

  • Probation and Parole

  • Domestic abuse shelters

  • Victim’s service program

  • Mental health facilities

  • Substance abuse programs

  • Social service agencies

  • Children’s service agencies

  • Employment Services

  • Rehabilitation/ Aftercare