Bachelor of Science in Human Services

at MSM Group - Montana State University - Billings USA

The Health and Wellness Option will prepare health professionals to seek employment in a variety of agencies such as local, state, national, international non-profit and corporate wellness programs.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual and community needs for health and wellness education.
• Plan evidence-based, health and wellness programs in healthcare, worksite and community settings.
• Correctly interpret, apply and conduct research in health and wellness
• Effectively communicate to diverse constituencies.

The criminal justice program at MSU Billings is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of the criminal justice system in the United States.  Students will learn about the essential components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections.  The program is especially suited for people who are planning a career with a criminal justice agency as well as those who are interested in the study of crime and criminal justice.  A degree in Criminal Justice provides the background for a student to enter a variety of occupations in the criminal justice field such as law enforcement officer at the local, state or federal level, corrections officer, or probation officer.  Students with a degree in criminal justice may also find employment with regulatory agencies, social service agencies, and in business.  The major also prepares students to enter graduate programs in criminal justice, sociology, and public administration.

Programs offered through the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences share many outcomes.  Upon program completion students will:

• Understand the basic principles and laws governing our world and have a global awareness of their discipline.
• Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory, field and computer skills related to the sciences.
• Be familiar with accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.
• Be proficient in written and oral communication in the sciences.
• Understand scientific methodology, and conduct scientific investigations using it.
• Be prepared to participate in professional activities.

Programs offered through the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences share many outcomes.  Upon program completion students will:

• Understand the basic principles and laws governing our world and have a global awareness of their discipline.
• Demonstrate basic competency in laboratory, field and computer skills related to the sciences.
• Be familiar with accessing and interpreting the scientific literature.
• Be proficient in written and oral communication in the sciences.
• Understand scientific methodology, and conduct scientific investigations using it.
• Be prepared to participate in professional activities.

Through coursework, research, laboratory, and internship experiences, the Human Performance Option prepares students with a thorough understanding of human movement.

Students in this option are equally well-prepared for work in professional positions in medical, community, corporate, or school settings such as:

• Strength Training Facilities
• Rehabilitation Programs
• Fitness Centers
• Medical Sales

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Accurately assess, plan, supervise, and evaluate a person's health and human performance.
• Critically and ethically evaluate human movement and performance.
• Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions in health and fitness activities
• Correctly interpret, apply and conduct research in human movement and performance.
• Effectively communicate to diverse constituencies.

Management Option

The Management Option is designed to provide students with the problem-solving and leadership skills needed to manage employee productivity, company operations, and the 21st century challenges in the business environment.  A degree in management provides the advantage needed to succeed in a competitive business environment.

A degree focusing on management teaches students how to innovate; create competitive business strategies; use best practices in hiring, developing, and leading employees; and develop the analytical skills that are needed to facilitate decision-making in complex situations. Management students take courses focusing on international business, sustainable business practices, project management, interpersonal skills, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. These are built on a broad foundation of learning in the areas of accounting, economics, business law, finance, business analytics, management information systems, and marketing.

Students are given opportunities to practice leadership, motivation, and team building in their courses. Students get hands-on experience developing business plans for real clients and interacting with community businesses on classroom projects. Internship opportunities exist to provide practical and networking experiences important to obtaining employment.

Studying management prepares students for careers in a variety of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, service industries, banking, construction, transportation, finance, education, utilities, entertainment, and government.

The Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (MSCRMHC) degree program offers a rigorous curriculum of live and online coursework and fieldwork experiences designed to prepare graduates for state licensure eligibility and national certification.
The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for Rehabilitation Counseling.  CACREP has established standards for the accreditation of graduate programs in the counseling fields.

Graduates of the B.S. in Human Services program have found employment in state agencies, community based rehabilitation and mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, and public social service organizations.  The B.S. in Human Services is a venerable program that has been preparing professionals for a wide range of positions in the fields of case management and social work related employment since the 1980’s.

The program is one of the few that broadly focuses on the field of human services in Montana, which is closely related to the field of social work.  However, students focus more specifically on concentrations that include serving populations in mental health, disability, and family systems.

Although this degree is meant to prepare most graduates for employment primarily as professionals capable of casework with a diverse population, in an effort to expand employment opportunities for graduates, a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling was recently added.  The addiction counseling emphasis adds addiction assessment and treatment classes to increase the student's knowledge of addiction and their eventual employability in the community.

The Master of Science in Public Relations is designed to provide students with the essential theoretical and practical tools they need to develop their careers in public relations and public communication. Students graduating with the MSPR leave with an enhanced understanding of the processes of facilitating and negotiating communication between individuals, groups, and organizations.

The Master of Science in Athletic Training program is designed to prepare students to become athletic training professionals. It prepares students for the Board of Certification Examination (BOC). The curriculum is based upon cognitive and psychomotor learning experiences.

In order to become eligible to sit for the BOC examination, students within this major must complete all of the course work within the professional areas, as well as accumulate competencies, proficiencies and a minimum clinical experience each semester over the two-year (6 semesters), program. The program begins in the third summer session. The athletic training program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, CAATE.