"Putting people to work, working with people" captures the essence of the dynamic and rewarding Human Services field. As one of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States today, it offers unparalleled opportunities for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career path.
Mission:
The Department of Human Services’ mission is to prepare individuals with an interdisciplinary
knowledge base to prevent and remediate problems, and to improve the quality of life
for people coping with life-changing social issues.
Philosophical Orientation:
Building on liberal arts and science foundations, a theoretical framework, and experiential
learning, the human services degree programs prepare students for human services practice
in organizational and advocacy settings where they can provide ongoing support to
vulnerable individuals of diverse backgrounds.
A career in Human Services combines personal fulfillment with professional growth
with a commitment to making a positive impact. Human services professionals tackle
a wide range of societal challenges, from mental health to poverty and marginalized
communities. As a committed and caring professional, you will have the opportunity
to work closely with diverse populations, supporting individuals, families, and communities
in achieving their goals.
Beyond the intrinsic rewards of helping others, the Human Services field provides a multitude of career paths and advancement opportunities allowing you to tailor your career to match your specific interests and passions. The flexibility of this field allows for work in various settings, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, schools, and community centers.
Embark on a career in Human Services and join a compassionate and dedicated community of professionals. Together, we can create a future where everyone can access the support, care, and opportunities they deserve.
Develop skills in counseling, mediation, and human services administration. You also can build direct work experience through practicum placements at local agencies.
In this program, study family mediation, alternative dispute resolution, paraprofessional counseling, and group facilitation.
Enhance your communication skills and learn how to work effectively with multicultural client populations.
Gain essential skills to becoming effective members of therapeutic treatment teams.
Human Services alumnus Benz Guillermo talks about how he found the right fit in the Department of Human Services program at the College of Health.
Harris is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, matching adult volunteers with youth across the state in one-on-one relationships that change lives. It's the latest step in her community-focused career, and it all started at UAA.
The one-day, one-stop event provided people experiencing homelessness with access to a range of services: health and wellness screenings, legal services, employment assistance, toiletries, and a fresh, hot lunch. In the midst of the crowd walked Staci Manier, a UAA alumna (B.A. Human Services '13, with minors in psychology and history) who became community impact director for United Way of Mat-Su in 2014.
Summer Institute on Alaska Social Issues
The conference series is part of the College of Health's commitment to advancing health equity and justice in our state and beyond, which focuses on trauma and addiction, social justice and diversity, and ethics in clinical practice.
QUICK LINKS:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
FOLLOW US:
CONTACT US:
(907) 786-6437
uaa.humanservices@alaska.edu
LOCATION:
UAA Dept. of Human Services
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 218
Anchorage, AK 99508
MAILING ADDRESS:
UAA Dept. of Human Services
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 218
Anchorage, AK 99508
