Social & Human Services
Faculty:
Chair & Associate Professor: Dr. Diana Elliott
Department Mission: The Department of Social & Human Services faithfully aligns with the College’s mission to educate students so that God will be glorified in all they do. In accordance with the Catholic, Benedictine, and Liberal Arts traditions, the program provides students with both theoretical and experiential learning to ethically assist vulnerable and diverse individuals, families, and communities. With the goal of advancing human well-being, social justice, and the dignity and worth of all people, the program provides research-based knowledge grounded in a Christian worldview, preparing students to integrate faith while working with marginalized populations, advocating for clients, and engaging in prevention, intervention, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices within social service entities.
The knowledge and skills gained in the Social & Human Services major will assist students seeking careers in diverse professional settings such as child and family services, social services, human trafficking prevention, ministry, nonprofit agencies, addiction clinics, court services, advocacy, correctional settings, youth facilities, community mental health centers, educational settings, and healthcare. Additionally, this program prepares students who desire to continue their education in graduate fields of study such as social work, counseling, ministry, addiction treatment, healthcare management, law, public health and policy, and criminal justice.
Departmental Goals: The Department of Social & Human Services is committed to training students who will:
- Integrate the principles and ethics that guide social service professionals with a Christian perspective of the human person, family, groups, and culture.
- Evaluate their personal values, biases, strengths, and limitations so as to understand their impact on professional activities and cultivate cultural humility.
- Apply a holistic view of wellness, prevention, and remediation of problems in living across micro, mezzo, and macro systems.
- Analyze and effectively utilize research to determine effective and appropriate service delivery practices.
- Demonstrate skills that use best practices to promote effective, strengths-based growth and resilience with individuals and groups.