Fuel your passion for serving others through a degree in human services. Discover foundational concepts like communication along with skills to better understand those you are called to serve. Move forward with confidence as our team of dedicated staff walks alongside you, providing you resources and support in every step of your academic journey. And as each course is anchored in a Christ-centered foundation, you’ll launch your next step as an influencer for Christ in the world.
Through practical courses and insightful discussions with peers and faculty, you’ll be prepared to enter entry-level career opportunities in a variety of areas with confidence and conviction.
Opportunities
Counseling
Ministry
Customer service
Career services
Nonprofit organizations
K-12 paraprofessional
Youth worker services
90%
Of students work full time while pursuing a degree.
91%
Of alumni believe their education prepared them for the demands of their vocational life.
100%
Of faculty members are professing believers of Jesus Christ.
Next Program Start
Take the next step in your career on your own schedule with flexible scheduling and online programs.
Prepare to engage in meeting the needs of others through a range of interdisciplinary courses. Deepen your understanding of societal needs and solutions as you enter your next opportunity to make a difference.
Core Courses
IDS-100 Foundations of Inquiry
An introductory course emphasizing the knowledge and skills necessary for academic and personal success in a Christian framework. Topics include goal setting, decision-making, time management, computer and information retrieval skills, learning skills, relationships and personal health.
IDS-131 Digital Literacy
A competency-based course designed to ensure that students have basic technology skills that will enable them to be successful in their academic and professional lives. Foundational principles of computing and digital literacy are covered. This course also challenges those with existing competency in technology to further develop their knowledge and skills, preparing them to make use of emerging technologies and to be responsible citizens in our increasingly connected world.
ENG-118 Introduction to Writing and Research
A course designed to develop critical thinking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on APA documentation style and research writing.
COM-111 Foundations of Speech Communication
An introduction to the philosophy, theory and practice of speech communication. Students develop confidence as communicators with particular emphasis on intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and public communication.
PSY-111 General Psychology
An introduction to psychology dealing with the important people, terms and theories in the fields of personality, learning, maladjustment and psychotherapy.
REL-231 Mosaic Literature
A study of the history of redemption from Adam to Moses as set forth in the Pentateuch. Special attention is given to God’s purposes in the call of Abraham and the establishment of the Mosaic economy.
PHI-211 Philosophy in Culture
An introduction and development of worldview from a Christian philosophical perspective with special attention given to hermeneutical issues surrounding worldview and the important role philosophy has played in Western culture.
IDS-204 Personal Wellness
A study of an individual’s personal psychological, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Students will find ways to help enhance their ability to live a balanced life within areas such as family, work, church and school.
ENG-223 Introduction to Literature
The study and application of various methods of literary interpretation and evaluation to develop critical and analytical skills in the various genres of imaginative literature.
REL-232 Gospel Literature
A study of the four Gospels including their backgrounds, themes, outlines and distinguishing features, distinctive portrayals of Christ and His life and ministry as set forth in the Gospel of Mark.
MAT-120 Contemporary Math
An introductory math course designed to develop skills that have practical usage in a business setting and daily life experience. The course reviews basic mathematical concepts, develops skills with algebraic expressions and expands to several topical applications, including number properties, equations and inequalities, percentages, finance, interest, geometric figures, probability, graphs and statistics.
FAR-211 Introduction to Fine Arts
Introduction, survey and development of an appreciation for the fine arts, including music, painting, sculpture and architecture. The course includes an introduction to the field of aesthetics, a study of components and techniques of the fine arts and a broad historical survey of artistic trends. Emphasis is placed upon the development of value judgment skills within the context of a Christ-centered worldview.
HIS-115 American Studies
A study of American culture using a thematic approach and including topics such as Puritanism, colonization, the Native American experience, industrialization, religious trends, technology, reform movements, the role of women, the impact of war on American life, economic development and contemporary issues.
SOC-211 Current Social Issues
An examination of current social issues in light of classical and contemporary theories. Emphasis is placed on the implications of these issues for American society.
SCI-119 Contemporary Issues in Science and Technology
An exploration of current issues in physics, science, biology, health and medicine. The course provides an understanding of the scientific method and how to critically evaluate current issues from a scientific perspective.
Concentration Courses
SOC-101 Introduction to Human Services
An introduction to the field of human services and the conditions in modern society that impact the health of individuals, families and communities. Topics include identification of populations served by human service workers, principles of human services and essential helping skills. Special emphasis is given to Christian involvement in human services and the role of faith-based social service agencies in American society.
SOC-201 Intercultural Relations
An examination of minority and ethnic groups’ social issues, cultural beliefs, values, communication styles, learning styles and cultural influences and contributions. The course explores roles within families and society, surveys, demographics and their impact on individuals and society and introduces concepts of gender diversity and women’s issues.
PSY-221 Interviewing and Counseling
An introduction to theoretical concepts, primary principles, strategies and interventions implemented in the practice and delivery of human services to individuals and families using the human services interview techniques.
SOC-229 Field Experience/Applied Project
A capstone course requiring students to gain field experience through interviews (10) and a supervised work experience (20 hours) with an appropriate agency that is related to the student’s area of interest. Prerequisites: SOC-101, SOC-111, SOC-201 and PSY-221.
SOC-111 Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the field of sociology including an overview of several subfields. Basic theoretical perspectives of sociology are used to provide an explanation of institutions and social processes.
MGT-233 Leadership Studies
An overview of the fundamentals of leadership. Using a combination of both theory and practical applications from case studies, students explore issues involved with solving business problems, group interactions and techniques of group presentations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Follow your calling to serve through an interdisciplinary program that prepares you for real-world influence. Our associate in human services degree, anchored in faith, equips you to reach your potential to serve a world in need.
Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of human services.
Describe the core theories and major terminology relevant to the study of human services.
Apply principles from human services in solving problems.
Demonstrate the use of ethical decision-making in human services.
Articulate the current issues related to the field of human services.
Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems
Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.
Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to the degree program.
Analyze at least one concept from the field of human services in light of a problem outside of the classroom.
Provide evidence of the ability to collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives.
Exhibit communication skills including written, oral and digital technology forms.
Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills
Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Intercultural Competence
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in human services professions.
Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, you will demonstrate understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and human services.
Here at Cornerstone, you won’t just get a textbook delivery. For every professor, the subject they teach means something to their heart, which brings a different type of learning style and environment to the classroom.
