123 credits required for graduation

The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Aging Services is an interdisciplinary program combining theoretical principles of psychology, sociology,and health in an applied manner.  It prepares students for careers in the human services, including non-profit, private for-profit, and government sectors, and is foundational for graduate degrees in social work or related fields.  Students examine psychological, cognitive, social, cultural and biological age-related changes from conception to death in the context of intersecting social systems to improve people’s life experiences.

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (60 hours)

The primary objective of the general education requirements is to guarantee that all students seeking a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Aging Services (BS) degree will share a common body of knowledge drawn from a broad spectrum of subject areas.

Additional Requirements (3 hours)

The physical education requirement is comprised of one credit hour of Wellness and two credit hours of additional Physical Education courses.

Legislative Requirements

Georgia law requires that each candidate for a degree demonstrate knowledge of the history and constitution on the United States and Georgia.  These requirements may be met by receiving a passing grade in certain courses, or by passing the appropriate examination.  the courses and the requirement(s) each course satisfies are as follows:

1. HIST 2111  or HIST 2112  satisfies the Georgia and U.S. history requirement (if taken at a University System of Georgia institution).
2. POLS 1101   satisfies the Georgia and U.S. Constitution requirement (if taken at a University System of Georgia institution).
3. Students with transfer credit (HIST 2111 , HIST 2112  or POLS 1101 ) from outside the University System of Georgia will need to contact the Testing Center regarding the legislative exams requirements.

Major Requirements (60 hours)

The major requirements consist of both required and elective courses.  The required courses are designed to ensure that all students receiving the BS Human Development and Aging Services will share a common set of learning experiences toward achievement of the Program Outcome Goals. Elective courses give students an opportunity to explore topics of interest at an advanced level.

Program Outcome Goals

Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Aging Services

Students in the Human Development and Aging Services will be able to:

1.Communicate human services and human development issues to wide-ranging audiences in written, oral and technological formats.

2.Develop critical thinking skills related to the delivery of human services for the implementation and improvement of human development.

3.Apply social science research methods to scientifically collect interpret, and analyze date and research to address life span issues relating to human services.

4.Illustrate the ability to work with people reflecting typical and atypical development across the life span in diverse cross-cultural and/or international settings.

5.Indicate theoretical knowledge of psychological, cognitive, social, cultural, biological, and health perspectives associated with human development and the delivery of human services.

6.Evaluate and apply the American Psychological Association’s ethical standards for human service professionals.