Students will be exposed to basic statistical applications and the use of program software in generating statistics. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting statistical output and understanding the limitations in utilizing quantitative and qualitative techniques in evaluating human services policies and programs. This is a survey course in social policy that exposes and engages the student in analysis and dialogue in a number of policy issues involving the delivery of social programs. The political and administrative context in which public policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated is explored. Program funding and financial reporting requirements as they impact state and local governments are discussed.
Students learn about the policy process and the policy cycle.
Below is sample listing of the Human Services elective that the student may select from. The course identifies and analyzes a diverse number of ethical issues encountered by human services professionals. Ethics theory is discussed within the context of administrative discretion, professional misconduct, authority and responsibility, privacy, human dignity, and other issues. In addition, the political and media environments surrounding the development of social policy and the delivery of social programs is discussed. The course develops practical ethical framework s that professionals can employ on the job.