CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

What to Expect?

Graduates of the BHSU Human Services enter in-demand careers within the criminal justice system, child and family services, mental health care, nonprofit administration, and other related fields.  Moreover, our graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to advance beyond entry level positions and become leaders within their employers. While the Human Services core curriculum provides instruction in foundational knowledge and skills across professions, students also choose among three emphasis areas to permit specialization within Justice Studies, Family Studies, and Community Studies.

The School of Behavioral Sciences Internship Program assists Human Services majors in pursuing internship opportunities within their desired professions while simultaneously earning academic credit toward their degree. BHSU Human Services maintains strong relationships with employers within and beyond South Dakota, including law enforcement agencies at the local/state/federal levels, state social services departments and agencies, nonprofit human and social services agencies, and more. From their very first human services course (HMS200: Introduction to Human Services), students begin exploring professional opportunities and building their path toward achieving their career goals.

The Human Services curriculum and high-quality mentorship from faculty and professional advisors help guide students wishing to further their education beyond BHSU.  Many of our Human Services graduates attend graduate and professional programs, including social work (MSW), school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, addiction studies, public health (MPH), and more.   

Where are Human Services Students & Graduates? 

Students and graduates of the BHSU Human Services program are found in internships, careers, and graduate schools with these agencies/institutions and more.

• United States District Court – District Court of South Dakota 
• South Dakota Department of Social Services 
• South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation  
• Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office 
• Rapid City Police Department  
• University of South Dakota – Master of Social Work 
• South Dakota State University – Master of Science in Counseling 

Professional Organizations
Stay connected in the realm of Human Services by joining a professional organization.

• National Organization for Human Services
• Midwest Organization for Human Services
• Council for Standards in Human Services Education