Area of Study:

Human Services

Empowering Lives: Human Services for a Supportive Community

Gain a practical understanding of the social welfare system and its impact. The minor is intended to enhance a student’s primary major, especially those that lead to careers in human service – for example, pastoral ministry (see Bible and religion), including youth ministry or business – to work in the nonprofit world. It would provide excellent preparation if you intend to enter voluntary service or a paraprofessional position in a human service organization or agency. While the Human Services minor is not preparation for a specific profession, it provides you with skills and knowledge to serve clients in various public outreach organizations.

Internships/Research

An internship is required for this minor.

Bethel students have completed internships at a variety of local agencies, including:

  • Offender Victim Ministries, Newton
  • Mirror Inc. (substance abuse treatment and counseling), Newton
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harvey County
  • United Methodist Youthville, Newton
  • Harbor House (shelter for battered women), Wichita
  • Prairie View Inc. (mental health services), Newton
  • Area elementary schools (Communities in Schools, etc.)
  • Hospice Care of Kansas, Wichita
  • St. Francis Academy Children’s Services, Newton

Coursework

You must complete an internship and demonstrate basic skills for work in a human services setting—the requirements for a minor in human services:19 hours.