You might explore Human Services, Social Work, and Counseling if you are interested in helping and supporting others. You might like counseling or organizing people in a community. You may also be passionate about social justice and speaking up for underrepresented groups.
Human Services, Social Work, and Counseling Resources:
Resume Guides:
Cover Letter Guides:
Interview Questions
Professional Development:
Explore Graduate Programs, Career Paths, and Professional Associations:
Below is a sample list of entry points for students interested in Human Services, Social Work, and Counseling. Some positions within this group require a specialized graduate degree (denoted by an asterisk).
Additionally, some careers require state licensing; most graduate programs include an internship component. While internships can be a great way to build related experience and gain exposure, volunteer opportunities can look just as strong on your resume.
DePaul Graduate Programs:
DePaul’s combined bachelor’s + master’s degree programs allow you to earn both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in as few as five years (rather than the traditional six or more). Combined degrees are open to all current DePaul undergraduate students interested in graduate study. Most majors can be combined with graduate degrees across colleges. The courses you’ll take during your senior year will count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, saving you time and money and moving you seamlessly from your undergraduate classes right into your graduate coursework.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialty area is a practitioner-oriented program that is designed to prepare students to enter the professional field of clinical mental health counseling. Our program integrates counseling knowledge, skills, and clinical field experiences based on current research and best practices to help students develop their professional identities as clinical mental health counselors.
This master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling allows the student to become licensed as a professional school counselor through the Illinois State Board of Education. The specialty area sequence prepares students to work with students, staff and families in public and private K-12 school systems. Courses and professional practice experiences in the field provide students the skills and knowledge to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program based on national standards and best practice, and to serve as leaders and advocates for students, schools, and the profession.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program will prepare you for advanced social work, with attention to professional ethics, respect for human rights and recognition of the inherent dignity of all people. The curriculum is grounded equally in theory and practical application. Choose from one of two concentrations:
- The Community Practice concentration prepares you to lead human service organizations.
- The Forensic Social Work concentration prepares you for practice and advocacy in settings where human services and the legal system intersect.
A Social Work/Women’s and Gender Studies MSW/MA dual degree will give you a foundation for developing a career in social work that emphasizes social responsibility, advocacy and activism. This unique program places a focus on gender, community and social justice.
Internships:
- Mental Health Counselor Intern*
- Youth Development Intern
- School Counselor Intern*
- Child and Adolescent Intern
- Social Work Intern*
Post-Grad Entry Points:
- Intake Coordinator
- Community Organizer
- Mental Health Counselor*
- Social Worker*
- Case Manager
- Social and Human Services Assistants
- Community and Social Service Specialist
- Social and Community Service Manager
- School Counselor*
Professional Associations:
Some industries change more quickly than others; it is important to stay informed on the latest trends in your interest areas to be sure you are best preparing yourself for internships and full-time roles post-graduation. Joining professional associations is one of the easiest ways to stay-up-to-date with industry trends and changes.