Campus News

Fully Online, Eight-Week Courses Begin August 22nd

Virtual Information Session on June 29th

Rockford, Ill. (June 22, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, announced it is offering a new major, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, within its Bachelor’s Degree Completion program, to meet the growing need of experts in this field.

With a commitment to social justice and advocacy, the goal of Human Services is to help people meet basic biological, social, and psychological needs that, at times, they cannot meet on their own.

The field of Human Services needs qualified individuals now more than ever. This broad field benefits from workers possessing both content and soft skills that empower them to make a substantial difference in the lives of the community members they serve. This unique degree prepares individuals for direct service as well as leadership in agencies and schools. With a BSHS degree, individuals can apply developmental theory, intervention strategies, and program development using best practices in the field. Additionally, Rockford University’s BSHS graduates will be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues to help their organization effectively serve their community.

Currently, there is a shortage of caseworkers in both the child welfare and aging service areas. As a result, caseworkers must take on larger caseloads resulting in less contact with their clients. Completing a BSHS degree allows the graduate to take on the greater responsibilities of a caseworker. An increase in degreed workers in Rockford and the surrounding area has the potential for increasing service to our most vulnerable populations. Together with those already in the field, Rockford University’s graduates will support the critical work needed to sustain a healthy and growing community.

As part of the degree completion program at the Puri School of Business, students will complete business courses and gain an understanding of fundamental skills such as team dynamics, leadership, and budget development — in addition to studying human development and psychology.

“A degree in human services from Rockford University prepares students for all aspects of their jobs,” said Joel Lynch, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Psychology and Professor of Psychology. “From learning trauma-informed intervention techniques and strategies to often needed business skills, this major shapes students into well-rounded individuals.”

“This new degree offering opens the door for students to take that next step in their career,” said Michael J. Quinn, Ph.D., Vice President for Enrollment Management. “Not only can students continue working while they complete their bachelor’s degree, but students can also save time and money by earning college credit for training they’ve completed through their employer.”

All degree completion majors are offered fully online with flexible, eight-week courses starting on August 22, October 24, and January 17. Additionally, there is a virtual information session scheduled for Noon, Wednesday, June 29^th. Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Rockford University are encouraged to contact Rockford University Admissions at 815-226-4050 or email AGAdmissions@rockford.edu to schedule a one-on-one informational session.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and as a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.