The Human Services career cluster focuses on preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs, such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care services, and consumer services. This career cluster includes occupations ranging from community health workers to cosmetologists and nutritionists.
For details about Programs of Study and courses offered within the Human Services career cluster, see the Program of Study title below.
Course Information: Courses below are not tied to grade levels. Not all courses have a required prerequisite.
Jr High Courses
Professional Communications/Teen Topics A (.5 Credit) Grade 7
Professional Communications is a one semester course that blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Whether professional or social, all aspects of human interaction rely on effective communication skills. In Professional Communications, students are expected to create professional documents, speeches, and presentations as well as engage in teamwork and public speaking captured in recorded submissions to their instructor.
Dollars and Sense/Teen Topics B (.5 Credit) Grade 7
Dollars and Sense focuses on consumer practices and responsibilities, money-management processes, decision-making skills, impact of technology, and preparation for human services careers.
Entrepreneurship I/Teen Leadership (1 Credit) Grade 8
Students will learn the principles necessary to begin and operate a business. The primary focus of the course is to help students understand the process of analyzing a business opportunity, preparing a business plan, determining feasibility of an idea using research, and developing a plan to organize and promote the business and its products and services.
Level 1
Principles of Human Services (1 Credit) Grades 9-10
This course investigates career clusters with a focus on human services careers, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, personal care, and consumer services. Each student will participate in a variety of projects designed to develop personal characteristics and skills that will lead them into readiness and success in high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand careers.
Level 2
Child Development (1 Credit) Grades 10-12
This course addresses knowledge and skills related to child development and growth from prenatal through school-aged children equipping students with child development skills. Students use these skills to promote the well-being and healthy development of children.
Level 3
Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness (0.5 Credit) Grades 10-12
This interactive course allows students to use principles of lifetime wellness and nutrition to help make informed choices that promote wellness as well as pursue related careers. The role nutrition plays in both professional and recreational sports will be explored. Students will investigate the relationship between food and physical, emotional, and mental health while developing a nuturtional plan which meets the need of the individual.
Interpersonal Studies (0.5 Credit) Grades 10-12
This course explores the dynamics of human relationships, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. Students will learn about effective interpersonal skills in personal, professional, and social contexts, with an emphasis on building strong, healthy connections. The course prepares students for success in diverse environments, enhancing their ability to interact with others effectively.
Level 4
Practicum of Human Services (2 Credits) Grade 12
This advanced course provides hands-on experience in the human services field, focusing on careers such as counseling, social work, and community support. Students will apply their skills in real-world settings, developing expertise in communication, problem-solving, and client care. The course emphasizes professionalism, ethical practices, and career readiness.
Must have taken at least one course in the Family and Community Service programs of study