Link to Metro State Homepage

Academics Admissions Alumni & Friends Campus Life Computing on Campus News, Events & the Arts Faculty & Staff Students

Courses Descriptions for Human Services

HSP 1010-4 Introduction to Human Services and Community Resources (4 + 0)

This class provides an overview of the helping professions and working within helping agencies. Students examine the attitudes, values and skills essential to becoming an effective Human Services Professional. Factors essential to those working in the helping professions including working with various cultural groups, understanding and interacting with populations having infectious diseases (especially HIV infection), ethics, and political involvement of agencies are important components of the course. Students completing HSP 1010 will have completed eight clock hours of HIV/AIDS education required for certification as substance abuse counselors.

HSP 1040-4 Applied Behavior Analysis (4 + 0)

This course will provide the student with an understanding of the scientific method and the application of the principles and technology of behavioral analysis.

HSP 1110-4 Introduction to Disabilities (4 + 0)

This course enables students to acquire an appreciation for and sensitivity towards the capabilities, limitations and challenges of individuals with disabilities throughout their life span.

HSP 1470-3 Addictive Experiences: Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll (3 + 0)

How much is too much in the addictive lifestyles in contemporary America? This course provides an examination of the balance between theories of addiction and the addictive experiences. It also focuses on the process of developing healthy habits and nonaddictive lifestyles. This is an elective course for students NOT pursuing a drug/alcohol emphasis and for non-majors. It is not counted as a required elective for drug/alcohol emphasis students.

HSP 2010-3 Principles of Nonprofit Organization Administration (3 + 0)


This course is designed to provide the student with a general knowledge of the creation, organization and systems administration of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.

HSP 2020-4 Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience (4 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 1010

This course introduces the basic theories of small groups with experiential learning experiences to develop skills and strategies for effective group participation and leadership. The universality of feelings and concerns are shared so that one can recognize the dynamics of interpersonal interaction, predict dynamics accurately, demonstrate effective leadership skills and learn to exercise control of the group process and interaction in small group situations.
HSP 2030-4 Theory and Practice of Counseling (4 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 1010

This course familiarizes students with major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy and to basic interview techniques common to most types of psychotherapy. Students examine and practice effective interviewing skills and learn how to gather essential information from clients. The main theories in psychotherapy are also examined.

HSP 2040-4 Family Systems (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 1010, HSP 1040 and HSP 2030

This class provides a brief review of family systems and the roles of family members in traditional and non-traditional families. The theoretical basis for family therapy modalities which serve as guidelines for therapy are described.

HSP 2050-8 Human Services Practicum I (1 + 14)

Prerequisites: HSP 1010, HSP 1040, HSP 2020, HSP 2030, HSP 2040, and permission of instructor

This is a 15-hour seminar and a 300-hour practicum that will provide beginning field experience in a human services agency or institution. The student will participate and receive training in the fundamentals of counseling, evaluation, treatment, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. The student will learn to perform appropriately to increase skills and effectiveness as a human services student.

HSP 2060-8 Human Services Practicum II (1 + 14)

Prerequisites: HSP 1010, HSP 1040, HSP 2020, HSP 2030, HSP 2040, and permission of instructor

This is a 15-hour seminar and a 300-hour practicum that provides professional experience in a human services institution. Practicum II differs from Practicum I in that the student will be in a different agency setting, demonstrate professional competencies and complete an agency analysis. The student will gain experiences in in-takes, counseling, evaluation, treatment, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, documentation, multicultural counseling and agency analysis for effective functioning as a human services professional. The student is expected to choose his or her concentration for this field placement.

HSP 2110-3 Inclusive Community Services for People with Disabilities (3 + 0)

This course prepares students to facilitate the successful integration of people with significant disabilities into community employment, education, living and recreation activities. It presents strategies for effective service design and implementation.

HSP 3040-3 Brief Therapy for Couples (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2040 or permission of instructor

Students will study the counseling of persons involved in emotionally intimate relationships from the perspective of childhood experiences with parents or other primary caretakers. Topics covered will include the influence on the clients of emotional abandonment, childhood wounds, male and female issues, and the tendency to project unmet childhood needs onto adult relationships. Counseling interventions to improve the communication skills of couples will be addressed.

HSP 3210-3 Organizational Stability for Nonprofits (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

This course will utilize a systems thinking approach to examine the legislative process, advocacy and lobbying, the components of grassroots community building, and the application of strategic planning models in nonprofit organizations.

HSP 3220-2 Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor

This course will focus on the nature, analysis and management of conflict and the use of negotiating skills in leadership situations.

HSP 3230-4 High Risk and Offender Youth (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2050, HSP 2060, or permission of instructor

This course is designed to provide an overview and analysis of differential theory and approaches to working with high risk and offender youth who are alcohol and drug involved. Special emphasis will be given to the role of community, family and youth-specific risk and protective factors. Prevention of not only alcohol and drug problems, but other serious contemporary youth issues such as violence, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, suicide and school drop-out will be addressed. An overview of multiple and sometimes fragmented service delivery systems will be provided. Special topics will also include multicultural issues, intervention techniques, and innovative alcohol and drug treatment approaches found to be particularly effective with this population.

HSP 3260-2 Survey of the High Risk Youth Integrated Services and Treatment Network (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 3230 or permission of instructor

This is an advanced course designed to introduce the potential youth advocate counselor to the range of issues, services and systems involved in the care and treatment of high risk youth including: alcohol and drug treatment; mental health; education; social services; law enforcement; vocational/employment; and others. The course focus is on understanding and building interdisciplinary partnerships on behalf of youth in a variety of professional contexts. An emphasis is on learning to work effectively across and between systems as well as within them.

HSP 3330-3 Ethical and Legal Issues in the Helping Professions
(3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030, ENG 1010, ENG 1020

This course provides a basic understanding of the legal and ethical issues in the human services profession and provides an opportunity for students to apply standards from the code of ethics as well as laws in situations that often arise in agencies providing case management and counseling.

HSP 3400-3 Pharmacology of Drugs and Alcohol (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: satisfaction of National Science General Studies requirements including BIO 1000 or permission of instructor

This is a course in the composition, classification, effects, uses and abuses of drugs and alcohol. Students learn the ways that psychoactive substances impact the central nervous and immune systems. Related social and political issues are integrated into the course content.

HSP 3410-3 Addiction Family Counseling/Advanced Topics (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2040 or permission of instructor

This course introduces students to the range of theory and application related to methods of intervening therapeutically with the alcohol and drug involved family. Critical elements of understanding the needs of this population are multicultural and structural diversity in family systems, adolescent substance abuse and its impact on the family, maternal substance abuse, and incorporating a strengths-based approach to family treatment planning.

HSP 3430-3 Addictive Behaviors (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 1040 and HSP 2030

This course provides a detailed study of specific addictive behavior patterns and the most common treatment methods. The range of addictions studied includes a variety of non-substance using behaviors such as gambling and eating disorders as well as addictions involving substances. This course will help students clarify a theory of addiction, gain knowledge about the etiology of specific addictions and be introduced to current treatment approaches utilized in the field.

HSP 3450-3 Crisis Intervention (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

This course focuses on crisis intervention. Course work is designed to give the student an opportunity for competencies development and increased understanding of emergency procedures and therapeutic interventions.

HSP 3470-4 Counseling the Substance Abuser (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

This is a course offering specifically oriented to counseling the substance abuser. Coursework is designed to give the trainee experience in applying fundamentals of individual counseling techniques and client records management. Students completing the course will meet the ADAD requirements for Basic Counseling Skills and Client Record Management.

 

HSP 3480-2 Applied Counseling Skills (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030

Restriction: This class is for Human Services majors who are not pursuing an emphasis in Addiction Studies. The class does not substitute for HSP 3470. Enrollment is limited to 24 students.
This course provides descriptions of entry-level counseling skills and an opportunity to practice the skills with other students. The focus is on understanding and using the skills in counseling situations.

HSP 3490-4 Multicultural Issues in Human Services (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements

This course is designed for those who are intending to work in the delivery of human services especially in the assessment, communication, diagnosis and conducting of counseling and therapy. The course examines the research that involves the interaction of counselor and client in individual, group and family therapy. (General Studies-Level II, Social Sciences; Multicultural)

HSP 3500-3 Domestic Violence: Patterns of Relationship Abuse (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

The exploration of behavior patterns within families where domestic violence occurs is examined through the study of victims, perpetrators and children within the family. Socialization patterns, developmental stages and psychopathological states that impact on violence between partners are explored, along with treatment issues and approaches for each person.

HSP 3510-3 Development and Administration of Volunteer Programs (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

Volunteerism is a growing phenomenon that continues to change the face of American Society. Each year, close to 100 million Americans report some type of volunteer activity. This course will examine the history, growing trends and future of the volunteer sector. Students will be provided with a basic understanding of the role, responsibilities and obligations in the supervision and management of volunteers.

HSP 3560-2 Motivational Interviewing (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030 or permission of instructor

This course describes the change process in clients and prepares the counselor to identify readiness for change. Students are taught interviewing skills which are specific to various stages of recovery and relapse. The focus of the process taught is to minimize or avoid resistance and to promote essential changes in substance abuse or domestic violence clients.

HSP 3580-1 The Resistive Client (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor

This course provides the student with a clear understanding of resistance in the counseling process both from the perspective of the client and of the counselor. Various models are used in overcoming resistance and are presented and demonstrated. This course meets the resistive client mandatory training requirement for the CAC II Level for Colorado Addictions Counselors.

HSP 3590-1 The Resistive Adolescent Client (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 3230 or permission of instructor

This is an advanced course intended to instruct the human services professional who counsels youth to understand and apply principles related to working with resistance. This course will focus on counseling with resistive youth in an involuntary treatment setting. Students will learn about motivational approaches to dealing with anger and understanding cultural barriers to effective counseling. Various models will be utilized and demonstrated including motivational interviewing and strengths-based counseling. This course meets the resistive client mandatory training requirement for CAC II and III for Colorado Addictions Counselors.

HSP 3600-2 Domestic Violence: Perpetrators of Abuse (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and 2040

This course explores and describes the behaviors and attitudes of those who abuse others, the cycle of violence, intergenerational violence and the impact of violence on the lives of perpetrators and victims. Students will learn about diagnostic tools to determine lethality and intervention therapy.

HSP 3610-3 Financial Accountability and Organizational Control in Nonprofit Organizations (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

The course will include the skills needed to properly manage financial resources and organizational controls in a variety of nonprofit organizations. Topics will include financial record-keeping systems and statements, budgeting, tax compliance, cost control, and program accountability and evaluation.

HSP 3620-2 Prevention Generalist Workshop (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 1010, HSP 1040, HSP 2020, HSP 2030 and HSP 2040 or permission of instructor

This class provides the student with information about attitudes of communities and legislative and regulatory agencies towards substance use/abuse. Varying theoretical bases for prevention programs are presented.

HSP 3710-3 Research Methods for Human Services (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; MTH 1210 or PSY 2310 or permission of instructor

This course allows students to gain the basic competencies and knowledge necessary to evaluate the research of others and to plan and conduct their own research in the human services and related fields. Students will learn the philosophy, tools and procedures of scientific inquiry and the concepts, assumptions and terminology of the scientific method. Students will examine the role of previous research and theory in planning research studies and how theory, experience, observation and related literature lead to hypothesis formulation.

HSP 3750-4 Holistic Health and High-Level Wellness (4 + 0)

Prerequisite: HES 2750 or permission of instructor

This course will give the student the opportunity to explore and evaluate holistic health and high level wellness on a personal as well as a professional level. Students will be introduced to the emerging paradigm of health and to a holistic approach towards accessing wellness. The course will include current theory and experiential methods.

HSP 3810-3 Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

The course will examine the various strategies used by nonprofit organizations to raise funds for operating, program, and capital needs. Topics explored include direct mail, planned giving, individual solicitation, workplace giving, special events, and major gift campaigns.

HSP 4030-3 Grant Proposal Research and Writing for Nonprofit Organizations (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

The course presents an in-depth look at all aspects of grantwriting of private sector proposals. Emphasis is placed on successful grantwriting strategies and the completion of a full grant proposal. The emerging practice of social venture philanthropy and its effect on grantmaking will be examined.

HSP 4040-3 Cognitive Behavior Therapy (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 1040 and HSP 2030 or permission of instructor

This course examines the early and current development of cognitive behavior therapy as pioneered by Drs. Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Cognitive behavior has become one of the most widely used therapies during the last two decades. Students will apply C.B.T. by examining thoughts and beliefs connected to moods, behaviors, physical experiences and events.

HSP 4100-2 Gerontology for Human Service Professionals (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 1010, HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

This course focuses on the ways in which human services professionals can provide counseling for aging persons. This is a skills-based course that uses the basic clinical skills learned in interviewing classes but expands these skills toward working with the aged. The course will also give students an opportunity to work with aging individuals in a human service capacity. The major developmental aspects of aging will be reviewed.

HSP 4110-2 Enabling People with Disabilities (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 1110 or permission of instructor

The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding and awareness of people with disabilities. The student will be introduced to the concept of social role valorization and the implications of this concept for planning services for people with disabilities.

HSP 4200-2 Child Abuse and Neglect (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

This course deals with an historical understanding of child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation, including definitions, dynamics, effects on the victim, how society intervenes and prevention methods.

HSP 4220-2 Family Sculpting (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030, HSP 2040, and HSP 3470 or permission of instructor

This course is an introduction to the uses of family sculpting and related experiential techniques in working with individuals, families and groups.

HSP 4250-2 Counseling the Gay or Lesbian Client (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030

The rate of abuse of psychoactive substances among gays and lesbians is significantly higher than in the rest of the population. Violence, while under the influence, brings these individuals into counseling. The issue of homosexuality in the greater society must be considered when counseling these individuals. This course addresses the lifestyle patterns of homosexuals and the relationship to substance abuse and violence treatment.

HSP 4280-1 Gender Issues in Treatment and Recovery (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030

The socialization of males and females affects the use/abuse of psychoactive substances. A high percentage of persons in treatment for domestic violence also have underlying substance abuse issues. This class addresses gender-related treatment and recovery considerations.

HSP 4290-1 PTSD Counseling (1 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs among people who have experienced violence, whether the cause is war, child abuse, or domestic violence. Eighty-five percent of people with PTSD abuse psychoactive substances. This course explores the causes of PTSD, the symptoms and treatment. The relationship of the disorder to substance abuse and violence in the form of domestic disturbances is studied along with intervention and treatment.

HSP 4310-3 Human Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

The course will provide students with a comprehensive study of the use of human resources in a variety of roles within nonprofit organizations, including hiring and retention, staff development and evaluation, and labor management issues.

HSP 4320-4 Psychopathology and the Mental Health Clinician
(4 + 0)

Prerequisites: two of the following: HSP 2050, HSP 2060 or permission of instructor

This course introduces and describes psychopathology nomenclature so that students will be able to recognize psychopathology. Biological, psychosocial and sociocultural etiological perspectives of psychopathology will be discussed. The course will introduce the basic treatment approaches and critically analyze the advantages and disadvantages of mental disturbance labeling and their societal implications.

HSP 4360-4 Advanced Intervention Techniques (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040; HSP 2050 and HSP 2060

This is an advanced therapeutics course designed for the human services professional with emphasis on the correct assessment of dysfunctional behaviors and their indicated treatment/interventions.

HSP 4490-1-4 Contemporary Issues in Human Services: Variable Topics (1-4 + 0)

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor

This is a variable titled course focusing on current issues and trends in the field of human services. The course is designed to provide the human services professional with an opportunity to explore new or alternative modalities in assessment, intervention and treatment of dysfunctional behaviors. This course may be repeated for credit under different topics.

HSP 4520-3 Grief Counseling (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2030 or permission of instructor

Loss is a natural consequence of living. This is a skills-based class that deals with the grief process as it relates to life changes, divorce, aging, illness and death. Students will learn specific strategies for counseling those who have experienced loss.

HSP 4540-2 (CJC 405B, EDS 4540) Youth, Drugs and Gangs (2 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2030 and HSP 2040

Child abuse, neglect and substance abuse are underlying issues for gang members. This course explores the reasons youth are attracted to and join gangs and the correlation between psychoactive substances and violence. Credit will be granted for only one prefix: HSP, CJC or EDU.

HSP 4650-4 Group Facilitation and Group Counseling (4 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2020 or permission of instructor

A comprehensive experience of facilitating a small closed group for ten weeks to develop facilitation/leadership skills and to learn techniques of effective intervention in group counseling. The importance of creative use and exploration of self is central to successful facilitation as ten current group counseling methods are practiced.

HSP 4680-3 Supervisory Techniques in Nonprofit Health Care Agencies (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: HSP 2010 or permission of instructor

This course will provide students with the theoretical models, principles and skill development required to supervise employees in a health care (nonprofit) setting.

HSP 4710-3 Critical Issues for Nonprofits (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: HSP 2010 and one of the following: HSP 3210, HSP 3610, HSP 4020, HSP 4310, or permission of instructor

The course investigates and analyzes the critical economic, political and social issues affecting the nonprofit sector and develops a dialogue around specific issues and resulting outcomes in nonprofit work.

HSP 4790-12 Professional Internship (2 + 30)

Prerequisites: Human Services major with senior standing and/or approval of department chair and satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements; HSP 2050 or permission of instructor

The professional internship is the culmination of training for the bachelor's degree in human services. The internship is distinguished from work activities in that it is the student's responsibility to demonstrate that some project has been completed above and beyond the usual requirements of a job. (Senior Experience)


| Academics | Admissions | Alumni & Friends | Campus Life | Computing on Campus | Search/Directories |
| News, Events & the Arts | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Welcome | Metro State Home |

Copyright © Metropolitan State College of Denver