Undergraduate

Human Services: Counseling Foundations

Develop essential knowledge and skills in counseling techniques to support individuals in need of mental health and social services.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

23*

Credit

120 hrs

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The online Bachelor of Science in Human Services: Counseling Foundations option at University of New Hampshire provides essential knowledge and skills in counseling techniques to support individuals in need of mental health and social services. Courses examine techniques, ethics, case management, development, and multicultural awareness, allowing students to transform psychological insight into empathic client work.. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles that involve intake, referral, and counseling support. Upon graduation, those interested in pursuing a master’s degree are encouraged to explore the M.S. in Human Services Administration.

If you would like to learn about our accelerated master's programs, please contact your advisor.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Counseling Foundations Option in Human Services?

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services is designed for students with career interests in human services. This program offers graduates the opportunity to provide access to assistance programs, offer support, and improve the quality of life for those in need while working with individuals and the community at both the local and state level. The counseling foundations option introduces students to the theory and process of delivering counseling services.

Why study the Counseling Foundations Option in Human Services at UNH College of Professional Studies?

The B.S. in Human Services offers you the opportunity to provide access to assistance programs, offer support, and improve the quality of life for those in need while working with individuals and the community at both the local and state level. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize your learning experience by selecting an option that aligns with your professional interests and goals. This degree helps build your foundation in the field of mental health.

Potential Career Areas

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and Community Service Manager
Child, Family, and School Social Worker
Rehabilitation Counselor
Health Education Specialist
Community Health Worker
Home Health Aide

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
HMSV 424	Human Services and the Helping Process	4
PSY 410 or SOCI 410	Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
HMSV 480	Case Management	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
SOSC 675 or PSY 525 or MGMT 566	Dynamics of Family Relationships or Human Development or Organizational Behavior	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
HMSV 595 or HMSV 597	Field-Based Practicum in Human Services or Project-Based Practicum in Human Services	4
PSY 525 or SOSC 675 or MGMT 566	Human Development or Dynamics of Family Relationships or Organizational Behavior	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
HLTC 690	Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services	4
PSY 603	Crisis Intervention	4
PSY 665 or COM 460	Principles of Assessment or Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
	Credits	16
Spring
PSY 654	Counseling Theories	4
PSY 685	Principles of Psychopathology	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities	4
SOSC 710 or MGMT 608	Social Stratification and Inequality or Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
HMSV 797 or HMSV 795	Integrative Capstone: Project in Human Services or Integrative Capstone: Internship in Human Services	4
Elective		4
	Credits	8
	Total Credits	120

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Human Services
Foundation Courses
HMSV 424	Human Services and the Helping Process	4
HMSV 480	Case Management	4
PSY 410	Introduction to Psychology	4
or SOCI 410	Introduction to Sociology
Intermediate Courses
Select two of the following:		8
MGMT 566	Organizational Behavior
or PSY 525	Human Development
or SOSC 675	Dynamics of Family Relationships
HMSV 595	Field-Based Practicum in Human Services	4
or HMSV 597	Project-Based Practicum in Human Services
Advanced Courses
HLTC 690	Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services	4
MGMT 608	Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace	4
or SOSC 710	Social Stratification and Inequality
Option in Counseling Foundations
PSY 603	Crisis Intervention	4
PSY 654	Counseling Theories	4
PSY 685	Principles of Psychopathology	4
PSY 665	Principles of Assessment	4
or COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics
Integrative Capstone
HMSV 795	Integrative Capstone: Internship in Human Services	4
or HMSV 797	Integrative Capstone: Project in Human Services
Total Credits		52

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Differentiate and critically analyze the concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry pertinent to human services.
Apply the concepts, theories, and methods of human services.
Apply ethical principles that inform and guide practice in human services and relevant subfields.
Communicate in multiple modalities the needs of a diversity of client populations.

Grow a Meaningful Career: Human Services

The online human services program at the College of Professional Studies prepares students to make a meaningful difference in their communities with the skills to address social, emotional, and economic challenges. Designed for working professionals, there are both undergraduate and graduate degree options available to fit the needs of individuals in any stage of their career.

Course Highlights

Human Services and the Helping Process
Introduction to Psychology
Dynamics of Family Relationships
Case Management
Counseling Theories
Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services
Social Stratification and Inequality
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

B.S. Human Services CCSNH Transfer Pathway

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Opportunity to Earn a Master's

Upon graduation, those who wish to pursue a master’s degree are encouraged to explore the M.S. in Human Services Administration.

Accelerated Graduate Program

For motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing a graduate degree, you can pair this program with an accelerated option that allows you to streamline the completion of your educational goals. Students can choose between an M.S. in Human Services Administration or a Graduate Certificate in Human Services Administration. This option allows students to complete their bachelor’s and graduate degrees in a fast-tracked five-year timeline.

Qualifications:

Current UNH undergraduate student enrolled in the B.S. Human Services program.
GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Apply and be accepted to one of the graduate programs of choice: MS Human Services Administration or the Graduate Certificate in Human Services Administration.
Completed 90 undergraduate credits (to begin taking courses for dual credit). Most students apply in their junior year; once admitted to the program, students can begin taking select courses for dual credit, provided they’ve completed 90 undergraduate credits.

If you're interested in enrolling in an accelerated graduate program, contact your advisor.

Opportunities for Airmen

Finish Your Bachelor's Degree With the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

The AU-ABC partnership between Air University and the UNH College of Professional Studies allows you to apply your CCAF Associate in Applied Science toward this online bachelor's degree. All CCAF degrees are transferable into this program.

Download Our Program Planning File

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

Related Programs

Public Administration (B.S.)

Leadership (M.S.)

Human Services Administration (M.S.)

Human Services: Counseling Foundations, B.S. - CPS, CPSO