Welcome and Department History

Thank you for your interest in the Human Services Department at California State University, Fullerton.  Our curriculum emerged from a set of courses taught through the University's Interdisciplinary Center in the early 1970's.  Some of these classes emphasized personal growth within interactive groups. Other classes also emphasized experiential learning through fieldwork and internships in community settings.

In the early 1980's, this major was reconstructed as a Program under the direction of a Board,  which sought to better coordinate with other University departments and disciplines.  Offerings were originally slanted  primarily toward a clinical or counseling focus.  Today, while the concentration in Mental Health has remained, other tracks have been developed which incorporate Social Work, Community Organization and Planning, Policy Analysis, Administration of Human Service Agencies, and specific areas such as Gerontology, Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment, Persons with Disabilities, and a track for students preparing for Teacher Education.

While retaining the experiential and introspective dimensions that initially made the major attractive, there has been increased emphasis on social and cultural factors affecting human behavior and community life.  There is also greater focus on the structure and functions of human service agencies, and effective servicde delivery tocultural diverse populations.

As the curriculum developed, there evolved a permanent faculty drawn from diverse disciplines, supplemented by part-time faculty who are professionally active in the community.  It became clear that Human Services had achieved its own unique vision, curriculum, and faculty.

In 1995, it was granted departmental status. Currently the Department has approximately 600+ majors, 20 faculty positions (11 full-time).  We have established close working relationships with approximately 175  agencies which provide internship and fieldwork experience, and provide a major source of undergraduate preparation and networking for the Southern California area.  Features of our curriculum have been frequently presented in professional lectures and publications.  (Human Services Collaboration)