EIU Master of Science
in Human Services

" The Human Services program has helped me grow professionally. Through the program's many courses and internship opportunities, I was able to gain professional experience. They have a fantastic link with the local human services organizations, which is important for acquiring professional experience, and that is one amazing thing I appreciated about this program.

My success at EIU is largely due to the Human Services faculty. The faculty genuinely cares about the success of the students and is always willing to assist in any way they can. The Human Services program offers an Accelerated Program which gives students the opportunity to start their graduate degree while finishing their undergraduate degree. The Accelerated Program allowed me to save money as well as finish my master’s degree quicker. At EIU, I received a bachelor’s degree in human services. I am currently in the human services master’s degree program, as well as a graduate assistant for the Human Services program. I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I was given because of the Human Services program."

"My experience in the Department of Human Services has been nothing but positive. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and have provided me with opportunities not just to further my knowledge base, but also my skill set. I have been encouraged to further my professional development skills by participating in student recruitment events, completing grant research, and joining student organizations, including the Human Services Ambassador Program.

I have also collaborated with various professors and showcased my research at a number of on-campus events and professional conferences. My experience with this department first began with my undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences back in 2003 and in the Fall of 2020, I re-enrolled at EIU for my first graduate program in Aging Studies. My experience was so positive that I chose to stay another year and get a second master’s degree in Human Services. I am confident that no matter what career path I choose to walk down, I will be successful with the knowledge, skills, and abilities I have gained in this department.”

"As a growing scholar interested in building a career for myself in academia, pursuing my masters in the Human Services program refined my research interests and skills in conducting academic research. The majority of the courses I took aligned with my research professional specialization, and intellectual interests while equipping me with interdisciplinary, theoretical, and methodological foundations which were useful in the development of my independent studies.

Additionally, the research methods class I took provided me with guidance and tools in identifying suitable research questions, carrying out research, writing a literature review, planning, and writing skills and conventions. And lastly, the accessibility and support of the lecturers in the department paved the way for me to win a research grant towards my independent studies, present in conferences and graduate research seminars, fundraise for CCAR and participate in student-centered organizations such as the EIU graduates students Advisory council which all polished my presentation, public speaking, negotiations skills and social networking with students from different departments on campus.”