The master of human services in child protection with a concentration in child protection and juvenile justice focuses on developing professionals with the knowledge and proficiency to investigate, intervene, support, and advocate for child and youth welfare, family systems, and social services. Students will gain an advanced understanding of family dynamics, victimology, and the juvenile justice system.
Individuals working with children and families within the social services and juvenile justice systems who wish to obtain graduate degrees and increase their expertise in their current field
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees who wish to obtain graduate degrees and increase their knowledge and skills in child protection and juvenile justice
completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
Official transcripts indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (minimum 2.5 grade point average required) or the completion of one of the alternative admission requirements
official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
three letters of recommendation
150 - 300 word personal statement (essay)
(42 CREDITS)
CORE COURSES (15 CREDITS)
Foundations in Child Protection Law
Foundations in Family Diversity and Conflict Resolution
Foundations in Child Development
Foundations in Child Placement Risk and Protective Factors
Foundations in Assessment and Case Planning
SPECIALIZATION COURSES - Select five (15 CREDITS)
Theory of Child Protection, Investigation, and Advocacy
Family Dynamics: Motivation, Support, and Communications
Victimology: Child Abuse and Exploited Children
Juvenile Justice: Systems, Structure, and Process
Substance Abuse Treatment in the Community
Cultural Factors in Treatment Associated with Substance Abuse Issues and the Criminal Justice System
RESEARCH COMPONENTS (6 CREDITS)
Problem Solving Methods Practicum
· Child Protective Services Inquiry and Electronic Research Technologies
· Seminar in Program Synthesis or
Master’s Thesis
ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS)
Choose 2 courses from any specialization track or research component
Coursework for the child protection and juvenile justice concentration is conducted entirely online. This approach allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. This distance delivery option allows busy professionals to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
satisfactory completion of all required courses
successful completion of the research practicum or thesis
cumulative maintained grade point average of 3.0 or higher
completed application for degree
Faculty members for the master of human services are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition, many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most important, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.