Overview
McDaniel’s Master of Science in Human Services Management (HSM) is a one-of-a-kind degree that will prepare you for an administrative position in a community-based human service program. Through a unique blend of financial aid, graduate study and on-the-job training, HSM at McDaniel will help you make a real difference in people’s lives.
Graduate students work full time for Target Community & Educational Services, Inc., a local non-profit agency affiliated with McDaniel. As Target Scholars, HSM candidates receive significant reductions in tuition as well as a stipend, free room and board, and health benefits for the duration of the two-year program. Students learn both in the classroom and on the job while serving individuals with developmental disabilities as resident Community Living Managers at sites in Carroll and Montgomery Counties.
Key Features of the HSM program include:
• 5-year B.A./M.S. HSM option
• Generous financial aid packages, including room, board, a 75% tuition scholarship, salary, and a variety of other benefits.
• Supervisory experience while in the program.
• Degree completion possible in 24 months.
• Prepares students for middle to upper-level management positions in human services organizations or for positions teaching in the classroom.
• Features the theoretical education and practical skill-building necessary for a successful career.
Why McDaniel
• With a strong history of high placement rates for our graduates, you can expect quality job offers.
• Combine graduate study with full-time employment in one of the various target facilities located throughout Maryland.
• Earn a generous financial aid package, including room, board, a 75%tuition scholarship, a graduate stipend of $19,000 per year, and health and dental benefits.
• Highly competitive tuition.
Admissions Requirements
Initial Admission
• Interview with management of Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. http://www.targetcommunity.org/contacts.asp
• Completed application for graduate study
• Submit the non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7
• Three letters of recommendation
*Students not meeting the GPA criterion may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Full acceptance will be reviewed upon completion of nine graduate credits.
Degree Requirements
• 33 semester hours
• Two-semester special project related to student's employment as a Target counselor
Courses
| HSM 522 | Target Internship I
Note Target Students only.
This internship is completed during the first Fall semester for students enrolled in the Human Services Management in Special Education graduate program. Students participating in this internship live in a home or apartment operated by Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. (Target, Inc.) where they provide care and support for at least three adults with developmental disabilities. The internship includes certified training by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration on issues related to individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., characteristics, normalization, legal rights), as well as CPR, first aid, behavior management, medication administration, and other trainings related to the management of a state licensed Alternative Living Unit (ALU) for individuals with developmental disabilities. Students participating in this internship must meet minimum employment requirements and standards for Target, Inc. (e.g., background check, driving record examination, performance evaluations). Students must receive a grade of “B” or better to receive a passing grade for this internship. Continued participation in this internship is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in the Human Services Management in Special Education program as outlined in the program handbook. In addition, continued participation in the Human Services Management in Special Education program is contingent upon meeting the minimum internship performance guidelines as outlined in the program handbook. Participating students are provided with a 75% tuition scholarship, free room and board, a generous graduate stipend, and health care benefits. | 3 Credits |
| PSY 506 | Principles of Behavior Management
This course will provide an overview of the principles of applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on basic behavior principles, and the nature and philosophy of behavior analysis. Students will learn how to apply a behavioral analytical approach to assessment and an understanding of behavior through readings, lectures, vignettes, analysis of data, and group discussions. | 3 Credits |
| CED 508 | Group Dynamics
An overview of major group theories, knowledge of group process, and an understanding of the relationship between group goals and group process. The course develops group participant, observer, and facilitator skills. Group leadership, theoretical approaches to working with groups, and the application and integration of group dynamic concepts within various organizations are developed. (Educational Administration candidates will address Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards as assigned.) | 3 Credits |
| PSY 531 | Applied Behavior Analysis
This course will provide an overview of the principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on the development of specific behavior change strategies, support systems, and measurements for behavioral interventions, culminating in the development of comprehensive behavior change programs. The course includes lectures, readings, analysis of vignettes, and the development and review of specific behavior change plans. | 3 Credits |
| SED 506 | Medical and Physical Aspects of Severe and Profound Disabilities
This course will provide an overview of common medical and physical conditions frequently associated with infants, toddlers, students, and adults with developmental disabilities. An overview of these disabilities will include definitions, descriptions, etiology, and interventions for educators and other direct care providers. Topics will include epilepsy, cerebral palsy, orthopedic and other physical limitations, dementia, nutrition and medication concerns, as well as appropriate positioning, handling and occupational therapy necessary for educators working within inclusive environments. | 3 Credits |
| HSM 505 | Orientation to Human Services Management
This course will focus on management, supervision and communication skills within human service agencies and organizations. Specifically, it will prepare students to assume their internship role as a Community Living Manager (CLM) within a home for adults with disabilities operated by Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. This course is limited to students in the Human Services Management graduate degree program and who are completing a live-in internship with Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. | 3 Credits |
Close| SED 500 | Introduction to Special Education
An overview of the major exceptionalities, including both high and low incidence disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on history and legal proceedings, definitions of disabilities, and research-based educational interventions of school-age students. | 3 Credits |
| HSM 510 | Introduction to Agency Management
An introduction to basic management strategies. The course will include theories, concepts, and application of management; the planning process and strategic plans; organizational mission; objectives; goals and organizational design; staffing and personnel issues; motivation and communications; and control techniques including financial planning and budgets. | 3 Credits |
| EDU 550 | Introduction to Research Methodology
This course is directed toward an understanding of how research is conducted. Includes the study of quantitative and qualitative strategies and their appropriate use. Reviews appropriate statistical tools and their use in data collection and interpretation. | 3 Credits |
| HSM 523 | Target Internship II
Note Target Students only.
This internship is completed during the second Spring semester for students enrolled in the Human Services Management in Special Education graduate program. Students participating in this internship live in a home or apartment operated by Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. (Target, Inc.) where they provide care and support for at least three adults with developmental disabilities. The internship involves training in the management and supervision of a state licensed Alternative Living Unit (ALU) for individuals with developmental disabilities. Students participating in this internship must meet minimum employment requirements and standards for Target, Inc. (e.g., background check, driving record examination, performance evaluations). Students must receive a grade of “B” or better to receive a passing grade for this internship. Continued participation in this internship is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in the Human Services Management in Special Education programs as outlined in the program handbook. In addition, continued participation in the Human Services Management in Special Education program is contingent upon meeting internship performance guidelines as outlined in the program handbook. Participating students are provided with a 75% tuition scholarship, free room and board, a generous graduate stipend, and health care benefits. | 3 Credits |
| HSM 515 | Issues in Human Services Management
An overview of the operation of twenty four hour care, human services facilities (day/residential/recreational) including organizational structure, staff hiring, retention and release, financing and budgeting with multiple funding sources, and applicable management principles. The focus will be on the non-profit format, but proprietary organizations will be reviewed. | 3 Credits |
CloseNote:
Other requirements will be necessary for students seeking special education teaching certification.
Faculty
Dr. Tom Zirpoli, Program Coordinator
Human Services Management (Target)
tzirpoli@mcdaniel.edu
410-871-3352
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of this program excel in various positions:
Graduates of the Human Service Management Master’s degree program find management positions with various nonprofit and profit agencies serving the disabled or the elderly. Many also accept positions with various government agencies at the federal, state, city, and county levels with a focus on general education and special education services.
Important Dates
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester – August 1
Spring Semester – December 15
Summer Sessions – May 1
FAQs
1. Is this a live-in position?
Yes. In order to maintain continuity for the clients we serve, we have found it best to employ our graduate students in full-time live-in positions as counselors. The practical experience students gain would be impossible to match in any classroom-only setting. Counselors live two to a house (one a first-year and one a second-year student), supporting three developmentally disabled adults. Each counselor has a private bedroom in an apartment below the main house where clients live.
2. Can I become certified to teach special education through this program?
Yes. The program offers both a management track and a teaching track. The specific courses necessary to complete certification will depend on state requirements (Maryland or Pennsylvania) as well as a student’s prior educational experience.
