Six key career pathways available to FHS students and how to pursue them
The recommended elective courses below align with our Approved Equity and Diversity and Professional Depth courses which can be found on the Family and Human Services (BA/BS) | University of Oregon Academic Catalog
Quick Tips (Connect with a COE Advisor to learn more):
- Combine coursework across pathways for more career options
- Internships and volunteering boost your resume
- Consider graduate school for leadership or clinical roles
1. Mental and Behavioral Health
- Career Examples: Mental/Behavioral Health Technician, School Behavior Support Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor, Corrections Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Counselor, Licensed Couples and Family Therapist, School Counselor, School Psychologist, ABA Therapist, Psychologist, Research Scientist
- Recommended FHS track: Direct Service Intensive Track (DSI) + FHS 401
- Recommended Electives: ANTH 332, ANTH 369, FHS 329, LAW 304, PSY 309, PSY 366, SPED 411, SPED 426, BEHT experience
- BEHT Experience is a term abroad opportunity. Connect with FHS APC to learn more.
- Minors to consider: Disability Studies, Psychology, Spanish, Special Education
- Continuing Education Certificates: Qualified Mental Health Associate, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Master's programs to consider: Counseling, Couples and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, School Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Psychology
2. Prevention Science and Public Health
- Career Examples: Program Evaluator, Data Analyst, Prevention Specialist, Public Health Educator, Prevention Science Research Scientist, Communication Specialist
- Recommended FHS track: Prevention Science Track (PS)
- Recommended Electives: JCOM 385, JCOM 485, PPPM 201, PPPM 422, PPPM 430, PSY 302, PSY 303, SPED 418, WGS 221, WR 320
- Minors to consider: Global Studies, Interdisciplinary Cognitive Sciences, Media Studies, Science Communication,
- Continuing Education Certificates: Certified Prevention Specialist
- Master's programs to consider: Prevention Science, Public Administration, Strategic Communication, Public Health, Multimedia Storytelling
3. Social Work and Community Engagement (Social Work careers span all career pathways)
- Career Examples: Social Worker (child welfare, elder services, disability, international, corrections, military, veterans, hospice, medical, school, clinical, forensic), Case Manager, Family Support Specialist, Family Advocate, Re-entry Navigator, Community Organizer, Outreach Specialist, Probation Officer, Urban Planner, Event Planner, Legal Advocate, Lawyer
- Recommended FHS track: Direct Service Intensive Track (DSI)
- Recommended Electives: EC 330, ES 352, JCOM 385, JCOM 485, SOC 380, SOC 452, SOC 484, WGS 221
- Minors to consider: Black Studies, Criminology, Global Studies, Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies, Legal Studies, Native American & Indigenous studies, Queer Studies, Sociology, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Continuing Education Certificates: Qualified Mental Health Associate, Community Health Worker, Peer Support Training
- Master's programs to consider: Social Work, Law School, Multimedia Storytelling, Prevention Science, Public Health and Planning
4. Physical Health and Disability
- Career Examples: Rehabilitation Counselor, Skills Coach, Developmental Disability Specialist, Disability Advocate, Early Interventionist, ABA Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Medical Social Worker, Health Educator, Prenatal Educator, Nurse, Physician, Insurance Outreach Specialist, Care Coordinators
- Recommended FHS track: Direct Service Intensive Track (DSI) + FHS 401
- Recommended Electives: ASL 301, SOC 385, SPED 411
- Minors to consider: Biology, Disability Studies, Special Education
- Continuing Education Certificates: Community Health Worker
- Master's programs to consider: Nursing, Special Education, Social Work (medical focus), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- Medical focused careers will require additional undergraduate coursework. Consider meeting with a Pre-Health Advisor.
5. Education and School
- Career Examples: Special education (assistant, teacher, consultant), K-12 Teacher, Behavior Support Specialist, School Social Worker, Reading Specialist, Career/Academic Advisor (high school and college), Principal, Curriculum Designer, Education Policy Analysist
- Recommended FHS track: Direct Service Intensive Track (DSI)
- Recommended Electives: SPED 411, SPED 418, SPED 426,
- Minors to consider: Disability Studies, Special Education
- Continuing Education Certificates: Education Support Professional Certificate; Career and Technical Education Teacher
- Master's programs to consider: Special Education, Curriculum and Teaching (UO Teach), Educational Policy and Leadership
6. Leadership and Public Policy
- Career Examples: Nonprofit Director, Clinic Coordinator, Grant writer, Communications Manager, Macro Social Worker, Campaign Strategist, Legislative Aide, Campaign Field Organizer, Policy Analysist, Senior Policy Advisor
- Recommended FHS track: Prevention Science Track (PS)
- Recommended Electives: PPPM 280, PPPM 425, PPPM 460
- Minors to consider: Non-profit Administration, Planning, Public Policy and Management, and Political Science
- Continuing Education Certificates: Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate
- Master's programs to consider: Nonprofit Management, Planning and Public Affairs, Prevention Science, Public Health, Public Administration