Education & Human Services

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Education & Human Services Programs at Assumption University

Education – Prepares students to teach in classrooms through strong subject matter, guided field experience, and supervised teaching practice, while also offering a flexible minor for students interested in the broader social and foundational dimensions of education without teacher licensure requirements.

BA in Education/MA in Special Education Dual Degree Program – Offers a seamless path to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program combines hands-on experience and faculty guidance to support students in developing the skills needed for licensure and professional practice.

School Counseling Dual Degree Program – Offers a seamless path to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree while preparing students to become school counselors who support children and adolescents across academic, career, and social-emotional areas.

Human Services – Prepares students to promote social change, equity, and accessibility while supporting individuals, families, and communities through careers in case management, advocacy, and community development.

Patient Advocacy – Prepares students for entry-level roles in health advocacy and patient navigation. The concentration also builds a strong foundation for graduate study in healthcare administration, public health, policy, and clinical health professions.

Working with Children and Adolescents in Community Settings – Prepares students to support children and adolescents in schools, agencies, clinics, and community settings through prevention, intervention, and social justice–based approaches.

Community Service-Learning – Reflects Assumption’s commitment to service and social justice through meaningful community engagement in Worcester and beyond. Students build skills in observation, critical analysis, and teamwork while serving children, youth, families, the elderly, and other community organizations.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Education & Human Services

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Case Manager – Helps clients access services and resources by assessing needs, coordinating care, and connecting individuals or families with helpful programs.

Community Outreach Coordinator – Builds connections between an organization and the community by planning outreach efforts, sharing resources, and improving access to services.

Elementary School Teacher – Teaches young children in grades 1–6, creating lessons, managing the classroom, and supporting academic and social development.

Early Childhood Educator – Works with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children to support early learning, social growth, and foundational academic skills.

Instructional Aide – Assists teachers in the classroom by supporting lesson activities, helping students individually or in small groups, and reinforcing instruction.

Middle School Teacher – Teaches students in grades 5–8, helping them build subject knowledge while supporting academic growth during a key transition stage.

Patient Navigator – Helps patients move through the healthcare system by explaining services, coordinating appointments, and connecting them with medical and support resources.

School Counselor – Requires graduate school. Supports students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development in a school setting through counseling and guidance.

Secondary School Teacher – Teaches students in grades 8–12 in a specific subject area, prepares lessons, assesses learning, and supports college or career readiness.

Special Education Teacher – Requires graduate school. Prepares to work with students with disabilities or learning differences by adapting instruction and providing targeted support.

Social Services Assistant – Supports social workers and service agencies by helping clients access resources, completing administrative tasks, and assisting with case-related services.

Teacher Assistant – Works alongside a lead teacher to support classroom instruction, help students stay engaged, and manage learning activities.

Youth Program Coordinator – Plans and oversees programs for children and teens in schools, nonprofits, or community organizations to promote learning and development.

Youth Services Specialist – Provides support, programming, and advocacy for young people in community, educational, or social service settings.

Rehabilitation Counselor – Requires graduate school. Helps people with disabilities or injuries build independence, set goals, and access support services.

Social Worker – Requires graduate school. Helps individuals and families solve problems, access services, and improve wellbeing.

Public Health Specialist – Requires graduate school. Works to improve community health through education, prevention, and health promotion.

School-Based Mental Health Counselor – Requires graduate school. Supports students’ emotional wellbeing and mental health in educational settings.

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

First-Year: Explore
Take advantage of organizations like Education Club and Human Services Club, academic electives, events, and networking opportunities. Complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning courses to explore potential interests and clarify next steps.

Sophomore Year: Build
Join the After School Mentoring Club or Jumpstart to gain experience working with children, youth, and families. Volunteer in schools or community agencies, attend career events, and look for tutoring, mentoring, or shadowing opportunities to strengthen your preparation for internships and graduate study.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship to apply skills in professional settings and gain practical experience. (Education majors are required to complete multiple pre-practicum experiences embedded within coursework, and Human Services majors are required to complete a 400-hour internship either junior or senior year.) Attend networking events, career fairs, and actively build your LinkedIn presence.

*Internships significantly boost graduate employability across studies. Students with internship experience consistently achieve higher job placement rates and better career outcomes than those without. (Baert, S., Neyt, B., Siedler, T., Tobback, I., & Verhaest, D. (2021).

Senior Year: Launch

Education majors complete a 360-hour practicum experience as a capstone.

Launch with clarity. Apply best practices to your next step (full-time roles, graduate school, a service year, or beyond) using Resources for tailored résumés, cover letters, the job search, interview preparation, and more!

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Education & Human Services

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

The Teacher Circle – A supportive professional community for educators and aspiring teachers who want encouragement, classroom insights, and shared experience across pre-K through college.

Social Work Network – A professional community for social workers at every stage of their careers, focused on networking, social change, and advancing social and economic justice. It offers a supportive space to connect with others in the field and grow as a change-maker.