• University Operations Update

    Return to Normal Operations - Tuesday, Feb. 3

    Lenoir-Rhyne will return to normal, in-person operations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, at all campus locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

    • Road conditions: We recognize that road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas and that travel may still be challenging.
    • Students: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their instructors to discuss absences.
    • Faculty and staff: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements.
    • Your safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your continued communication and flexibility as we transition back to normal operations.
    • The university community is also invited to join President McGee for a Welcome Back Warm-Up on Tuesday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the Cromer Center on the Hickory campus. Stop by to enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we reconnect and welcome one another back to campus.

    Operation Updates

Human & Community Service, B.A.


Receive education and training to provide services, advocacy and care to diverse populations through a variety of human service organizations

The major provides graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences required to successfully serve clients through a variety of public outreach organizations.

You receive training to work one-on-one with individuals as well as small groups and families to help them tackle challenges in their lives, often by connecting them with the appropriate service organizations. You also receive training to work with community organizations to accomplish more structural or systemic goals that may relate to social, economic, political, cultural and/or environmental issues.

The curriculum combines classroom and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for entry level human services jobs and/or to pursue graduate degrees in the human services field. Students completing the program are prepared to pursue master's degrees in social work, counseling, human services and other related fields.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Human & Community Service degree.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Human & Community Services degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Outside the Classroom 


The Human and Community Service major includes a capstone experience. Through a required internship, you can select from a wide array of organizations and service providers to gain invaluable work experience, learning directly from professionals in the field.

You can choose the population groups that you would like to work with, e.g. children, youth and teens, adults and/or seniors, as well as the service areas you are passionate about such as mental health services, social services, children’s advocacy, women’s services, social welfare, public health and safety and other non-profits organizations.

Previous students in the program have completed internships with the Department of Social Services, Women's Resource Center, Council on Adolescents, Cooperative Christian Ministries, and many others.

Career Opportunities 


The major prepares you for entry or near-entry level professional positions in the fields of human services, law enforcement, child care administration and similar occupations.

The program provides you with the skills and dispositions needed to serve clients in a variety of public and non-profit outreach organizations. Graduates will work alongside social workers, healthcare providers and other specialists supporting persons in need.

Major Requirements

The Human and Community Service major provides graduates with knowledge, skills, and experiences to prepare them for working in human service professions. Students are educated to work with individuals, small groups (such as families), individuals needing help in other groups (work organizations, for example), and with community organizations to accomplish more structural or systemic (social, economic, political, recreational, etc.) goals. Internships require daytime availability.

News & Events

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“Careers. Well Crafted.” is a citywide, drop-in career fair offering students access to employers across industries, on-site preparation support and a welcoming space to explore next steps.

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Students collaborate in an anatomy lab

Lenoir-Rhyne reports its largest application total in university history, reflecting growing interest in its academic experience and commitment to affordability.

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