30 Best Online Human Services Degree Programs

Explore online Human Services degree programs. Compare schools and programs, and see what specialty is right for you.

Explore online Human Services degree programs. Compare schools and see what specialty is right for you.

The Human Services field is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, human services occupations are expected to grow by 12% in the next decade. It is expected that more than 348,600 job openings will need to be filled.

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If you feel the call of public service, an online  human services degree can prepare you for the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of making the world a better place in human services occupations. You don’t even need to step foot on a college campus. You can explore your options through the digital world.

1. Alfred State College

Alfred State College, established in 1908, is part of the State University of New York System. It offers 19 baccalaureate degrees, 50 associate degrees, and certificates.

The school’s baccalaureate degree in Human Services Management Degree is an accelerated, 3-year course that prepares prospective students to become a generalist who can work with clients in different human services agencies, as well as employ sound management practices.

• BS in Human Services

Alfred State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

2. Anderson University

Anderson University is a comprehensive university located in Anderson, South Carolina. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its 9 colleges.

The university offers a Bachelor of Human Services with concentrations in Healthcare and Human Services Management, Behavioral Health, and Gerontology.

These provide learners with the educational foundation to pursue careers as administrators in various organizations. These courses can all be completed fully online.

• Bachelor of Human Services – Behavioral Health
• Bachelor of Human Services – Healthcare & Human Resources Management
• Bachelor of Human Services – Gerontology

Anderson University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. Antioch University

Antioch University was founded in 1852 and was first named Antioch College. Its main campus is located in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

The Human Services Administration degree is designed to give students the skill set they need to become leaders and work with confidence in supervisory or administrative roles. This degree is offered fully online, giving learners the flexibility to work and study where and when it is most convenient.

This program can be completed in a minimum of 120 semester credit hours.

• BA in Human Services Administration

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Bluefield College

Bluefield College takes pride in its diverse Christian environment, global education, compassionate campus community, and service-minded students. The school is situated in the scenic Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia.

The school’s B.S. in Human Services caters to those who are passionate about working with individuals and families to improve lives. It enables students to address behavioral issues happening at home, workplace, and in the community.

This can be done by examining human behavior in relation to relationships, mental processes, and environmental variables.

• BS in Human Services

Bluefield College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Colorado State University

Colorado State University Global Campus provides a 100% online learning environment for students to pursue their degrees while they work.

Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. It covers relevant topics in human development, intervention methods, case management, and human services administration.

Throughout the program, learners are provided with the opportunity to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the social services field. Students need to successfully complete 120 credits to graduate.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

6. Columbia College

Columbia College allows learners to earn an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online at their own pace and convenience. The school was founded in 1851 and serves around 25,000 students across the country each year.

The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. These programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to enrich their careers within the fields of human services. These courses are offered to both online students and at several approved locations.

• BA in Human Services
• BS in Human Services

Columbia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Drury University

Drury University is an independent university and grounded in the liberal arts tradition. It is situated in Springfield, Missouri.

In the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program, students take courses related to counseling, human development, diversity, relationships, group dynamics, and helping people in various capacities. The course requires a minimum of 42 major credit hours, which can be completed online.

• BS in Human Services

Drury is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

8. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University, located in Johnson City, is a part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. It is recognized as having one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

The university’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services program provides background for students who are interested in counseling, case management, and administration.

It also encompasses ethical, legal, and multicultural issues in relation to the responsibilities of the human services professional.

• BS in Human Services

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Fisher College

Fisher College, founded in 1903, first served as a vocational school and had changed its name to Fisher Business College in 1910. Its main branch is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and it has satellite branches in North Attleboro, Brockton, and New Bedford.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. It is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to cater to the social and developmental needs of individuals and families.

• BS in Human Services – Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention
• BS in Human Services – Early Intervention

Fisher College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

10. Florida State College – Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville is a part of the Florida College System. It has four campuses: the Downtown Campus, North Campus, South Campus, and Kent Campus.

FSCJ’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services program provides students with a robust foundation in human needs assessment and problem-solving. They will also be exposed to real-world experiences in the field during the internship program.

• BS in Human Services

FSCJ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University is an evangelical University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It works on a mission to produce graduates who are godly and are prepared to serve Christ in church and society.

The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services program, which seeks to prepare professionals who can meet the needs of Indian families’ diverse communities.

As a Christian university, Grace Christian University requires all bachelor’s degrees to have at least 30 credit hours of Bible and theology.

• BS in Human Services

Grace Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University, headquartered in Marion, Indiana, is the largest private university in the state. Students are enrolled in traditional education or through online classes. There are over 80 undergraduate degrees, 57 graduate degrees, and 9 doctorate degrees offered.

The university’s BS in Human Services program is taught with a biblical understanding of advocacy. It is a 45-credit program that integrates biblical perspectives on providing care to the underprivileged and oppressed. Instructors meet with the class once a week, or more conveniently, classes can be completed as online students.

• BS in Human Services

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. Judson University

Judson University, founded in 1913, is an evangelical Christian liberal arts university located in Elgin, Illinois.

The university’s Bachelor of Human Services program seeks to develop each learner’s interpersonal and cultural competency skills needed to recognize and respect each person’s dignity.

Students will be trained on how to evaluate and analyze service systems in order to create a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable people. Classes can be done on campus in Elgin and Rockford, or completely online.

• BA in Human Services

Judson University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University, established in 1946, is an interdenominational Christian university located in Longview, Texas.

LeTourneau’s Bachelor of Human Services degree program creates opportunities for students to gain knowledge and techniques required to help others effectively.

Core courses in this degree include psychology, counseling, and ethics, sociology, criminal justice. All these will be emphasizing the value of Christian faith in their professional field.

• Bachelor of Human Services

LTU also houses a theology school online for students interested in considering this option in addition to earning a degree in human services.

LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Minot State University

Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota offers undergraduate and graduate degree options across its three colleges – Business, Arts and Sciences, and Education and Health Sciences.

The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a major in Intellectual / Development Disabilities. This degree can be the next career step for graduates of Associate of Science in Human Services with the same major.

This degree is offered online, and online students may take advantage of many paid and hands-on experiences through internships.

• BS in Human Services – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

16. New England College

New England College is a liberal arts college in Henniker, New Hampshire. The school offers 9 associate degrees, 37 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and a doctoral degree program.

New England’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services prepares learners to create a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families by effectively providing support and counseling. Featured courses include Issues in Professional Practice: Sociology, Delivery of Human Services, and Substance Abuse.

• BS in Human Services

NEC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

17. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia was established in 1930 as the College of William and Mary. It is presently one of the most diverse and largest universities in Virginia in terms of the student population.

The university offers an online degree program in the Bachelor of Science in Human Services. The 30-credit-hour program is a part of the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies and the Department of Counseling & Human Services.

It mainly teaches students the roles and functions of the human services professional, characteristics of human growth and development, and the theories and skills of human services.

• BS in Human Services

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College was founded in 1922, with headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota. It has a total of 23 campuses in Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, Kansas, and online.

Rasmussen College offers a human services bachelor’s degree, which can be completed online and can be finished in as little as 18 months. Classes are led by industry-experienced faculty and provides in-field applications and internships.

The program has the Flex Choice® option, which allows students to combine traditional online coursework and self-directed assessment.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services

Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. Saint Joseph’s College

St Joseph’s College in New York is working on a mission to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education, anchored on liberal arts, for career preparation and enrichment.

The school’s online bachelor’s degree in Human Services is perfect for learners who desire to pursue a promising career path in the field of human services that matches their interests and strengths.

Students are trained to work for agencies such as mental health centers, family and youth agencies, veteran’s service agencies, and addictions counseling agencies.

• BS in Human Services

Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

20. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, founded in 1840, is the oldest Catholic College in Indiana.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, which aims to prepare future professionals to take on meaningful roles in helping others improve their lives. It consists of 55 credit hours which can be completed on campus or online.

The school received the distinction as #2 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degree for 2018.

• BS in Human Services

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. Shorter University

Shorter University is a Baptist university in Rome, Georgia. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven colleges, as well as adult education and graduate programs through its distance learning facilities.

The university’s online Bachelor of Science major in Human Services program aims to help students make a difference in the lives of others and their community. Core courses include Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, and Sociology. This is a 120-hour degree program with 16 hours of internship.

• BS in Human Services

Shorter University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

22. Southeastern University

Southeastern University is a Christian liberal arts university in Lakeland, Florida. It was founded in 1935.

The university’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services is a 48-month degree program with 124 credits. It is made up of 54 general education credits, 39 core courses credits, and 31 elective courses.

Completion of the program allows students to acquire qualifications to enter a variety of service settings such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, social services agencies, substance abuse programs, government agencies, and community organizations.

• BS in Human Services

Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. As its online program continually expands, its online enrollment reached an average of over 87,000.

With the university’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, students will be able to master the art of advocacy and the fundamental skills to effectively help people in need. The program has concentrations in Child and Family, Substance Abuse, and Gerontology.

• BA in Human Services

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

24. Troy University

Troy University is located in Troy, Alabama, and was founded in 1887.

It offers degrees in the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels across five colleges and a division of general studies. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services fully online. It consists of 120 credit hours with 8-week terms.

• BS in Human Services

Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. University of Alabama – Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a research university located in Birmingham, Alabama. It was developed from an academic extension center, which was established in 1936.

The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services with a concentration in Human Services. The program trains students to promote and improve the delivery of health services to those who are in need of protection and care.

Students are expected to complete an internship program, wherein they work with an internship coordinator who closely monitors their work.

• BS in Community Health and Human Services – Human Services

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is ranked #7 in the Best Online Bachelor’s Program in the Nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The university offers a Bachelor of Applied Science major in Human Services. It equips students with knowledge of human services agencies, human development, and social issues to build successful careers in various human services fields.

• BAS in Human Services

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Massachusetts – Amherst

The University of Massachusetts – Amherst is a research and land-grant university in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, a 120-credit program, which can be completed fully online. This program allows students to design their own program of study in human services. Outstanding one-on-one support from faculty is provided from the first day of class through graduation.

• BA in Human Services

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

28. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a Christian university in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers, with the mission to educate and prepare leaders for service to the community.

The Bachelor of Science Human Services degree program at the University of the Cumberlands gives students the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills to work in a field that focuses on making a good change in the lives of others.

The curriculum focuses on current social issues, professional helping skills, and behavioral therapy.

• BS in Human Services

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

29. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh is part of the University of Wisconsin System.

The university’s Human Services Degree program equips students with skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking, grant writing, resource allocation, human behavior, ethical issues, intervention techniques and strategies, professional development, project planning, and social issues.

It is delivered online with flexibility students need and the same academic quality of traditional on-campus programs.

• BS in Human Services Leadership

UW Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

30. Western Washington University

Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, Washington and was established in 1893.

Western’s Human Services degree program is ideal for students who possess a strong commitment to social and economic justice, human dignity, and the passion for facilitating change. It has a social justice orientation, which engages students in critical analysis and reflection.

This program also requires students to have 380 hours of field experience to help them apply theory into practice.

• BA in Human Services

Western is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Types of Online Human Service Degree Programs

People with this degree can become mental health counselors, social workers, child advocates, community organizers, probation officers, outreach directors, nonprofit managers, and public health educators. It’s a broad field, but at its core, it’s about helping those who need help.

Click on the area you’re interested in to jump to that part of the page.

• Human Services – General
• Child and Family Services
• Gerontology
• Substance Abuse

Which jobs in the human services field are right for you? It depends on what you want to learn and how long you’re willing to be in school. It also depends on what specializations that you’d like to pursue.

Human Services – General

A general degree in human services can qualify you for many jobs in public service. From mentoring at-risk youth to creating charity programs for the homeless, to setting human services policies for a local government, it’s a far-reaching degree that can be applied to numerous industries.

You can earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human services. You can also earn an associate degree, but since many jobs will require advanced credentials, an associate degree is usually more of a stepping stone than an end goal for human services professionals.

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A traditional or online master’s degree in human services is for specialization. Once you’ve found your calling, you can get a master’s degree to build your skills, obtain new certifications, and seek out leadership roles within your community.

A human services program can sometimes require both coursework and fieldwork. With online degrees, the fieldwork is often arranged locally, and you submit the paperwork to your professors afterward.

Child and Family Services

If you’d like to work with kids and families, a this degree can help qualify you for a wide range of jobs.

• Adoption manager
• Child psychologist
• Crisis intervention specialist
• Ethnic relations advisor
• Family support expert
• Foster care director
• Juvenile justice attorney
• Marriage counselor
• Nonprofit administrator
• School counselor
• Social worker

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Human services graduates can also find specialized jobs within social welfare programs. For example, if you want to become a social worker, there are different roles and responsibilities for social workers in schools, hospitals, group homes, adoption agencies, government agencies, and juvenile detention centers.

Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of aging. It’s another field with many different specializations:

• Biogerontology is focused on the physical changes to our bodies as we get older.
• Jurisprudential gerontology concerns the rights and abuses faced by the elderly. It’s sometimes known as “elder law.”
• Social gerontology looks at the way that senior citizens are treated by society.

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Depending on your job, gerontology can involve everything from monitoring samples in a lab to delivering meals to disabled seniors. As for your pay, it will fluctuate based on what you’re doing. The typical salary range for gerontologists is between $35,060 – $88,790 per year (Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Substance Abuse

Can you help people overcome their demons?

If you have strong interpersonal skills, you might enjoy a career in addiction counseling. Along with other mental health professionals, you can provide therapy, support, and mental health resources to people who are struggling with substance abuse.

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If you’d prefer to work behind the scenes, that’s possible as well. You can become a caseworker or administrator at a rehabilitation clinic. You can even become a lab technician who studies the chemical aspects of addiction and still work within social welfare programs.

You might need more than a degree in human services to qualify for certain jobs. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a substance abuse counselor, where you will like be expected to develop intervention strategies, you’ll need to get a license before you can practice. Some jobs will also require a master’s degree or PhD in human services online or on-campus.

Courses for a Degree in Human Services

Every school is different, so their course requirements will be different as well. However, there are a few subjects that crop up again and again in human services programs:

Abnormal Psychology: As its name suggests, abnormal psychology is focused on psychology that deviates from the norm. It can cover everything from mood disorders to personality disorders. You might learn about anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and more.

Criminal Justice: These courses are a necessity if you want a job in the justice system, such as a juvenile court liaison or youth probation officer. They might also be useful if you’re a counselor, welfare worker, or community organizer with clients who are in and out of prison.

Diversity Studies: Diversity studies cover things like race, gender, ethnic relations, and sexuality. Not only can you learn how to be a more sensitive, inclusive person, but depending on the course, you might dive into everything from international business customs to race relations throughout history.

Human Development: Human development is an expansive topic. In fact, it’s an entire discipline, and some schools offer a degree in it. It can teach you about the way that human beings grow, learn, form relationships, and function within society. You will likely also study behavioral and social theories.

Personal and Professional Ethics: There are certain standards that human services workers are expected to uphold. Since your job will likely involve contact with vulnerable people, you’ll need to uphold a high level of personal and professional ethics and human services policies. You might also need to navigate moral dilemmas and sticky situations involving kids and families.

Social Psychology: Human services degrees typically require a lot of psychology courses, but social psychology is particularly important. It examines the way that people behave within communities, and it covers topics such as peer pressure, social influence, prejudice, discrimination, and group behavior.

What Types of Human Services Degree Jobs Are Available?

There are more than 2,000 degree paths for human services professionals, and they can prepare you for jobs in everything from social work to public health. Here are just a few career paths that human services workers might take:

Community Outreach Specialists: Are you good at bringing people together? You might enjoy working in community outreach. Jobs for human service professionals are usually found in nonprofit organizations, and they can be dedicated to poverty, literacy, hunger, homelessness, or long-term employment.

Counselor: You can be a guidance counselor at a high school or a grief counselor at a hospital. You can work with kids in foster care, addicts in rehab, adult mental health rehabilitation, or families looking to adopt. Counselors, along with other mental health professionals, are employed in all kinds of environments and have all kinds of specialties, so it’s just a matter of deciding where you’re the most needed.

Criminal Justice Worker: Human services professionals can find ample work in prisons and probation offices. The jobs usually involve counseling, coaching, job placements, addiction services, legal advice, and mental health assessments.

Health Educator: Health educators are human service professionals who work with the public. They share information, promote wellness, develop community resources, and collect important data for hospitals and health organizations. If you’re interested in a career in health education, you can combine a degree in human services with one involving education, communication, public relations, or healthcare administration.

Healthcare Worker: You might not think of medical professionals when you think of human services professionals, but there are jobs available in the healthcare industry for human service majors with the right skills. They’re usually non-medical in nature and focused more on things like policy and administration.

Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help the injured and disabled. Since most schools don’t offer a degree in occupational therapy, prospective students have to major in something like human services, kinesiology, psychology, or education. There are also schools like the University of Iowa that offer pre-occupational therapy (OT) certifications.

Social Worker: While there are separate degree program for social workers, there’s also a lot of overlap between social work and human services work. You can qualify for many social service jobs even if you have a degree in human services instead. You can also use this degree as a foundation for a future specialization in social work.

Human Services Degree Salary

Since human services is a field of study rather than a specific job title, there isn’t a single salary for various human services professionals. Your pay will depend on your education, industry, career prospects, and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a few potential jobs for human services graduates and their average salaries include:

• Social Services Administrator ($85,550)
• Community Development Officer ($70,830)
• Rehabilitation Case Manager ($60,180)
• Social Worker ($50,470)
• Marriage and Family Therapist ($49,610)
• Child Welfare Advocate ($47,390)
• Substance Abuse Counselor ($46,240)
• Rehabilitation Caseworker ($35,060)
• Home Health Aide ($25,280)

Some human services careers, such as community service managers, have a big salary range. For example, while the median salary of social workers is $50,470 per year, the top earners can take home as much as $82,540.

Social workers in big cities typically make more than ones in rural areas. Social workers specializing in healthcare usually make more than ones specializing in family law.

Experience can also play a role in salary. While a rehabilitation caseworker’s average salary starts at $35,060 per year, a rehabilitation case manager could enjoy as much as $60,180 per year.

Professional Organizations for Human Services

Professional organizations can provide a lot of assistance to human service students. They offer resources like studying materials and training classes, and they organize lectures, conferences, workshops, and networking events for members.

• American Public Human Services Association (APHSA): hosts events all over the country that can help with job placement, skill development, and career advancement. If you can’t attend in person, they also have webinars on their site. They offer memberships to both individuals and human service agencies, so you could get coverage by yourself or through your workplace.
• Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC): meant for doctors, mental health counselors, social workers, and other addiction treatment specialists. One of their biggest membership benefits is free, certified classes for continuing education (CE). They offer more than 145 hours of CE through schools, seminars, and online programs.
• National Organization for Human Services (NOHS): offers hundreds of resources for human services professionals, including conferences, networking events, and subscriptions to academic journals. They also fund scholarships for college students. You’ll need to be a member to qualify for the money.

You usually have to pay to join, but the perks of joining can be well worth the money for future human services professionals.

Certification and Licensure Following a Human Services Degree

Some jobs require credentials beyond a degree. For example, if you’re interested in helping families in distress, you might want to become a certified crisis management expert.

If you want to be a child psychologist, a human services bachelor’s degree can get you started, but you’ll eventually need a PhD or PsyD.

For human services, there’s the Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP). This is a non-specialized certification that can be applied to a number of jobs. The requirements are:

• Hold an associate degree or higher
• Complete or have completed at least 350 hours of human services work
• Sit for an exam

By obtaining your HS-BCP, you can show potential employers that you’re above average in both education and experience. Not all human services professionals get an HS-BCP, so obtaining one can help you stand out from other job applicants.

Accreditation for Human Services Degrees

You should always look for an accredited school when seeking a degree. It proves that the school meets objective, third-party standards, and it qualifies its programs for federal financial aid.

There are six regional accreditation boards for colleges in the US. They provide general accreditation for entire schools.

For human services programs specifically, you’ll want a degree program that’s been accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). They offer a full list of accredited colleges on their website.

Financial Aid for Human Services Majors

You don’t have to pay full price for a college degree. There are a number of ways to lower your costs.

The most well-known financial aid package is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s free to apply, and depending on your income, you could qualify for several grants or loans.

Another option is scholarships. There are general scholarships for high-achieving prospective students pursuing any major, and there are also specific scholarships meant for human services students:

• The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) offers two scholarships each year. Applicants must be NOHS members who are actively pursuing a degree in a human services field.
• Western Michigan University offers several scholarships through its College of Health and Human Services.
• The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is for social justice advocates who are pursuing work against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination.

Additionally, there are job-specific scholarships that you can seek out. For example, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has an annual scholarship for gerontology students, and they accept human services majors.

What Is Human Services Degree?

A human services degree is a wide-ranging degree that’s focused on helping people with hardships. It covers things like social work, charity work, community outreach, public health, addiction therapy, and many different types of counseling.

What Degree Do You Need for Human Services?

You can obtain a degree in this field on every level:

• Associate degree
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS)
• PhD

You can also earn a special certification known as the Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP).

Where Can You Work with a Human Services Degree?

A degree in this major can qualify you to work in many different environments in the human services field.

As a counselor, you might be employed in a school, hospital, prison, adult mental health rehabilitation center, or a nursing home. As a social worker, you might get a job with a state or federal agency that handles child welfare.

It’s quite common for human services majors to find work with nonprofits. You could become an organizer, fundraiser, program director, or volunteer coordinator.

The human services field is a broad one, and it can open many doors for the motivated student. It isn’t a career where you follow a set path. Instead, you follow your heart.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services?

It usually takes four years to obtain a human services bachelor’s degree. During the course of your education, you can learn about psychology, society, diversity, ethics, and community resources. You’ll usually have opportunities for fieldwork as well in a bachelor’s in human services program.

If you’re interested in obtaining your HS-BCP, fieldwork is a must. You’ll have to complete 350 hours before you can get your certification. This might take additional time if you didn’t have any internships or clinical rotations in school.

You’ll also want to consider your specialization. Some human services careers can require additional degrees, exams, or licenses, including social work.

What Are the Best Colleges for Human Services?

Every student is different, and the best college for you might not be the best college for your friend or classmate.

However, if you’ve gone cross-eyed looking at all of the degree options out there, you can narrow down your options by making a checklist:

• Accreditation: Has the school been vetted by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)?
• Fieldwork: Does the program offer opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, fellowships, clinic hours, or volunteer work?
• Online classes: Some schools will let you get your human services degree completely online. Others will have online or hybrid classes that you can use to supplement a campus-based degree.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding a school that’s compatible with your unique budget, schedule, and career goals.