Best Online Human Services Degree Programs: 2023

Learn about different types of human services degrees, who they’re for, and how to find an online program that suits your needs.

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Shelley Zansler

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last updated

09/15/2022

After deciding to pursue a human services degree online, it can be tempting to enroll in classes right away. However, it’s important to take your time choosing an online degree program that meets your career goals, education timelines, and budgets. This research will not only make the enrollment process smoother, but it will also ensure you’ve picked a program that’s right for you. To aid you in this process, we’ve evaluated online human services bachelor’s degree programs from around the country and ranked them on their affordability and quality. Here are a few options worth exploring.

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About the ranking

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Base Methodology for EduMed’s 2023 Online College Rankings

1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.

2. Assign Weightings

After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.

Online Program Availability

  • Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.

Affordability

  • Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
  • Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.

Support Services

  • Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
  • Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.

About Our Data

EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2022

# School Name Type Cost Online Programs More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City, NM Public $ 5

Western New Mexico University’s online Associate of Arts in Human Services program will prepare students for careers in a variety of human service professions, making them equipped to improve the systems that provide care to patients in a number of different settings. Graduates work in a variety of settings that include health and government agencies, social services, substance abuse, correctional facilities, and more. The school’s 64-credit-hour program is fully online, with an asynchronous online platform and synchronous web conferences. An internship is required that can be completed at a facility near to where the student lives. Admission requirements include an application fee and all official transcripts.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Arts in Human Services

  • Credits: 64
  • Cost: $2,094.36 for 6 credit hours (in state); $5,235.90 for 6 credit hours (out of state)
  • Length: 2 years
  • Mode: 100% online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
AccreditationHLC
2 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL Public $$$ 3

The University of Alabama offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services with a concentration in human services. This program trains students to become health service professionals who improve the delivery of services to patients in a wide variety of settings. Students will take courses in psychology, human development, case management, ethics, public policy, and more. They will also be required to complete an internship. Students can enroll in the program as first-time freshmen, non-traditional freshmen, transfer, second Bachelor’s, returning UAB student, or non-degree seeking. Test scores are optional as an admissions requirement and scholarships are available.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services with a Concentration in Human Services

  • Credits: 121
  • Cost: $8,568 (in state); $20,400 (out of state)
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: 100% online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
3 University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman, OK Public $ 2

The University of Oklahoma-Norman’s Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration is an accelerated, fully online program designed for working professionals. Graduates will gain a broad perspective of human service in healthcare, with courses that combine theory and real-world practice. Courses cover psychology, cultural and societal issues, leadership, ethics, strategic planning, and more.

Admissions requirements include a Bachelor’s degree, cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate studies, a minimum of three years of work experience, online application, resume, college transcripts, and a personal statement. GRE scores may also be required.

Program Highlights:

Master of Arts - Human and Health Services Administration

  • Credits: 33
  • Cost: $685/credit hour
  • Length: 20+ months
  • Mode: Fully online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
AccreditationHLC
4 University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield, IL Public $$ 5

The University of Illinois Springfield offers an online Masters of Arts in Human Services that prepares graduates for leadership and management positions in human and social services. Graduates will learn how to improve delivery of interventions for patients, improving advocacy, understanding patient needs, implementing strategies, and evaluating information. Students can choose from five concentrations including child and family services, alcohol and substance abuse, nursing home administration, social services administration, and gerontology. Internships and financial aid options are also available. Admissions requirements include the application, personal statement, recommendation forms, and formal interview.

Program Highlights:

M.A. in Human Services

  • Credits: 44
  • Cost: $1,839 for 4 credit hours (online
  • Length: 24 months
  • Mode: Online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
12/1
AccreditationHLC
5 University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND Public $$ 5

The University of North Dakota offers an online Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and human services. Graduates will be prepared to help provide the best healthcare for people with disabilities and help them increase independence and quality of life. Students can choose a concentration in substance abuse and addictions, mental health, gerontology, developmental disabilities, and more. Classes are asynchronous, meaning classes are not at a set time, which allows students to balance work, family and other commitments. Admissions requirements vary based on the student’s current number of credits, but will generally include a complete application, application fee, transcripts and GPA. Test scores are optional, and scholarships and financial aid are available.

Program Highlights:

Online Rehabilitation & Human Services Bachelor’s Degree

  • Credits: 120
  • Cost: $384.88/credit hour
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: Fully online
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationHLC
6 University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC Public $ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
20/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
7 Troy UniversityTroy, AL Public $$ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
8 East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN Public $$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
9 Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit $$$ 7 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
10 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA Public $$ 3 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
11 Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH Public $$$ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationHLC
12 Great Basin CollegeElko, NV Public $ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationNWCCU
13 Post UniversityWaterbury, CT Private for-profit $$$$ 7 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
AccreditationNECHE
14 Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH Private not-for-profit $$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
21/1
AccreditationNECHE
15 Columbia CollegeColumbia, MO Private not-for-profit $$$ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
AccreditationHLC
16 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls, IA Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationHLC
17 University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh, WI Public $$ 5 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
AccreditationHLC
18 Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville, OH Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
16/1
AccreditationHLC
19 Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton, OH Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationHLC
20 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
23/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
21 Gordon State CollegeBarnesville, GA Public $ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
22/1
AccreditationSACSCOC
22 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN Public $$$ 8 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
28/1
AccreditationHLC
23 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationHLC
24 Western Washington UniversityBellingham, WA Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationNWCCU
25 Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville, OH Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
17/1
AccreditationHLC
26 Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster, OH Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationHLC
27 University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage, AK Public $$ 1 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
13/1
AccreditationNWCCU
28 Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe, OH Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
19/1
AccreditationHLC
29 Grace Christian UniversityWyoming, MI Private not-for-profit $$$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
14/1
AccreditationHLC
30 Rasmussen University-North DakotaFargo, ND Private for-profit $$ 4 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
15/1
AccreditationHLC
31 East Central UniversityAda, OK Public $$ 2 Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Student/
Faculty Ratio
18/1
AccreditationHLC

St. Joseph’s College New York

St-Josephs

St. Joseph’s College New York has two online bachelor’s degree programs in human services. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services is a 120-credit program ideal for students who have some postsecondary education and experience in human services. The program includes specialized coursework in addictions counseling, case management, gerontology, family and child welfare, and human services administration to help students deepen their knowledge and advance their careers. St. Joseph’s bachelor’s in human services is designed to be completed fully online. Students can log in and complete coursework at a time that is convenient for them, and the school even waives the field experience requirement for online students. The program combines independent and collaborative work.

Human services students may also be interested in St. Joseph’s online dual degree. Students can earn their B.S. in Human Services along with an M.S. in Human Services Leadership. The M.S. requires just six additional classes, or 18 credits, and students graduate with both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This is an excellent way for students to not only save time and money but to also learn essential management and leadership skills for human services organizations.

East Tennessee State University

East-Tennessee

East Tennessee State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Human Resources degree as well as an accelerated B.S. to M.S. in Human Services. The bachelor’s program is delivered from a behavioral science lens. It provides an introduction to human services but also includes ample opportunity to delve into field specifics, like counseling theory and practice or research for learning and development. Coursework is online, but students must also complete a practicum and an internship, where they will work with local human services organizations to gain 300 total hours of field experience. Additionally, East Tennessee State human services students must complete a minor or a second major along with their bachelor’s degree. Minors consist of 18-24 credits, which are accounted for in the 120 credits needed to earn the human services bachelor’s degree.

Tuition differs for in-state and out-of-state online students, but out-of-state students who take all of their courses online may qualify for reduced tuition.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

Students at Old Dominion University (ODU) can enroll in a complete human services bachelor’s program online, but students transferring from other universities may also be interested in Old Dominion’s bachelor’s degree completion program. The full degree program is 120 credits, but Old Dominion only requires 30 credit hours to be completed through them, making it a great option for transfer students. Classes within the human services bachelor’s degree program can take different forms. Some require students to log on at certain regular times for live meetings, while others are more flexible, allowing students to move through course materials on their own and at their own pace. Either way, ODU online students can typically access their course materials at any time. If students can’t log in to a live class, they may miss out on participating in Q&A sessions. However, they can still access and rewatch recordings of the class. Outside of real-time classes, students can engage with peers through message boards, discussion rooms, web conferencing, and other tools. Professors also hold virtual office hours, where students can talk one-on-one via web conferencing.

Drexel’s program features a problem-based learning curriculum that can be completed entirely online. Online students attend a mandatory five-day on-campus residency to meet graduation requirements. Classes are organized into four 10-week quarters per year and include courses such as fiscal accountability, professional accounting and advocacy, relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving, transformational leadership, and human resources and team management.

Competitive applicants possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants need at least three years of previous healthcare management experience with a documented history of increased responsibility. Applicants lacking healthcare management experience should consider Drexel’s online bachelor’s in healthcare administration program.

In Depth: Online Human Services Degree Programs

Students who need a flexible education program and are interested in careers that involve helping people may be well-suited for online human services degrees. A range of program options are available, but that also means there can be a lot of information to sort through before applying. Learning the ins and outs of online human services degree programs can help you pick a program that matches your academic and career goals.

What Do You Learn in an Online Human Services Program?

While the specifics of each online human services degree program can vary, human services students can expect to gain a range of skills that will serve them in many careers under the human services umbrella, like community outreach, juvenile corrections, and counseling. Online programs can help students develop skills and knowledge in the following areas:

  • Human behavior and development
  • Working with special populations
  • Multicultural issues
  • Counseling and social work
  • Functions of human services agencies
  • Leadership, specifically in human services capacities
  • Crisis intervention and prevention

Programs often describe their intended learning outcomes so students can see what skills and focus areas different human services degrees prioritize and choose a program that aligns with their own priorities.

What’s It Like to Earn a Human Services Degree Online?

Depending on the program, online human services degrees can be fully online or partially online as hybrid programs, which require some in-person class time and some online work. Some programs are synchronous, or at least have a few synchronous elements, where students log in to their class at a specified time, usually to attend class virtually via video conferencing. Human services degree programs may also be totally asynchronous, allowing students to log in when it’s convenient for them, or they may mix asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods to give students a richer learning experience. Course materials can include prerecorded audio and video, written lectures, slide presentations, and classroom forums for peer discussion. In addition, some programs may require an internship. While students most likely won’t have to visit campus for this, they should expect to put in some hours of hands-on work in a human services setting near them.

How Do You Choose the Right Online Human Services Program?

With varying degree paths and so many online programs out there, narrowing down your choices to the right online human services program can be daunting. This important process, however, will ultimately contribute to your success in finishing your degree and earning the credentials needed for your future career. When comparing programs, prospective human services students can use this checklist to help them make the best decision in their educational pursuits.

The right online human services degree program should do the following:

Fit your budget

Be sure to check the tuition and fees information before applying to a human services program. Online degree programs sometimes offer discounted tuition, but students shouldn’t assume that online means less expensive. Students should also check for additional course fees, differences in in-state and out-of-state tuition, and financial aid options.

Be accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE)

CSHSE accreditation shows that a human services program has been evaluated and meets quality, national standards established by the council for human services education. Plus, employers can see what kind of training program graduates have received.

Fit your schedule and career timeline

Because online programs can have different delivery formats, some are more flexible than others. If you can’t log in at specific times for live classes, look for asynchronous programs. Similarly, many online human services degrees can be taken full-time or part-time, but it’s good to check what each of those timelines looks like so you know how long your degree will take to complete.

Have a curriculum that aligns with your interests, desired learning outcomes, and career goals.

Programs often state which aspects of human services drive their curricula, but students can always check course descriptions or contact an advisor to be sure. Many programs also offer specialized tracks that allow students to focus their studies on a specific aspect of human services.

Offer internships or other hands-on opportunities in your area.

Programs that don’t offer in-field experiences may seem like a benefit to online students, but practical work experiences can be extremely valuable. Practicums and internships don’t always require going to campus either. Many programs help students arrange field experiences with human services organizations in their local area.

Prepare you for professional certification.

Before enrolling in a program, research careers that interest you and see if there are any required or optional certifications that help you attain that career. Cross-reference those requirements with degree program specifics to make sure your chosen program will help prepare you adequately.

Offer a strong student support system.

Online does not have to mean totally autonomous. A good online human services degree program should have opportunities to interact with instructors and peers, and it should make it easy for online students to connect with advisors before, during, and after their programs.

Accept transfer credits.

If you already have some education under your belt, applying to a school that accepts transfer credits is essential in making sure your time and money don’t go to waste. Schools often cap how many transfer credits they accept, so be sure to check the details when comparing programs.

What is the Difference Between Human Services and Social Services Degrees?

Human services and social work degrees tend to address similar issues in human welfare, but they do so at different levels and from different perspectives. The biggest difference between human services and social work is that social work professionals tend to work directly with clients to help them through specific issues, while human services professionals tend to work at the programmatic level, helping human services organizations run smoothly and improve the aid they provide. That said, social services careers generally fall under the human services umbrella, along with a range of other careers that involve direct work with clients, like counseling and community health education. Human services degrees often introduce students to foundational knowledge needed for these careers.

Comparing Online Human Services Programs by Degree Level

Online human services degrees are available at all levels, from an associate degree to a doctorate. Which program is best for you, however, depends on your personal circumstances and intended career path. Take a look at the different degree options below (and the careers they can lead to) to find a degree path that suits you.

certificate

Online Associate in Human Services

Online associate degrees in human services are widely available and prepare students for a range of entry-level positions in the human services field. Students typically get an overview of human services through introductory coursework in fundamental aspects of human services, like counseling, psychology, and sociology. Some human services associate degrees require hands-on experience hours, which can give students an idea of what it’s like to work in a particular facet of the field that interests them. Online associate degrees in human services may also give students the chance to focus their studies on an area of interest or transition seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree program upon graduation.

Best for … students with no human services experience who want to enter the field in a relatively short amount of time or gain foundational knowledge before continuing their education at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 60

Online programs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may have minimum GPA or test score requirements for admission. Some may also require students to complete hands-on practicums or fieldwork to graduate.


Time to Complete

Part-Time Program:

4 years

Full-Time Program:

2 years


Popular Career Options

Social and Human Service Assistant

National Median Salary (2018)

$33,750

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

13%

Job Level

Entry-Level

Community Health Worker

National Median Salary (2018)

$39,540

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

13%

Job Level

Entry-Level

certificate

Online Bachelor’s in Human Services

Online bachelor’s degrees in human services are fairly common as well. Both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are available. Human services bachelor’s degrees typically provide students with an overview of the field but may also allow students to concentrate their studies on an area of human services that piques their interest, like counseling, criminal justice, administration, or child and family services. Because of their longer duration, bachelor’s programs tend to have more room for study in different human services subjects. For instance, students may take multiple psychology and sociology classes that address specific issues rather than singular overview classes. Bachelor’s programs also tend to have internship, practicum, or capstone requirements.

Best for … students looking to expand on their associate-level knowledge or gain a combination of foundational and field-specific skills useful in entry- and mid-level careers.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 120

A high school diploma is typically required, but some programs also require postsecondary education or experience in human services. Applicants may also need to meet minimum GPA or test score requirements when applying. Students must often complete a certain number of practicum or internship hours to graduate from an online human services bachelor’s program.


Time to Complete

Part-Time Program:

6 years

Full-Time Program:

4 years


Popular Career Options

Health Educator

National Median Salary (2018)

$54,220

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

10%

Job Level

Entry-Level to Mid-Level

Correctional Treatment Specialist:

National Median Salary (2018)

$53,020

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

3%

Job Level

Entry-Level to Mid-Level

certificate

Online Master’s in Human Services

Online master’s degrees in human services are available, but they aren’t as common. Online human services master’s degree programs are typically centered around enhancing knowledge and skills in a particular focus area as well as leadership, ethics, and policy issues within that concentration. These degrees can help students advance their careers in helping professions but are not suitable for those looking to pivot into careers in clinical settings, as they typically don’t prepare students for clinical licensure.

Best for … advancing human services professionals looking for a flexible degree that can provide more expertise in a particular aspect of human services.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 36

Master’s program applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree, unless they are enrolling in an accelerated or dual-degree program where they earn their bachelor’s and master’s concurrently. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is also a common requirement. Students may need to provide professional or academic references and pass a background check.


Time to Complete

Part-Time Program:

3 to 4 years

Full-Time Program:

2 years


Popular Career Options

Rehabilitation Counselor

National Median Salary (2018)

$35,630

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

10%

Job Level

Entry-Level to Mid-Level

Social and Community Service Manager

National Median Salary (2018)

$65,320

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

13%

Job Level

Mid-Level to Late Career

certificate

Online PhD in Human Services

Online doctorates in human services as a broad subject exist but aren’t common. Instead, as with master’s programs, PhD programs tend to focus on a specific aspect of human services, such as counseling and psychology with an emphasis on human services. These are typically research-driven degrees and focus on enhancing professional skills, like policy development and research design. Students often examine human services issues through various scholarly lenses to gain a deeper understanding of the field and the systems that affect it. Doctoral students interested in practice-driven human services degrees may seek out EdD programs, like an online doctorate in executive leadership in mental health and human services.

Best for … professionals looking to take on leadership, education, or research positions within the human services field.

Program Requirements

Total Credits: About 63

Doctoral students usually must hold a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, but there can be exceptions for students enrolling in bachelor-to-doctorate programs. In order to graduate, students must complete a capstone, research paper, dissertation, or another culminating project, and they may need to complete on-campus residencies.


Time to Complete

Part-Time Program:

4-8 years

Full-Time Program:

2-3 years


Popular Career Options

Survey Researcher

National Median Salary (2018)

$78,650

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

1%

Job Level

Mid-Level to Late Career

Postsecondary Teacher

National Median Salary (2018)

$78,470

National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)

11%

Job Level

Mid-Level to Late Career

Degree Spotlight: Human Services Bachelor’s Degrees Online

Students should make sure they do their research and compare multiple online human services bachelor’s programs before starting their degree. Programs vary in many significant ways, from curricula to delivery format. Here are some things to consider before enrolling in a human services bachelor’s degree online.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Cost?

A few different factors can affect the overall cost of earning a human services bachelor’s degree online. In general, tuition varies from school to school, but there can be a more pronounced difference between tuition from private and public schools. The type of school can also affect what financial aid options are available, so it’s important for students to weigh the pros and cons of different online human services programs. How long it takes to earn your bachelor’s degree and whether or not your school has different rates for in- and out-of-state students can also affect cost. To find tuition information for a specific online human services bachelor’s program, use the rankings tool above.

Lesley-University

Lesley
University

Total Credits: 120

$445/credit

Southern-New-Hampshire-University

Southern New Hampshire University

Total Credits: 120

$320/credit

Walden-University

Walden
University

Total Credits: 181

$325/credit

HSD-Admissions-Requirements

What are the Typical Admissions Requirements for a Human Services Bachelor’s Program?

Admissions details differ from school to school, but prospective students can typically expect some common admissions requirements. Students applying to online human services bachelor’s degree programs need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and must fill out an application. Some programs also require students to complete general education courses before applying to a human services program. Applicants often need to meet minimum GPA requirements and submit transcripts from high school or any previously attended postsecondary schools. Applicants may also have to submit ACT or SAT scores, entrance essays, or letters of recommendation.

HSD-Admissions-Requirements

What Skills Do You Learn from Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Human Services?

One of the perks of enrolling in an online bachelor’s program in human services is getting to choose from a vast list of courses that cover different subjects and help develop a range of useful skills. Each program offers something a little different, but students can expect to see at least a few of the following fundamental human services courses while earning their degrees.

Case Management

Case management courses introduce students to entry-level case management fundamentals, including management theory and practice, relationship development, and the role of the case manager. This course is particularly important for those exploring social work careers, but the skills gained in case management courses are widely applicable to many human services careers.

Example course titles: Case Management in Social Work; Counseling and Case Management
  • Skills: Goal-based care planning, assessing client needs, and professional best practices

Ethics in Human Services

Human services can be a conflicting field in many regards. Students may learn about common conflicts and ethical issues human services professionals regularly face. They may also learn about human services law and how it can work with and against services ethics.

Example course titles: Law and Ethics in Human Service; Practical Ethics in Human Services
  • Skills: Informed ethical decision-making

Developmental Psychology

In their programs, students may explore the psychological developments that occur throughout a person’s life as well as major theories and research methodologies in developmental psychology. These courses can help students understand their clients and the issues they face in different stages of life.

Example course titles: Developmental Psychology Through the Life Span
  • Skills: recognize and assess developmental markers for different life stages

Policy

Students will likely take courses that address human services policy in some way. These courses may address legislative and organizational policy development processes as well as existing human services policies. Students may learn about major services policies in the United States, too, like welfare and criminal justice policy. Courses may also address the role of advocacy in policy development.

Example course titles: Public Policy and Advocacy; Social Policy
  • Skills: Critical analysis of human services policy, advocacy methods and tools, and policy development

Research Methods

Students may gain an overview of common research methods in human services and other social sciences. Courses may address methods of collecting data, interpreting research, identifying design flaws, and developing critical analysis.

Example course titles: Social Science Research Methods; Research Methods in Human Services; Research Methods in the Social Sciences
  • Skills: Data collection, research design, and statistical analysis

What Concentrations Are Available in an Online Human Services Bachelor’s?

Concentrations allow students to focus their studies on a particular aspect of human services. Since human services is a broad field, this is a great way for students to gain expertise relevant to their specific career goals. Programs may offer an array of human services concentrations, and here are some examples:

Addictions Counseling

A concentration in addictions or substance abuse counseling can help students understand the underlying causes of addiction and how to best help clients dealing with addiction. Students may learn useful intervention and prevention methods as well as recovery solutions they can use in counseling settings.

Leadership and Administration

Students pursuing leadership roles in human services organizations may consider focusing their studies on leadership and administration. This concentration tends to focus on leadership principles and theory as well as challenges faced by those in human services leadership positions. Policy, communication, and ethics may be addressed.

Child and Family Services

In this concentration, students can learn how to manage cases and effectively advocate for children and families. They may learn about psychological and social development from childhood through adulthood, social issues that affect families and children, and valuable resources that can help clients.

How to Pay for Your Degree in Human Services

Making sure you can pay for your degree is an important step in preparing for an online bachelor’s program in human services. Securing funding in advance can be intimidating, but it’s generally less stressful than figuring out finances while balancing coursework. Many options exist to help students pay for their human services degrees.

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Scholarships

Scholarships specifically for histology students are available through many professional organizations, including those that focus on pathology, histology, medical laboratory work, and the like. Other scholarships can be found on dedicated scholarship websites, where a quick search for “histology” or “pathology” can yield many results. Find awards you may be eligible for on our scholarships for human services students page.

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Grants

Just like scholarships, grants don’t have to be paid back. The most common is the Pell Grant, which is awarded by the federal government to most students who are attending an accredited institution. To obtain grants, students must first fill out the FAFSA, since many grants are based on need.

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Loans

Though loans are often not the first choice for paying for school, they are sometimes inevitable. The good news is that many loans offer deferred payments or no interest until graduation, which bodes well for those who live in an area where jobs in the field are abundant.

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Work Study

Four-year colleges and universities often offer work study programs, which are meant to help students pay their way through school by taking on campus jobs or jobs related to their field. In addition to being a financial boon for some, work study programs can also help students build valuable experience while in school.

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Other Financial Aid

Other forms of financial aid might be available, such as grants from schools and work study programs. The only way to know what a student qualifies for is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student aid, or FAFSA. This important document will calculate how much a student is expected to pay out of pocket as well as provide information to schools about the student’s financial needs.

Checking Accreditation for Online Human Services Degree Programs

When looking at different online bachelor’s degrees in human services, students should check out potential schools’ accreditation pages. Accreditation is a voluntary process that evaluates a school or program of study to see if it meets quality standards developed by a board of field experts. Students should look for both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Institutional accreditation assesses the quality of an institution as a whole. Institutional accreditation can be granted by either regional or national accreditors. Regional is the most respected of the two, but both designate that a school meets specific qualifications. Students also must attend an institutionally accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid.

After making sure their school is institutionally accredited, students should check to see if their human services program is accredited too. Programmatic accreditation for human services degrees is granted by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE).

Human Services Degree & Career Resources

The human services field branches out in many different directions. It can be a lot to take in all at once, but exploring additional career and education resources can help you make an informed decision when it comes time to enroll in an online human services degree program.

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Professional Human Services Organizations

Professional organizations can be excellent resources for students and professionals alike. Human services and related organizations can help students learn about the industry and keep on top of industry news and best practices. Many organizations offer education, networking, and financial aid opportunities. Students can check out these organizations and what they have to offer.

National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
NOHS provides a wide range of resources, including conferences and scholarships, to members. Students can also explore NOHS regional branches to make human services connections closer to home.

American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
APHSA’s affinity groups can help students find public human services groups specific to their careers, such as child welfare or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

American Counseling Association
Human services professionals can use many of the resources provided by the American Counseling Association. Students can gain knowledge and familiarize themselves with the resources that are available to their clients.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Human services students who are drawn to social work should check out NASW. This is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world, and it provides tons of resources to help social workers and human services professionals navigate various aspects of social work.

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Resources for Human Services Students & Professionals

Human services students and professionals work to help others, but they may also need some help now and then. Having an arsenal of quality professional and educational resources can help when working through a degree program, looking for jobs, networking, or dealing with challenging work situations.