Online Master's in Human Services: Reviewing Top Programs
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Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced NursingMore and more human services professionals are discovering how convenient it can be to earn a master’s degree online. This guide breaks down the top online master’s programs in human services and provides key information and advice to help you choose the best program for your career goals.
Inside Online Master’s Degrees in Human Services
Getting your master’s in human services is a serious commitment, meaning it’s critical to carefully review, in detail, each program you consider prior to enrollment. When researching, keep the following program characteristics front-of-mind:
- Accreditation
- Admission requirements
- Academic content and curriculum requirements
- Choice of specialization or concentration
- Costs and availability of financial aid
- Online content delivery (fully-online vs. hybrid, synchronous vs. asynchronous)
To get you started, here are the answers to six of the most commonly-asked questions by prospective online master’s in human services students:
What’s the Difference Between an M.A. and M.S. in Human Services?
During your program exploration, you will come across both Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees in human services. Many schools use these terms interchangeably, and any distinction between the two may be negligible, at best, for employers.
Nevertheless, there are differences between the two, particularly in terms of academic emphasis:
- Master of Arts in Human Services: MA programs place a greater emphasis on the cultural, social, and theoretical aspects of human services, such as communications, counseling approaches, and community engagement. Human services MA graduates often pursue careers focused on leadership, counseling support, community outreach, and nonprofit administration.
- Master of Science in Human Services: MS programs emphasize research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. Graduates often gravitate toward careers in research, program evaluation, policy analysis, and data-informed program management.
While you will want to pay some attention to the specific credential title, your choice of specialization is of greater importance.
Are There Specializations Offered in Human Services Master’s Degrees?
Yes. In fact, specialization is what human services master’s programs are all about. Specialization tracks allow students to focus their studies on the particular area within the larger human services field they intend to work in after graduation.
Here are six specializations popular with both human services master’s programs and their students:
Child and Family Studies
Child and family studies specializations prepare graduates for direct-service roles as counselors and mediators supporting family well-being and child development services. Examples of topics covered include:
- Child abuse prevention
- Family dynamics
- Intervention management
- Substance abuse counseling
Gerontology
The gerontology specialization focuses on providing assistance to elderly individuals in settings such as nonprofits, government agencies, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Course topics typically include:
- Death and dying
- Diversity and social issues in aging
- Health services across the lifespan
- Physical health and the aging process
- Psychology and mental health issues
Leadership Administration
This concentration appeals to individuals looking to take on managerial positions in community service agencies and other human services organizations. Common subjects covered include:
- Business management
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership theories
- Tools for mobilizing and energizing staff
Nonprofit Management
This specialization is designed specifically for students certain of their interest in working in the non-profit sector with organizations like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, or a local charity. Common course subjects include:
- Financial and operational management
- Fundraising and resources development
- Marketing and communication
- Strategic leadership and governance
Global Social Services
Individuals interested in working with multinational organizations often pursue this specialization. Global social services students gain the cultural knowledge needed to understand how to best serve those living outside the United States.
Examples of course subjects include:
- Customs
- International nongovernmental agencies
- Models of service
- Multiculturalism
Legal Systems
The legal systems specialization prepares students to take on non-lawyer roles serving as a bridge between the legal services provided by organizations and the needs of clients. Common course topics include:
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- Ethical and legal issues in human service practice
- Social policy and advocacy
- The U.S. legal system
What Are Common Admissions Requirements for Human Services Master’s Programs?
Admissions requirements for online human services master’s programs vary from school to school. However, there are a number of requirements common to practically all programs, such as:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services from a regionally accredited college or university. Some programs accept students with a bachelor’s in a related major (psychology, social work, etc.).
- Minimum undergraduate GPA, typically between 2.5 and 3.0
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Personal statement or statement of purpose explaining academic and career goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Résumé or CV
- Standardized test scores (like the GRE), though many programs make them optional or waive them entirely
What Do You Learn in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Human Services?
Along with preparation for specialized practice, human services master’s programs include coursework in a number of foundational subjects that are part of all curriculums. Below are examples of some of these common core course subjects:
Foundations of Human Services
Typically taken in the first semester, this core course introduces learners to the history of human services and how the field has evolved over time. Topics covered include:
- Emerging issues
- Ethics
- Professional duties
- Theoretical frameworks
Course titles to look for: Foundations of Human Services; Human Services Foundations and Systems
Grant Writing
A major concern for nonprofit organizations is acquiring the funding needed to pay for their activities, which often includes applying for grant awards. As a result, grant writing is an important skill to gain for most human services master’s students.
This course provides students with the skills needed to research, structure, and apply for a variety of grant types.
Course titles to look for: Grantsmanship
Human Services Administration
Human services administration courses tackle the day-to-day issues involved in running a human services organization. Course topics include:
- Stakeholder communications
- Employee recruitment and management
- Financial health
- Marketing and development
- Policy advocacy and development
Course titles to look for: Funding Sources for Human Services Organizations; Human Services Administration
Human Services Case Management
Designed to develop foundational skills working one-to-one with clients in counseling and social support settings. Course content focuses on:
- Client management
- Communications
- Interviews and assessments
- Resource development
Course titles to look for: Interviewing and Assessment Skills; Helping Skills and Techniques
Human Services Research Skills
A popular course with students preparing for roles in human services research and academia. Students develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- Data collection and evaluation
- Evidence-based practice development
- Research study design
- Theoretical and methodological frameworks
Course titles to look for: Research Methods; Human Services
In addition to those mentioned above, students in human services master’s programs gain a variety of skills throughout the entire course of their studies. Some of the most common are:
- Boundary management
- Emotional intelligence
- Leadership
- Multitasking
- Oral and written communication
How Long Will It Take to Earn a Master’s Degree in Human Services Online?
Program lengths also vary from program to program depending on factors such as:
- Study pace
- Available transfer credits
- Competency-based learning: Some programs award credits for demonstrated competency in a given course subject.
- Advanced standing: Some programs offer advance standing to students with a previously-earned master’s degree in a related major (such as social work.)
- Fieldwork requirements: Programs requiring completion of extensive internships, practicums, or other fieldwork experiences often take longer to complete.
Notwithstanding these factors, common program lengths for online human services master’s programs range from:
- Full-time: 18 to 24 months
- Part-time: Two to four years
- Accelerated: 12 to 18 months
- Advanced standing: As few as 9 to 12 months
How Much Do Online Human Services Master’s Degrees Cost?
The costs of online human services master’s degree programs vary based on a number of factors such as:
- Specialization or concentration track
- Program length
- Public vs. private school: Private colleges and universities often charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
- Student state residency: Public schools often charge higher tuition rates to students who are out-of-state residents.
We’ve listed below the current tuition rates for three online human services master’s programs. Along with the prices quoted in the program rankings at the bottom of this guide, these rates provide a good idea of what you should expect to pay (before financial aid) for your master’s education.
Accreditation & Online Master’s in Human Services
Proper accreditation of both the online human services master’s program you choose and the school that offers it is critical. It’s your assurance that the program has met important standards of academic quality.
Proper accreditation is also a requirement for obtaining most forms of financial aid, particularly those available from the federal government.
Here’s what to look for:
- Institutional accreditation (that concerned with colleges and universities overall) is overseen by a number of independent regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Programmatic accreditation of individual human services degree programs in the U.S. is administered by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).
Accreditation information can often be found on program and college websites. If you don’t see it there, you can check current accreditation status using this DOE search engine.
How to Pay for Your Online Master’s in Human Services
Regardless of your eventual program choice, paying for any human services master’s program is an expensive proposition. Fortunately there are a number of financial aid options available to qualifying master’s in human services online students, including the four described below.
1
Scholarships
Not surprisingly, scholarships are the most popular of all forms of financial aid since they’re not paid back. However, they can be among the most difficult to obtain because of the competitive nature of most scholarship programs.
Nonprofit organizations, professional associations, local and state governments, colleges and universities, and human services agencies all provide scholarships. With so many potential opportunities out there, it’s important to start your scholarship search as early as possible.
2
Fellowships
Some schools allow students to take on teaching and/or research fellowships in exchange for tuition remission and a small stipend. These positions tend to be highly competitive and favor students with impressive academic records from their undergraduate degrees.
3
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Individuals already working in the human services field may have access to employer tuition reimbursement opportunities. With tuition reimbursement, employers agree to pay all or part of an employees tuition costs in exchange for a promise to continue working for that employer for a given period of time after graduation.
4
Other Financial Aid
Through its Federal Student Aid program, the U.S. Department of Education offers a wide range of financial aid resources, including grants, work-study funds, loans, and loan forgiveness programs.
You’ll fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply to any and all of these resources. The DOE releases funds on a rolling basis, so applying early provides your best chance of receiving support.
What’s Next? Your Career After Completing a Master’s in Human Services
Along with knowing all about the academics involved in advancing your human services career, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what’s ahead of you after graduation. The following questions and sections are designed to do just that.
Do You Need Additional Licensure or Certification in Human Services?
Some clinical, counseling, and specialized roles in the human services field require practitioners to hold state licensure. Examples include:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Human services master’s programs that prepare graduates for such roles typically include components (like clinical practice hours) that help meet state licensure requirements.
Though not strictly required, certifications in human services provide professionals a way to validate their expertise and enhance career prospects in a specific area of human services practice.
Examples of popular professional certifications in the human services field include:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Certified Human Services Professional (HS-BCP)
- Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP)
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Human Services?
Master’s in human services degrees prepare graduates for leadership, administrative, and specialized practice roles in the human services field, such as:
- Management and administration
- Counseling
- Social and community advocacy
- Education and training
Common work settings include:
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools and colleges
- Correctional facilities
How Much Can You Earn with an Online Master’s in Human Services?
Earnings for master’s in human services graduates are solid, but vary widely by specific occupation and years of work experience. In general terms, human services professionals with a master’s degree enjoy a 15% to 30% increase in earnings over those with only a bachelor’s.
The table below offers current national salary figures for four popular careers for human services master’s graduates.
| Career | 2024 National Median Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | $50,020 | $129,820 |
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | $59,190 | $39,090 | $98,210 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $117,960 | $69,680 | $219,080 |
| School and Career Counselor | $65,140 | $43,580 | $105,870 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Programs that might interest you:
Related Degrees & Continuing Education
If you’re unsure that a career in human services is right for you, then you’ll want to consider pursuing a degree in any of several closely-related fields.
Two examples are public health and health science. We’ve profiled below master’s programs for both to give you an idea of your career options.
If you’re sold on going with a master’s in human services, be sure to keep in mind that you’ll be able to continue with your education to earn a human services PhD, which we’ve also profiled below.
Related Degrees
Online Master’s in Public Health (MPH)
The Master’s in Public Health degree is a great fit for students interested in addressing systemic health issues affecting populations and communities. MPH curriculums provide students with the knowledge and skills to improve community health through health promotion, disease prevention, and policy development.
Examples of career options for MPH grads include:
- Biostatistician
- Community health program manager
- Epidemiologist
- Health policy analyst
- Public health educator
Online Master’s in Health Science
Master’s in health science programs focus on healthcare systems, medical research, and public health. Students opting for this degree are taught to evaluate health programs, improve healthcare systems, and address population health challenges.
Common employers of master’s in health science graduates include:
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Government health agencies and public health departments
- Nonprofit health and community service organizations
- Universities and medical research institutions
Continuing Education
If your eventual career goal is a top-tier position in advanced research or postsecondary education, then getting a PhD in Human Services is in your future. Earning your PhD will require three to seven years of academic work depending mostly on your chosen pace for completing your dissertation.
