Online PhDs in Human Services: View & Compare Programs
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Pursuing a PhD in human services can help you advance into leadership, research, and policy-focused roles within the field. Online doctoral programs make it possible for working professionals to earn this credential while maintaining their current careers and responsibilities. This guide highlights top online human services PhD programs and offers key insights to help you choose the option that best aligns with your professional goals.
Program Spotlights: PhDs in Human Services (Online)
Choosing the right PhD program is critical to your academic success. The first step is to examine your own individual wants and needs, including your personal finances, career goals, professional commitments, learning style and preferences, and more.
Next, weigh those wants and needs against each of the online human services PhD programs you find in your program search. Important program factors include:
- Academic content and specialization/concentration options
- Accreditation
- Admissions requirements
- Completion times
- Content delivery formats
- Costs and availability of financial aid
To help you better understand how these factors apply in practice, below are profiles of two high-quality online PhD in human services programs.
Capella University
The Doctor of Human Services at Capella University provides students with an in-depth understanding of current trends in human services and teaches them to apply research to issues in the field. Graduates are prepared to make lasting change through the organizations in which they work.
Students can choose to focus on leadership and organizational management as a specialization and gain advanced knowledge of human services fundamentals.
The program is fully online and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students can choose from two enrollment options: the FlexPath and the GuidedPath.
- FlexPath allows students to complete work at their own pace, receive one-on-one feedback from faculty, and pay $3,000 in tuition per 12-week billing session.
- GuidedPath allows students to complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines, participate in weekly discussions with classmates, and pay $730 per credit for the courses they take.
Capella University also has a tuition cap, so you won’t pay more than $45,000 in total tuition for your degree.
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services program at the University of Arizona Global Campus learn about all facets of the field and develop the skills they need to take on leadership roles with human services organizations.
The program’s curriculum consists of:
- 11 accelerated (six-to-nine-week) courses
- Five specialization courses
- One elective
- Capstone seminar
- Doctoral dissertation
Coursework is completed online and covers subjects such as:
- History
- Policies and strategies
- Research
- Systems
Designed for adults with busy personal and professional lives, the online program is extremely flexible. Coursework can be completed from anywhere and on the student’s own schedule.
Students additionally complete three non-credit, in-residence workshops.
Online students have access to all the services and support they need to successfully complete their degree including mentoring, networking, tech support, career services, and more.
Mode: Hybrid (online coursework with in-residence workshops)
Duration: Four years
Cost: $812/credit
Walden University
The Online PhD in Human Services program at Walden University prepares students to drive global social change by acquiring a solid foundation and scholarly expertise in human services delivery. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge to address systemic social issues and make a meaningful difference through policy, research, and practice.
Specialization is a key feature of the program. Students can choose a general program course of study or one of ten specialization options:
- Advanced Research
- Community and Social Services
- Criminal Justice
- Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
- Family Studies and Intervention
- Higher Education
- Human Services Nonprofit Administration
- Mental Health
- Military Families and Culture
- Studies in Aging
Two program tracks are available:
- Track 1: For students with a master’s degree in human services, counseling, social work, or psychology.
- Track 2: For students with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in an unrelated field. In this track, students earn their Master’s in Human Services as they progress toward their PhD.
Mode: Hybrid (online coursework with four in-person residencies)
Duration: 3 1/4 to eight years (depending on specialization and chosen study pace)
Cost: $81,880 to $151,055 total program cost. Cost varies primarily due to the student’s chosen pace for dissertation completion.
From Getting in to Graduating: Admissions & Program Requirements
Every online PhD program in human services has its own specific admissions and curriculum requirements. But you’ll find during your program search that most include a number of requirements similar to the following:
Admission Requirements
Master’s Degree
Most online PhD in human services programs require applicants to possess a master’s degree in human services or closely-related subject. There are some exceptions, though, like the bachelor’s to PhD option offered by Liberty University, as profiled above.
Minimum GPA
Meeting a stated minimum cumulative grade point average on previously-completed undergraduate and graduate coursework is a common admissions requirement. Minimums vary by program, but 3.0 is not uncommon.
Applicants not meeting the minimum GPA threshold but with strong professional experience and/or additional impressive supporting materials are often still considered for admission.
GRE Scores
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores today are typically not a requirement for admission into human services PhD programs. Again, there are exceptions, so be sure to carefully review all admissions requirements for the programs you review during your online program search.
Program Requirements
Core and Elective Courses
Core courses are those required of all human services PhD students, regardless of their chosen specialization. Common core course subjects include:
- Research
- Statistics
- Human services theory
- Social change
- Advocacy
Some programs additionally include one or more elective courses that allow students to tailor their studies to include topics of particular interest to them.
Research Courses
Research and statistical and data analysis courses are a huge part of earning an online PhD in human services as it informs the decision-making process critical to all top-level human services careers.
PhD students should expect to complete multiple research courses covering topics that include:
- Research foundations
- Analysis
- Research design and methods
- Ethics in conducting research
Doctoral Dissertation
Practically all human services PhD programs culminate in the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Most students will take 12 to 24 months in the dissertation process following completion of all degree coursework and passing their comprehensive exams.
Understanding Human Services PhD Specializations
Of major importance to human services PhD students is the ability to prepare for specialized practice within the larger field. That’s why online PhD in human services programs feature one or more specialization or concentration options.
Below are six of the most popular specializations offered by human services PhD programs:
Advanced Research
Preparing for a career in advanced research is a major draw for many PhD in human services students. An advanced research concentration features coursework in advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methodologies for collecting and analyzing complex data.
Along with careers in advanced research, graduates in this concentration are often employed in policy-making roles with government agencies and as independent consultants.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution concentration students are prepared to take on leadership, research, mediation, and policy roles in which managing disputes and improving organizational relationships is required. Common course topics include:
- Conflict analysis and resolution theory
- Mediation and negotiation strategies
- Organizational conflict management
- Restorative justice and community mediation
- Violence prevention and intervention strategies
Gerontology
Gerontology specialization students learn about the factors that affect the quality of life of aging citizens, including societal and cultural expectations. Graduates are prepared to take on a wide range of research, education, and leadership roles throughout the gerontology field, including:
- Academic careers
- Advocacy and nonprofit leadership
- Consulting
- Grant-funded research
- Leadership in aging services
- Policy and research roles
- Program development and evaluation
Human Services Nonprofit Administration
A specialization in nonprofit administration prepares graduates to excel as leaders with nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charitable foundations, and other tax-exempt organizations. Coursework topics include:
- Organization and operation of nonprofits
- Legal and ethical issues
- Board management
- Marketing
- Budgeting
- Resource development
Leadership and Organizational Management
Students pursuing a specialization in leadership and organizational management acquire the skills needed to develop their own effective leadership styles and pursue careers that make a positive impact at nonprofit, for-profit, and government organizations. Common course topics include:
- Ethical leadership in human services organizations
- Leadership theory and practice
- Organizational behavior in human services
- Strategic management for human services leaders
- Systems thinking and organizational change
Military Families and Culture
Specializing in military families and culture provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the unique challenges faced by military members, veterans, and their families, like PTSD and deployment-related stress.
Coursework focuses subjects such as:
- Research theory
- Advanced statistics
- The impact of military life on relationships, parenting, and mental health (trauma, child separation, military hierarchy, etc.)
Graduates are prepared for non-therapeutic roles with government agencies and nonprofits, and in research, policy-making, and higher education.
Professional Associations & Resources for Human Services PhD Students
There are lots of professional organizations and resources available to human services students, many of which you can access online. These organizations provide resources, research, and networking opportunities to humans services professionals and students, as well as direct assistance to families and individuals in need.
Here are six quality resources to consider:
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
National organization committed to meeting the needs of professionals engaged in serving children and their families, particularly as it pertains to child abuse and neglect. The APSAC offers expert training and educational activities, policy leadership and collaboration, and consultation.
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
The non-partisan APHSA works with leaders of government services agencies across the nation to generate pragmatic solutions for providing individuals and communities with access to food, health care, housing, employment, childcare, and more.
Congressional Research Institute for Social Work & Policy (CRISP)
Founded to complement the work of the Congressional Social Work Caucus, CRISP’s mission is to use the power of social work on the Hill. The organization focuses on issues such as child welfare, healthcare, housing, and voting rights.
The Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
The CSHSE is dedicated to improving the quality, consistency, and relevance of human service education programs. It is the primary accrediting organization for U.S.-based human services degree and certificate programs on all levels.
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
Professional association dedicated to helping members understand family relations through interdisciplinary research, theory, and practice. The NCFR administers the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) professional certification.
National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
The NOHS is a non-profit professional organization that supports human service practitioners, educators, students, and future professionals in their efforts to assist their clients. Members have access to a wide range of education, professional development, and networking opportunities.
For a more detailed look at available resources, visit our Online Resources & Scholarships for Human Services Students guide.
Best Online Human Services PhD Programs
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- The Human Services Psychology PhD program offers an integrative biopsychosocial training model that uniquely combines clinical psychology, behavioral medicine, and community psychology within one flexible, cost-effective program structure.
- Students benefit from a scientist-practitioner model that equips them with strong research capabilities alongside clinical practice skills, fostering a comprehensive approach to psychological diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- The program emphasizes a multidimensional, systems theory perspective that prepares graduates to address complex biopsychosocial interactions, enhancing their versatility and effectiveness in diverse human services and research settings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- The ASU Human Services PhD program offers extensive pedagogical training and diverse teaching opportunities, enabling students to build strong academic portfolios in both undergraduate and graduate social work education.
- The program emphasizes personalized mentorship and close faculty collaboration, with students conducting original, applied research under expert guidance to advance knowledge and social impact.
- ASU's doctoral students benefit from an individualized interdisciplinary curriculum that allows broad course selection across the university, fostering intellectual creativity tailored to each student’s scholarly interests.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The University at Buffalo’s PhD in Social Welfare program offers a four-year guaranteed assistantship with full tuition coverage and a $23,000 annual stipend, providing stable and generous funding to its students.
- Students benefit from a small-by-design program structure that fosters meaningful connections with peers and mentors, enhancing collaborative learning and scholarly networking.
- The program features faculty with expertise in trauma, veterans’ issues, aging, social policy, and refugee and immigrant communities, giving students access to specialized knowledge and diverse research opportunities.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Kentucky
- The University of Kentucky’s DSW program offers a flexible Core Plus model that allows students to progress at their own pace while receiving focused support during residency weeks.
- Students can specialize in one of five distinct concentrations, including unique options like Military Behavioral Health and Sport Social Work, aligning with specific career goals.
- Graduates benefit from the program’s strong emphasis on leadership preparation, with documented salary increases averaging $20,000 more than MSW holders and targeted career advancement in executive and educational roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Albany
- The PhD in Human Services program offers eligibility to earn an intermediate Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree prior to dissertation completion, adding academic recognition early in the doctoral journey.
- Students benefit from four embedded academic residencies that enhance practical research experience and professional networking opportunities.
- The program provides 10 specializations allowing students to tailor their studies specifically to career interests within human services, enabling focused expertise development.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Walla Walla University
- The program’s online format with real-time videoconferencing and weeklong summer residencies offers flexibility tailored for working professionals.
- Walla Walla University’s D.S.W. program emphasizes preparation for leadership and higher education teaching roles, developing practitioner-scholars who advance social justice through research and education.
- Students benefit from experienced, dedicated faculty who are mostly existing WWU staff, ensuring strong mentorship and integration with the university’s long history of accredited social work education.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southern Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University's DSW program is delivered fully online in a cohort model with an annual five-day in-person residency, enabling flexible study while maintaining employment.
- Students undertake a self-designed 240-hour externship mentored by leaders in their fields, enhancing practical expertise and professional networks.
- The program is the first Doctor of Social Work offered in New England, supported by full-time faculty who provide dedicated advising for a four-semester capstone project.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Memphis
- The University of Memphis Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program offers synchronous online classes with mandatory live meetings, facilitating real-time interaction while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.
- The program emphasizes developing practitioner-scholars with advanced data-driven analysis and twenty-first century skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in interdisciplinary and diverse community settings.
- Applicants benefit from the program’s design for part-time study over three years, enabling students to balance professional commitments with doctoral education effectively.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Angelo State University
- The Human Services – Doctorate/PhD program at Angelo State University boasts a 100% employment rate in the field within one year of graduation, reflecting strong job placement outcomes.
- The program offers small class sizes with individual faculty mentorship and extensive practitioner experience, fostering personalized learning and professional connections.
- Students benefit from strong partnerships with local and regional agencies, enabling practical field placements that build professional networks and often lead to career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Millersville University's DSW program offers extensive elective options across multiple disciplines, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific research and practice interests beyond traditional social work courses.
- The program is designed flexibly with a significant portion of coursework available online, accommodating working professionals and enabling them to balance advanced education with existing career commitments.
- It prepares graduates for leadership roles in social work practice and education by integrating intervention research skills to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative social work interventions that can transform organizations and educational settings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Graduate Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-3 and #4-5 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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