Online Human Services Degrees: Finding the Right Program
With a degree in human services, you can take your first steps toward a career helping families and communities thrive. An online program can make the journey more convenient, with coursework and communication taking place on the web and from anywhere. But are you ready to earn a human services degree online? Use EduMed’s guide to find out.
Getting Started…
Earning a degree in human services is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and keen assessment. Before you begin your search for a program, especially an online program, ask yourself a few questions to make sure you’re ready:
- Is a degree in human services right for me? Will it help me fulfill my career goals?
- Do I know what I want in an online program? Not all online programs are created equal. For example, asynchronous programs offer the ultimate flexibility with self-paced courses and “log on at anytime” schedules, while synchronous programs require real-time communication with cohorts. It’s important to understand what you need before you sign up.
- Do I have the discipline for online learning? Any online program, whether synchronous or asynchronous, requires time management, organization, and multitasking to succeed. Are you ready?
- Which degree do I need? Associate, bachelor’s, master’s? Different career paths require different degrees. Know where you want to go and work backwards to the proper starting point.
- Am I ready to commit time, money, and energy to this pursuit? Many online students go to school while they work. Do you have the energy to do both at the same time? If not, do you have the funds to commit to school full-time? Also consider the middle ground, with part-time school and financial aid. Know your options.
What to Expect: Studying Human Services Online
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:
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.
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
National Median Salary (2018)
$39,540
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)
13%
Job Level
Entry-Level
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
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
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
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
National Median Salary (2018)
$78,650
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028)
1%
Job Level
Mid-Level to Late Career
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accreditation for 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.
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.
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.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Your local human services network, like the Human Services Network of Colorado or the San Francisco Human Services Network
- SocialService.com
- Your state department of human services, like the Oregon Department of Human Services
- Self-Care Resources for Counselors
- NASW Careers
- Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society
Top Online Human Services Degree Programs
Choosing an online human services program can difficult with so many factors to consider, including cost, flexibility, and program quality. To make your search easier, our data analysis team has done the hard work for you. By analyzing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and information directly from schools, we’ve identified the top online human services programs that offer the best balance of affordability, academic excellence, student support, and career preparation. Explore this year’s standout programs and find the right fit for your future in human services.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,453
- Average Institutional Aid$1,093
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Why We Selected Liberty University:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$15,409
- Average Institutional Aid$10,834
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Why We Selected University of Arizona:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,990
- Average Institutional Aid$12,459
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,080
- Average Institutional Aid$15,195
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Why We Selected Texas A & M University-Commerce:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,790
- Average Institutional Aid$4,990
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
- % of Students Receiving an Award42%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,840
- Average Institutional Aid$6,714
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois
Why We Selected Dominican University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$34,950
- Average Institutional Aid$18,129
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course86%
- % of Students Receiving an Award63%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Great Basin College
Elko, Nevada
Why We Selected Great Basin College:
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$3,518
- Average Institutional Aid$4,288
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course98%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
New England College
Henniker, New Hampshire
Why We Selected New England College:
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$27,108
- Average Institutional Aid$26,288
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course56%
- % of Students Receiving an Award30%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Why We Selected Southern New Hampshire University:
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$15,000
- Average Institutional Aid$7,403
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
