Online Human Services Degrees: Finding the Right Program
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingAdv NursingWith a degree in human services, you can help families and communities thrive. An online human services degree program can make your academic journey more convenient. But are you ready to earn a human services degree online? Use this guide to learn about this degree option at every academic level, and see what you need to gain admission, pay for school, and graduate.
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.
- 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? Different career paths require different degrees (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate.) Know where you want to go and work backwards to the proper starting point.
- Am I ready to commit the time, money, and energy required for this pursuit? Many online students go to school while they work. Do you have the energy to do both at the same time?
What to Expect: Studying Human Services Online
Students who need flexible education options and are interested in careers that involve helping people may be well-suited to an online human services degree program.
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 the program that best matches your academic needs and career goals.
What Do You Learn in an Online Human Services Program?
While the specifics of each degree program vary, online human services students gain a range of skills that will serve them in many careers under the human services umbrella.
Online human services students develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Counseling and social work
- Crisis intervention and prevention
- Functions of human services agencies
- Human behavior and development
- Leadership, specifically in human services capabilities
- Multicultural issues
- Working with special populations
What’s It Like to Earn a Human Services Degree Online?
Depending on the program, coursework in online human services programs may be:
- Fully-online or hybrid-formatted (combination of in-person classes and online coursework)
- Content delivery may be synchronous (requiring participation in live-streamed sessions) or asynchronous (allowing completion of coursework at any time)
Online course materials include prerecorded audio and video, written lectures, slide presentations, and classroom forums for peer discussion.
In addition to online coursework, online human services students should expect to complete some in-person program components, such as a hands-on internship attended at a local human services office or facility.
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 difficult. 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, consider each of the following elements:
- Accreditation: Verify the school is properly accredited and recognized academically.
- Career alignment: Ensure coursework supports your intended career path and certification goals.
- Internship or field experience: Look for required practicum or supervised hands-on training opportunities.
- Flexibility and format: Confirm the online structure fits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Cost and student support: Compare tuition, financial aid, and availability of academic and career support services.
What is the Difference Between Human Services and Social Services Degrees?
Human services and social services degrees tend to address similar issues in human welfare, but they do so at different levels and from different perspectives:
- Social services professionals primarily work directly with clients to help them through specific issues. Careers generally fall under the human services umbrella, along with a range of others involving direct interaction with clients, like counseling and community health education.
- Human services professionals primarily work at the program level, helping human services organizations run smoothly and improve the aid they provide. Human services degrees introduce students to the foundational knowledge and skills needed for these careers.
Comparing Online Human Services Programs by Degree Level
Online human services degrees are available at all levels — from associate to doctorate. Which level is best for you 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 the right one for 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 field.
Students receive an overview of the major through introductory coursework in fundamental aspects of human services. Many programs additionally allow students to focus their studies on a specific area of interest or transition seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree program.
Some online human services associate degree programs include hands-on experience hours, giving students a taste of what it’s like to work in a real world practice environment.
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
- Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum high school GPA and/or passing an entry exam may also be required.
- Degree requirements may include completion of a hands-on practicum or fieldwork.
- Time to completion: Full-time program = 2 years. Part-time program = 4 years.
Career Options
Social & Human Service Assistant
- Salary: $45,120 (2024)
- Job growth: 6% (thru 2034)
- Job level: Entry-level
Community Health Worker
- Salary: $51,030
- Job growth: 11%
- Job level: Entry level
Learn more about online associate degrees in human services.
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 provide students with an overview of the field but often also allow students to concentrate their studies on a particular area of human services that piques their interest, like:
- Administration
- Child and family services
- Counseling
- Criminal justice
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 a single class that provides only a foundational overview of the subject.
Most bachelor’s programs include internship, practicum, and/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
- Admission requirements include a high school diploma and minimum high school GPA. Some programs additionally require passing an entry exam and/or some work experience in human services.
- Degree requirements typically include completion of a stated number of practicum or internship hours.
- Time to completion: Full-time program = 4 years. Part-time program = 6 years.
Career Options
Health Education Specialist
- Salary: $63,000 (2024)
- Job growth: 4% (thru 2034)
- Job level: Entry-to-Mid-Level
Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Salary: $64,520
- Job growth: 3%
- Job level: Entry-to-Mid-Level
Learn more about online bachelor’s degrees in human services.
Online Master’s in Human Services
Online human services master’s programs center on enhancing knowledge and skills in a specialized area within the larger field, as well as leadership, ethics, and policy issues within the chosen specialization.
Human services master’s degrees help students advance their careers in the profession. They’re not, however, suitable for those looking to pivot into careers in clinical settings, as they do not lead to clinical licensure.
Best for … advancing the careers of current professionals looking for a flexible degree that can provide more expertise in a particular aspect of human services.
Program Requirements
- Total credits: 36-60
- Admissions requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree earned with a stated minimum GPA (3.0 is common). Professional and/or academic references, and passing a criminal background check are also commonly required.
- Time to completion: Full-time program = 2 years. Part-time program = 3-4 years.
Career Options
Rehabilitation Counselor
- Salary: $46,110 (2024)
- Job growth: 1% (thru 2034)
- Job level: Mid-Level
Social & Community Services Manager
- Salary: $78,240
- Job growth: 6%
- Job level: Mid-Level
Learn more about online master’s degrees in human services.
Online PhD in Human Services
Online doctorates in human services are not common. Those that are available are typically offered in a major such as counseling or psychology with an emphasis on human services.
PhD programs related to human services are research-driven programs designed to enhance specific 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.
Students interested in practice-driven human services may want to consider an EdD program in, for example, executive leadership in mental health and human services.
Best for … professionals seeking to fill top-tier leadership roles in advanced research or postsecondary education.
Program Requirements
- Total credits: ~60
- Admissions requirements typically include a master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution, but there may be exceptions for students enrolling in bachelor-to-doctorate programs.
- Degree requirements include completion of a capstone, research paper, dissertation, or other culminating project. On-campus residencies are common.
- Time to completion: Full-time program = 4 years. Part-time program = 5-8 years.
Career Options
Survey Researcher
- Salary: $63,380 (2024)
- Job growth: -5% (thru 2034)
- Job level: Mid-to-Late career
Post-Secondary Teacher
- Salary: $83,980
- Job growth: 7%
- Job level: Mid-to-Late career
Learn more about online doctorates in human services.
What Subjects Does a Human Services Degree Cover?
One of the perks of enrolling in an online bachelor’s program in human services is getting to choose from a generous list of courses covering a wide range of subjects. Each program offers something a little different, but students can expect to cover at least a few of the following core course subjects in their studies.
What Concentrations Are Available?
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.
Examples of popular concentrations include:
- Addictions/Substance Abuse
- Child and Family Services
- Criminal Justice
- Crisis and Disaster Intervention
- Gerontology
- Human Services Management/Leadership
- Mental Health
- Public Health
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. Finding and securing the necessary financial aid resources requires a real commitment of time and effort, but the good news is that your efforts will likely (and literally) pay off.
Below are descriptions of several forms of financial aid you may qualify for to help pay for your online human services education.
Scholarships
Along with grants, scholarships are probably the most popular form of funding help because they are not paid back, making them essentially free money for your education.
Scholarship opportunities specifically for human services students are available primarily from professional associations and the schools offering human services degrees themselves.
Grants
As we said, just like scholarships, grants are not paid back. The most popular grant out there is the federal government’s Pell Grant, which is available to qualifying low-income undergraduate students attending an accredited institution.
To obtain this and other federal grants and financial aid opportunities requires first filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Loans
Loans are, of course, paid back. But they remain the most common form of financial aid because almost all students can get them.
The federal government is by far the biggest provider of college student loans (around 90% of the total), but there are other providers, including state governments and private lenders.
Many loans offer deferred payment options that allow borrowers to delay paying them back until after graduation and — hopefully — gainful employment.
Work-Study
Four-year colleges and universities often offer work-study opportunities that help students pay their way through school by taking on-campus or other jobs related to their field. Work-study jobs also provide students valuable professional experience.
Other Financial Aid
Other forms of financial aid that may be available include:
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Assistantships and fellowships (grad programs)
- VA benefits (military)
- Loan forgiveness programs
The best place to start your search for any of the funding resources discussed above is by contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools your considering. And be sure to do so at the same time you start your program search.
Accreditation for Human Services Degree Programs
Proper accreditation is an absolute requirement of any online human services degree program you consider. Accreditation is a voluntary process that evaluates a school or program of study to assure that important standards of academic quality are met.
It’s also important because proper accreditation is required for students to qualify for federal financial aid.
There are two types of accreditation to look for during your human services degree search:
- Institutional accreditation assesses the quality of colleges and universities as a whole. Institutional accreditation of U.S. postsecondary schools is overseen by a number of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Programmatic accreditation concerns the vetting of specific degree programs offered by a college or university. Programmatic accreditation of human services degrees in the U.S. is administered by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE).
Accreditation information is often made available on school and degree program websites. You can also check current accreditation status by using this Department of Education search engine.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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 a more informed decision when it comes time to enroll in an online human services degree program.
Professional Human Services Organizations
Professional organizations are 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. And many offer education, networking, and financial aid opportunities as well.
National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
NOHS provides a wide range of resources to members, including conferences and scholarships. Student members can also explore NOHS regional branches for networking opportunities near their homes.
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
APHSA supports human services leaders to “advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities nationwide.” APSHA affinity groups help students access resources specific to their specialized areas of study.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Human services students can use many of the resources provided by the ACA. Students may additionally familiarize themselves with resources available to their clients.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The largest organization of professional social workers in the world, the NASW 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 themselves now and then. Having an arsenal of quality professional and educational resources can have a positive impact in practically all academic and work situations.
Resources include:
- 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)
- NASW Careers
- Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society
Top Online Human Services Degree Programs
Choosing an online human services program can be difficult. To help simplify the process, we’ve surveyed the current landscape of online human services degree programs and identified some of the very best, which we’ve ranked below.
By analyzing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and information directly from schools, we’ve made our selections considering such factors as:
- Accreditation
- Affordability (tuition costs and availability of financial aid)
- Academic excellence
- Online program options
- Access to student academic and career support services
Click the “About the Ranking” button to learn more about our selection process.
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
