Online Human Services Degree Programs

An online degree in human services can prepare you for a number of professional roles, all of which share a common goal: helping communities. Most schools with online human services degree programs offer bachelor's or master's degrees, with concentrations ranging from counseling to criminal justice. If you’re looking to start a career in human services or expand your training with an advanced degree, online human services degree programs could help you reach your goals.

Consider an online counseling program: Choose the general track or enhance your degree and specialize your skill set with one of 3 concentrations: child and family services, gerontology and substance abuse. Learn more.
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What Do You Study in an Online Human Services Bachelor’s Degree Program?

The specific courses you’ll take depend on your program and your desired concentration. Most online human services bachelor's degree programs offer a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge to help prepare you for a career in any of the following areas:

  • Case management
  • Public policy
  • Human development
  • Research and analysis
  • Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Social work

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Human Services Bachelor’s Degree?

Most students complete an online human services degree in about four years. An accelerated program may be completed in just three years, while part-time students can take longer than five years to finish all the necessary coursework. An online degree is a flexible alternative to a traditional program, so you can tailor your study time and course load to match your situation.

Common Bachelor’s Degree Human Services Courses

Bachelor’s degree programs include a range of core classes to help promote well-rounded education. These general education courses include history, English, math, science, and the humanities.
Human services courses can include principles of case management, introduction to human services, public policy, and child development. The specific courses you take can depend on your concentration or chosen institution.

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☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
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What Do You Study in a Human Services Master’s Degree Online?

Master’s degree programs build on the foundational knowledge of an undergraduate education. Programs offering an online master’s degree in human services can prepare you for advanced roles in a wide variety of settings, including organizations in the healthcare, government, and non-profit sectors.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Human Services Master’s Degree?

Most master’s degrees require two to three years to complete. This can depend on your bachelor’s degree and the number of credits. Some master’s degree programs, like a Master of Social Work degree, can be accomplished in one year with a relevant bachelor’s degree.

Common Courses in a Human Services Master’s Degree

Dive into more complex theories and practical strategies in the human service field with a master’s degree program. Study online to take classes or specializations in the following areas:

  • Leadership
  • Organizational management
  • Social services
  • Ethics
  • Interviewing skills

Human Services Career Options

An online human services degree can help prepare you for a new job or help you build the confidence and skills you need to continue in your current position. Here are a few community and social service occupations outlined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

  • Community health worker
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Probation officer
  • Rehabilitation counselor
  • School and career counselor
  • Social and human service assistant
  • Social worker
  • Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor

Salary and Job Growth Data for Human Services Careers

As a group, these community and social service occupations earned a median annual wage of approximately $47,500 in 2020, according to BLS. The job growth projection between 2020 and 2030 is 12 percent, which is faster than the average job growth projection.
One of the occupations with the highest median annual incomes in 2020 was school and career counselors, with an approximate pay of $58,100. This position requires a master’s degree for entry-level education.

Skills in Human Services

Human services professionals need to be able to work in situations that are sometimes stressful and fast-paced. Here are some common skills to help you succeed in a human services career:

  • Active listening
  • Communication
  • Ethics
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Empathy

How to Apply to a Human Services Degree Program

You can apply to a fully online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in human services with a convenient online application. Typical admission requirement include:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • GPA of at least 2.0
  • Admissions application
  • Application essay

 

How To Apply to a Master’s Degree Program in Human Services

A master’s degree offers the next level of training for dedicated professionals in the field. Earning a master’s degree can strengthen your application to a human services position or improve your promotion possibilities. In most cases, admission requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field
  • Admissions application
  • Admissions essay
  • Bachelor’s degree GPA of at least 3.0

Admission requirements vary, so don’t let a low GPA or essay hesitancy prevent you from searching for an online bachelor’s degree in your desired field.

Pursue an Online Human Services Degree

Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human services offer in-depth coursework and flexible learning opportunities to help you grow in your career. Find out more about online careers in human services and related fields with Counseling Degrees Online.

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors

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Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.


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