One of the best accredited online colleges for human services could help you earn your degree with maximum flexibility and at a reduced cost.
The best accredited online colleges in human services promise a degree that’s worth no less than a traditional, campus-based transcript. Studying alongside your existing work commitments, you’ll benefit from the same experienced faculty as your campus-based cohort and complete internships that’ll impart you with valuable, real-world experience.
What Will You Learn With This Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in human services will give you the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of entry-level roles in the industry. You’ll examine the theories behind helping clients cope with difficult life events, which could include substance abuse, mental health crises, and domestic violence. Most courses will also arrange an internship experience that will give you valuable real-world experience working in the industry.
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See Also: Best Accredited Online Colleges for Social Work in the U.S.
What Kinds of Classes Will You Take?
Aside from gaining a foundation in general education, your major courses will likely cover a number of key areas shared across most human services curriculums. Course titles may differ, but will typically include those such as Introduction to Human Services, Social and Developmental Psychology, Advocacy and Mediation, Cycles of Addiction, and Models of Effective Helping for example.
What Are the Best Human Services Degrees?
Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more, visit our methodology page.
#1. American Public University System
Via the American Military University (AMU), this institution offers a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. It’s a fully online program with courses that start monthly and vary between 8-16 weeks. You’ll learn common terms and tools used in human development and family studies, examine real-world research and case studies, and conduct your own research.
Some of the coursework you’ll complete in this program touches on subjects such as lifespan development, sexuality, family dynamics, family communications, and parenting. With this degree under your belt, you could also pursue the Child Development Associate Credential after graduation to broaden the number of careers available to you.
This program attracts a tuition rate of just $285 per credit, while military grant-eligible students pay $250 per credit. One of the biggest selling points of programs taught by the American Military University is that you’ll pay no application fee, and there’s no charge for textbooks or ebooks either.
#2. Penn State University
This Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies is taught by an institution that has ranked within the top ten for online programs according to U.S. News & World Report. It will prepare you for roles such as counseling, work within youth and family service organizations, and public relations roles, among others.
Some example courses in this curriculum include Human Development and Family Studies Interventions, Resolving Human Development and Family Problems, and Family Relationships. For a competitive edge in the job market, you could also pursue a number of certificates as part of your program, which you can read more about here.
Comprising a total of 120 credit hours, students enrolled in this program pay between $576 and $617 per credit. The rate you pay will depend on whether you’re a part-time student (11 or fewer credits per semester) or full-time student (12 or more credits per semester). More information on tuition rates can be found on this page.
#3. University of Arizona-South
The Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Arizona has been ranked No. 7 on a list of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs according to U.S. News & World Report. You’ll study a curriculum that combines modern theory with real-world applications, while completing a mandatory internship experience.
Some of the courses in this program include Identity, Positionality, and Cultural Humility; Research Methods in Social Sciences; Program Planning & Evaluation; and Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practices. The program is geared toward students who are transferring credits from a military or regionally accredited institution.
Students complete a total of 120 credits in this four-year program, with each credit costing around $500. If you’re a student, you might qualify for the Bridge Scholarship, which is offered to students transferring from Arizona community colleges. This award pays up to $500 per semester to qualifying students.
#4. Walden University
Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science in human services, which allows a choice from a long list of concentrations. Concentrations include addictions, child and adolescent development, disability studies, criminal justice, leadership and administration, and psychology. You can also choose a self-designed concentration, choosing your own unique blend of courses.
What’s more, you could choose graduate courses that prepare you for a master’s degree in human services. For admission into this program, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, in addition to being at least 21 years old, under the age of 21 with a minimum of 60 quarter credits, or an active duty military professional or veteran.
For the most accurate estimate of tuition and fees due to Walden University as an undergraduate, check out the net price calculator on this page. Students might be able to save on tuition if they’re affiliated with the university or a partnership organization. Check out this page on the university’s website for more information.
#5. Colorado State University-Global Campus
CSU Global’s online bachelor’s degree in human services will give you the skills and knowledge needed to improve health in the community, working with children, vulnerable adults, and families with domestic problems. The curriculum covers a number of key support areas, including human development, intervention methods, case management, and administration.
You’ll study a strong foundation of general education courses, in addition to a range of core major courses such as Intervention Methods in Human Services, Fundraising and Grant Writing, and Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services. You can choose to specialize in a vast range of over 15 subject areas, which you’ll find here.
Online undergraduate programs at CSU Global are charged at a rate of $350 per credit, totaling around $1,050 for each course. For an average course load, this equates to around $8,400 annually. However, there are no extra fees at CSU Global. Graduate students pay around $500 per credit. You’ll find a cost comparison for other universities here.
#6. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, which is streamlined to prepare you for a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or human services. This will include gaining the skills and knowledge needed to conduct patient assessments and establish treatment plans, use research to support your work, and communicate professionally across all mediums.
In addition to core classes, general education requirements, major courses, and electives, you’ll be expected to complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. This combination of courses teaches American vision and values, tradition and change, and freedom and responsibility. Check out this page on the university’s website for more information.
As an undergraduate student at Bellevue University, you’ll pay around $430 per credit hour in tuition. Keep in mind that certain programs charge additional fees compared to others or depending on the courses that you choose. Transfer students should read the Real Time Course Transfer Guide to see how they could save money by transferring credits from prior education.
#7. University of Maine-Augusta
At UMA, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services. Over the past decade, the university has conferred over 1,500 degrees in the MHHS program, with around 800 bachelor’s awards. A recent graduate survey revealed that 85% of graduates have found employment in human services roles.
Students can choose from four different concentrations, including adult mental health rehabilitation, addictions counseling, child and family services, and mental health and human services generalist. With successful completion of this degree, you’ll meet the academic requirements to gain the licensed social worker-conditional credential. If you chose the adult mental health concentration, you’ll qualify for the mental health rehabilitation/community credential.
Tuition for UMA undergraduate students who are Maine residents is around $245 per credit hour. For out-of-state students, this rises to around $592 per credit hour. There are some additional classifications that could see you pay a reduced rate; take a look at this page for more information. Graduate tuition runs at a rate of around $432 for state residents and $540 for non-residents.
#8. Purdue University
At Purdue, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in human services in youth/family services and administration. Online courses run in ten-week terms, with each course requiring around 15 to 18 hours’ worth of contact time per week. Your coursework also meets the academic requirements for entry to the HS-BCP examination.
You can choose from multiple start dates throughout the year, with all students completing a capstone project at the end of the program, which gives you the chance to put your skills into practice. You could also choose an accelerated master’s degree, gaining both your undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously.
In this program, you’ll complete a total of 180 credits. Undergraduates pay around $371 per credit. For more information on tuition and any associated fees, you can use Purdue’s Tuition Calculator to get more accurate estimates. Alternatively, a breakdown of tuition and fees is available here.
#9. Central Michigan University
This bachelor’s degree with an option in community development touches on important areas in human services, including communication and leadership, diversity, economics, strategic planning, and policy-making. The curriculum has a community focus, encouraging students to pursue roles that better the health and lifestyles of local communities.
To be considered for admission into the program, you’ll need a high school diploma with a minimum cumulative GPA or 2.0 or a GED. The same requirements apply to transfer students, who must meet the same minimum cumulative GPA. For international student applications, check out this page.
You’ll complete a total of 120 credits in this program, with the cost per credit varying between $417 and $434. The exact cost will depend on your course load, as some courses are charged at the higher rate. For a table of potential discounted tuition rates, view this page on the university’s website.
#10. SUNY Empire State College
This Bachelor of Science in community and human services comprises 124 total credits and is delivered entirely online. At the end of the program, you’ll earn the same degree awarded to traditional, campus-based students. It’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and takes an average of four years to complete.
In this program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how human needs and social conditions relate to one another. You’ll also gain essential “soft skills”, including leadership, communication, and analytical thinking. Many of the members of the human services faculty have lengthy experience working in practical roles in the field.
As a student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at SUNY Empire State College, you’ll pay $295 per credit as a New York state resident or $353 per credit as an out-of-state student. Discounted tuition and fees rates are available for students who are U.S. active-duty, military, guard, reservists, or veterans.
#11. Old Dominion University
At Old Dominion University, you can choose from a degree completion or full bachelor’s degree program in human services. The former program is designed for students who already have some college credits, while the full program is a traditional four-year degree comprising 120 credit hours.
You’ll learn about the various roles that human services professionals adopt, in addition to the practical skills and theories underpinning the industry. You’ll also learn about the facets of human growth and development, and skills that will help you to become an expert in program evaluation, writing grants, and fundraising.
As a resident of Virginia, your tuition rate will cost around $360 per credit hour. The cost doesn’t rise much for non-residents, with out-of-state students and international students paying approximately $407 per credit hour. If you’re from Virginia but no longer reside in the state, you’ll pay the highest rates at around $1,032 per credit hour.
#12. Central Washington University
CWU is ranked among the best-value online colleges in the nation. In most cases, non-resident tuition waivers mean that your tuition will cost the same as in-state students too. So, working adults can gain their degree with flexibility and at a lower cost.
At CWU, undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies – social sciences, a BS in social services, a BA in sociology, and a BA in psychology. This broad offering means that you can begin specializing toward your preferred career right from the offset. Check out this page for more information.
Full-time undergraduate students who are state residents pay quarterly tuition and fees of around $2,835.16. For non-resident students, the quarterly cost of tuition and fees rises to around $8,193.56. Additional fees may apply in certain circumstances, and you can view a full list of other fees on this page.
#13. Grand Canyon University
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a number of human services programs. These include remote study with their online counseling degrees, with a fully online BS in counseling and a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling. Graduate students choose from four different areas of emphasis.
Undergraduate programs available as fully online, remote degrees include a Bachelor of Science in behavioral health science, including numerous areas of concentration. There are also bachelor’s degrees available in psychology and sociology, so regardless of your desired career, you’re likely to find something that suits.
Online and evening tuition for undergraduate students at GCU is around $402 to $477 per credit depending on your program type. A full list of tuition rates can be found on this page. Grand Canyon University also has a range of scholarship opportunities that could help you cover the cost of your program.
#14. Troy University
TROY University’s human services faculty ensure that learning incorporates practical experiences in addition to classroom instruction. Past students have spent time completing internships abroad in countries such as Bosnia and South America. Some have even gone on to be named as Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer of the year.
At TROY, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in human services. You’ll be prepared for a range of roles working with children, adolescents, the elderly, and families. The work you perform could help people to deal with their addictions, criminal history, mental illnesses, or disabilities. For a list of courses, check out the degree map for online study.
Undergraduate tuition for programs taught via TROY Online comes to around $338 per credit hour. There is an additional $50 per credit hour online course fee due for any students on a hybrid program that involves campus-based study too. Any out-of-state students studying a blend of campus-based and online programs will pay double the listed rate.
#15. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
The online human services undergraduate degree at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) incorporates a strong foundation in general education with general biblical studies and another area of specialization. Specializations available include counseling, social work, psychology, and criminal justice. The program’s geared toward students who want to keep their studies broad, while gaining more specialized knowledge in a single career area.
While studying online, students still have full access to the same support and resources available to campus-based students, including career guidance and wellness activities. Should you choose to pursue a master’s degree after earning your bachelor’s degree, you’ll have access to a clinical psychology master’s that has been ranked as one of the Best Online Master’s Programs.
Undergraduate students studying at SAGU Online will pay tuition of around $499 per credit hour. This rate was reduced from $575 in 2019, representing a savings of around $10,000 on a four-year degree program. According to the university website, SAGU Online students graduate with around 20% less student debt on average compared to other private institutions.
#16. New England College
At New England College, you can choose from both an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in human services. The associate degree requires less study hours and will be sufficient to gain access to some entry-level roles in the industry, including mental health aide, case management aide, and social services administrative assistant.
The bachelor’s degree goes into more depth, with a strong liberal arts foundation and courses that cover areas such as substance abuse, social psychology, and social welfare policy. This is a fully online program with multiple start dates. Courses last for seven weeks and comprise 4 credits, meaning you could complete your degree in less than four years.
Online undergraduate programs at New England College are charged at a rate of $415 per credit in tuition. However, through the Partnership Program for human services, if you’re transferring from Maine Community College, you’ll enjoy a reduced tuition rate of $253 per credit. Other rates can be found on this page.
#17. Western Washington University
Western Washington University’s human services faculty draws on many years’ worth of experience in areas such as developmental psychology, family studies, global health, and health promotion. Students pursuing a human services degree benefit from a tailored learning experience that is designed to fit around your busy schedule through asynchronous teaching.
Alongside your 75 upper division credits, you will enroll in courses that cover core skills and knowledge areas that are essential to both indirect and direct service professions. You’ll also complete two supervised internships, giving you practical experience that will increase your confidence and could help you land a job after graduation.
The estimated cost of tuition for a Washington resident is around $6,705, in addition to around $2,103 in fees. For an out-of-state student, the tuition rises to around $23,463, in addition to the same fees. For an accurate estimate of your online learning costs, you can use the university’s net price calculator.
#18. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
UW Oshkosh’s human services leadership program combines interactive classroom study with internships to create graduates who are ready to become managers and leaders in the field of human services. You’ll cover skill areas that include conflict resolution and critical thinking, intervention techniques, grant writing, project planning, professional development, and leadership.
The program is offered entirely online via Canvas, an online learning system. Just like campus-based students, you’ll engage in discussions with your classmates and professors, but you’ll study via asynchronous learning, with no scheduled class times. Coursework and other assignments will still have a due date by which you need to complete them.
A typical undergraduate student who is also a resident of WI will pay around $7,692 in tuition. Minnesota residents receive a slight discount, paying around $8,432, while non-residents pay around $15,268. Financial aid includes a number of potential scholarships, and you can find useful aid resources at the bottom of this page.
#19. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) offers a fully online bachelor’s degree in human services. This program has received numerous rankings, including being named the Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services by The Best School and Best Bachelor’s in Human Services by the Bachelors Degree Center. More accolades can be seen on this page.
The major curriculum comprises 55 credit hours, with the degree program requiring 120 credit hours in total. Major courses include those such as Human Services Techniques, Not-for-Profit Administration, General Psychology, and Contemporary Social Problems. At the end of your program, you’ll also complete a practicum course to demonstrate your learned skills and knowledge.
For full-time tuition of between 12-18 credit hours per semester, undergraduate students pay around $496 per credit hour. There’s also a technology fee of $50 due each semester, and students can make an optional payment of $725 for a technology bundle, which includes equipment to help get you started on your program.
#20. University of Massachusetts- Amherst
UMass Amherst University offers a Without Walls Degree Completion Program, which could help you complete your bachelor’s degree via remote study with an emphasis in human services. For admission into this unique program, you’ll be expected to hold a minimum of 12 college credits with at least 2.0 cumulative GPA. You must also not have earned a bachelor’s degree from any U.S. university or college in the past.
What’s more, you could earn college credit for work and life experience, up to a maximum of 105 credits. This experience could include professional training, credentials and certifications, military training, and other evaluations. To find out more about the qualifying experience you can use, check out this page on the university’s website.
Comprising a total of 120 credits and lasting for four years on average, this degree program has a tuition rate of $390 per credit. There’s also a program fee of $150 due in fall and spring semesters, and a registration fee of $47 per semester. Transfer students can also benefit from a generous credit transfer policy.
#21. Post University
The Bachelor of Science in human services at Post University is offered both on campus and online. Your curriculum will include coursework, classroom discussions, and real-world case studies. Through this, you’ll gain knowledge in prevention techniques, case management, and human growth and development.
You will also choose a concentration that aligns with your desired future career, including counseling, criminal justice, equine industry, psychology, and sociology. The latter two concentrations have a focus on health, education, and community services. Courses can be completed in the evenings and at weekends, with faculty always available for student support.
Most undergraduate programs at Post University are charged at a rate of $570 per credit hour for tuition, including undergraduate certificates. You’ll also likely be charged a technology fee of $50 per term and a $90 electronic course materials fee per course. A net price calculator is available for more accurate estimations.
#22. LeTourneau University
Comprising 120 credit hours, LeTourneau University offers a Bachelor of Human Services with a christ-centered curriculum. You’ll take courses that include psychology, sociology, counseling, and criminal justice, while understanding how Christian faith relates to the field of human services. You’ll become a champion of both the values of Christian faith as well as how people in society can live productive and healthy lives.
When you enroll in this program, you’ll have the option to study entirely online. What’s more, an accelerated format is available, which will see you complete each course in as few as 5 weeks. By following the accelerated program, you may be able to complete your degree more quickly.
Online undergraduate tuition at LeTourneau University comes to around $380-$410 per credit hour depending on the courses taken. Course numbers ranging between 1000-2999 are $380, while course numbers from 3000-4999 are $410. There’s also a graduation fee of $150 and portfolio assessment fee of $125.
#23. University of the Cumberlands
This online bachelor’s degree in human services focuses on each of the key areas needed to become a competent human services professional, including behavioral therapy, social issues, and direct helping skills. You’ll learn how to follow ethical guidelines, establish boundaries, and improve the personal problems and lives of those in the communities you serve.
Potential career roles for graduates include social service worker, case manager, life skills instructor, mental health case worker, and probation officer. For more information on potential career paths after graduation, check out this resource on the university’s website. For admission, you’ll need to apply online and provide all official transcripts. Those with prior college credits will need a minimum GPA of 2.0
Undergraduate students at the University of the Cumberlands who are enrolled in an online program pay some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation. Each credit hour is charged at a rate of just $199 through UCumberlands Online. There is an additional $50 technology fee due on a bi-term basis.
#24. Ohio Christian University
OCU’s bachelor’s degree in human services combines a biblical perspective with the practice of social advocacy. While the program doesn’t prepare students for their licensure, you’ll be capable of analyzing best practices, managing the needs of communities with unique personal or family issues, and integrating your Christian faith into the management of human services functions. You could also pursue further graduate level study.
Available as a traditional or remote learning program, the fully online program features 5-week courses that can fit around your schedule. You’ll participate in forum discussions with your cohort and complete assignments on a weekly basis. Some example courses in the curriculum include Principles of Human Behavior, Advocacy and Public Policy, Ethics in Human Services, and Cycles of Addiction.
At Ohio Christian University, around four-fifths of students have their tuition and fees covered by their financial aid. Tuition charges for bachelor’s degrees run at around $416 per credit hour, in addition to a one-time $30 application fee. There’s also a $10 per credit hour materials fee and $250 per semester technology fee. See a full list of fees on this page.
#25. Monroe College
This online Bachelor of Science in human services is broken down into eight semesters, with most courses running for 7.5 weeks. It’s a challenging curriculum that requires numerous field placements, but this makes it an excellent choice for students who want to maximize their hands-on skills prior to graduation.
Through these placements, you’ll not only improve your skills, but also make important connections in the industry. Prior students have undertaken internships in locations that include the New York City Department of Probation, the Compassionate Care Hospice, and ACDP Sedgwick Cornerstone Community Center.
Tuition for undergraduate programs varies based on student status. If you’re a U.S. resident, you’ll typically pay around $7,488 per semester in online tuition. For international students, online tuition is just $3,444 per semester. The university also offers a payment plan program that allows you more flexibility to spread your payments out.
#26. East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in human services, which has been ranked nationally for its quality. It’s well-suited to students who have an interest in case management, administration, counseling, and other indirect and direct-contact roles in human services.
On this page, you’ll find an introductory video to the program, in addition to information on an accelerated BS to Master of Science in human services. This could see you earn a master’s degree in as little as 5 years. If this program sounds appealing, you can speak to an advisor for more program information using this handy tool.
This human services program comprises a total of 120 credit hours. Residents of TN are charged $422 per credit hour or $483 per credit hour for fully online study. Out-of-state, traditional undergraduates pay around $1,183 per credit hour. For more information on scholarships and financial aid, check out this page.
#27. Anderson University
Anderson University’s human services degree program uses a 7-week course format, offering maximum flexibility for working adults to earn their bachelor’s at an accelerated rate. You’ll receive instruction from professors with real-world experience throughout your studies, completing 121 credit hours via fully online, remote learning.
You’ll complete a light foundation in general education, core requirements, studying quantitative literacy, social inquiry, statistics, and an introduction to sociology. Major requirements include courses such as Ethics and Values in Human Services, Foundations of Human Services Practice, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Working with Groups and Communities.
Online undergraduate programs at Anderson University hold a tuition rate of around $390 per credit hour, with the exception of nursing. There may also be additional course and laboratory study fees due. You’ll also incur a full-time technology fee of around $200 per semester.
#28. Lesley University
The human services bachelor’s degree at Lesley University is offered as both a part-time and full-time program. You’ll need to meet a 120-credit requirement to graduate, though there’s a generous transfer credit policy that could see you bring in up to 90 credits from prior college coursework that you’ve completed.
The faculty draws on experience in numerous areas, including ethics, case management, client assessment, race and equality, and sociology of the family unit. Real-world case studies and experience are an important part of the curriculum, and as such, you’ll complete two internships during your time in the program.
Fully online bachelor’s degrees at Lesley University are charged at a tuition rate of around $455 per credit. If you’re a transfer student, you can work with an academic advisor to transfer up to 90 credits from previous college coursework. This means you may be able to earn your bachelor’s degree by completing as few as 10 courses.
#29. Southern New Hampshire University
At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), there are a number of bachelor’s degrees in the various sub-disciplines that fit into human services. Aside from an online bachelor’s in human services, you can also enroll in a psychology or sociology degree. There’s also a human services degree with an emphasis on substance abuse.
With this general program, you’ll have a choice of specializing in two additional tracks: child and family services or gerontology. Experiential learning opportunities are also made available, and you can develop your research and communication skills while practicing community assessments and interviews in a real-world setting.
SNHU’s human services program has a tuition rate of around $320 per credit, with the program comprising 120 credits in total. Students with prior college credits may be able to transfer as many as 90 credits to SNHU, reducing the time taken to earn a bachelor’s degree. There’s also no application fee due for this program.
#30. Southern Wesleyan University
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Southern Wesleyan University has an accelerated human services program for adults. This bachelor’s degree is fully online and offers 7-week courses, with two start dates available throughout the year.
Your coursework will prepare you for accreditation under the Council for Standards in Human Services Education. This includes completing real-world, hands-on experiences and projects, which will also fulfill the requirements for status as a human services board-certified practitioner. Should you choose to do so, a minor can also be added in early childhood and family studies.
This human services program comprises 120 credits, with a credit costing $430 to undergraduate students. According to AffordableSchools.net, this makes it one of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in human services. Check out the university’s financial aid page for information on merit-based and need-based aid, in addition to other sources of support.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor’s in Human Services?
Your opportunities after graduation could depend on your specific degree, as some human service bachelor’s degrees have a broad focus, whereas others might include concentrations in psychology, sociology, mental health counseling, substance abuse, and more. Try to think about the kind of career that interests you before choosing your bachelor’s degree.
Otherwise, one of the most popular careers includes a parole agent who is responsible for working as part of rehabilitation processes and facilities for ex-offenders. Social worker is another popular role, which involves working with families and other clients to bridge the gap between them and various community services.
Alternatively, you could become a recruitment manager, drawing on the leadership and communication skills gained from such a degree. Non-profit organizations in particular are willing to hire human services graduates for this type of role. Other business-type roles include that of the policy analyst and compensation manager, which doesn’t typically involve direct client contact.
Is a Human Services Degree in Demand?
The demand for each type of role within the broad field of human services varies. However, as a whole, the industry has healthy levels of demand predicted for most roles across the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Social workers, for example, are predicted to see a 13% increase in demand, which is much faster than average.
Health educators and community health workers are expected to see similar growth. Meanwhile, rehabilitation counselors have been predicted to see an increase in demand of around 10%, and social and community service managers can expect a huge increase of around a 17% demand over the next decade.
Can I Get a Human Services Degree Online?
As evidenced by the wide range of institutions offering online programs above, you can indeed get your human services degree online. Thanks to the flexibility these programs offer, you can even continue working in your existing role while studying for your degree. The institution will normally give you access to an electronic learning system, in addition to ebooks and other materials needed.
You’ll also find accelerated human services degrees online. These programs are typically designed to either let you earn your master’s degree within an additional year—at the same time as your bachelor’s degree—or to allow you to finish your program in fewer than the typical four years taken for a bachelor’s degree.
Is an Online Human Services Degree as Respected as an On-campus Degree?
Getting an online human services bachelor’s degree is typically no different than studying as part of a traditional, campus-based program. The main appeal of an online program is that it is normally much more flexible, allowing self-paced study or weekend and evening classes. When you graduate, in most cases, you’ll earn the same transcript as you would receive from the campus program.
However, human services professionals, much like those in the healthcare industry in general, work in hands-on roles with a variety of people from the community. Therefore, there is often a need to complete practical assessments or internships. While many institutions will work with you to find a local opportunity, some online programs don’t offer these practical work placements.
After graduation, when entering the competitive job market, finding a role could be harder if you don’t have any practical experience and the rest of the candidate pool does. Having hands-on, real-world experience can help to give you a competitive edge when you’re competing for jobs or even promotions in the future, so you should bear this in mind when considering what program to pursue.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out The 20 Best Online Psychology Degree Programs and 20 Best Bachelor’s in Addiction/Substance Abuse!