Best Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

Human services careers allow you to have an impact on the lives of individuals and communities. This can be done through direct services, policy and program implementation, and research.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average growth in community and social service jobs from 2023-2033. Professionals in these occupations earn a median annual salary of $52,000, as of May 2023.

While similar to a master’s of social work, a master’s in human services focuses more on administrative duties and leadership. In addition, it stresses measuring program effectiveness over clinical counseling services.

However, some master’s in human services programs offer concentrations that can lead to work as a counselor helping people with substance misuse, marriage and family therapist, or school counselor.

A master’s degree in this field can prepare you for leadership positions with nonprofit organizations or human services agencies.

Graduate school tuition and required fees averaged $19,790 in the 2019-2020 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported. Students can expect to dedicate about two years to their master’s study. Many online colleges and universities give learners the flexibility to continue working while advancing their education.

Human services encompasses numerous programs designed to help people in communities lead healthier lives. These programs can include public health initiatives, family support services, counseling, social work, or substance misuse intervention.

Many people seeking careers in this field actively look for ways to help people and take on complex problem-solving to identify creative solutions to issues. Essential skills and qualities for this field include compassion, good judgment, and communication skills.

Your online master’s in human services curriculum can help you develop effective skills for leading teams, fostering collaboration, and measuring program outcomes. Your master’s program can also include training for counseling careers.

Earning a master’s degree in human services usually takes two years and includes 30 credits. Schools may offer a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree.

An MS typically emphasizes quantitative analysis. An MA may include more training in humanities. Both degrees may offer a capstone experience, such as an internship, research project, or thesis.

Because human services covers such a variety of disciplines, many schools offer concentrations within their master’s in human services curriculum. These tracks build on general degree requirements with a series of courses on a specific topic.

Popular options include counseling, nonprofit management, student affairs, or organizational leadership.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This foundational course looks at human services regulations and policies that govern government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students learn about social movements, organizational policy, and regulation review. The class may also look at the human services field from a historical perspective.

While some social services careers focus on serving individuals, most human services roles look at groups of individuals. This course explores group dynamics and research to inform service delivery and enhancement for specific groups and communities.

Students evaluate issues and trends in a multicultural society to identify and eliminate bias and discrimination. The course may focus on the role of cultural diversity in learning, counseling, or social services policy. Students will critically evaluate policies or programs and discuss changes that promote equity and opportunity.

Students learn to identify grant and funding opportunities, evaluate grant requirements, and write grant proposals. The course also looks at the grant review process and grant reporting procedures. Students may gain hands-on practice in grant identification and proposal preparation.

This interdisciplinary course draws from principles of organizational behavior and leadership. Students examine leadership issues and human services policies to develop effective leadership styles. Assignments help students demonstrate problem-solving skills.

A master’s in human services program can help prepare you for numerous careers depending on your area of focus.

Graduates interested in becoming counselors or therapists must meet specific licensing requirements to help individuals and families overcome struggles. Or, your degree can help you pursue a management role at a nonprofit organization or community service agency.

The BLS projects a 8% increase in employment of social and community service managers, with about 17,800 job openings, on average, each year. Much of the demand comes from increased services for an aging population.

Nonprofit organizations employ more than 12.3 million people nationwide, as of 2016. Those organizations need effective leaders.

Graduates with a master’s in human services may find themselves building a career in a public service organization or agency. In addition to helping others, such careers may help defray educational costs through public service loan forgiveness programs. Be sure to check into loan and employment requirements.

Marriage and family therapists need a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited program and a license to practice. These therapists help couples and individuals discuss experiences and emotions. They help clients develop strategies for coping with difficult situations and making decisions. They may work in a mental health office, the office of other healthcare providers, or as self-employed therapists. The BLS projects a 16% growth in employment from 2023-2033.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $58,510

School counselors must meet the requirements of their state department of education for licensing. Most states require a master’s in counseling or a related field, such as human services, focusing on counseling. These counselors work with students to develop class schedules that align with individual career goals, address behavioral issues like bullying or substance misuse, and assist with testing programs. The BLS projects 4% growth in employment for school and career counselors and advisors from 2023-2033.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $61,710

Community service managers coordinate programs and initiatives that serve a community or group within a community. The manager may evaluate the need for programs to address many issues, like hunger, wellness, domestic violence, or mental health. Managers also seek funding, track program effectiveness, and manage staff. Managers may work in government agencies or nonprofit organizations. The BLS projects a 8% growth in employment for these managers from 2023-2033.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $77,030

These managers work with medical providers to oversee business and facility operations to treat patients better. They may lead a department or entire facility, managing hiring, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The BLS projects a 29% growth in employment from 2023-2033, driven by the increase in health services, preventative medicine, and holistic wellness programs. Many managers earn a master’s degree and often bring work experience in the health field.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2023): $110,680

Continuing education requirements vary depending on your field. Counselors, therapists, and social workers typically must complete ongoing professional education to maintain their license. If you have sought a professional credential, such as human services-board certified practitioner, you must complete 60 hours of relevant continuing education every five years.

You may also choose to continue your education by pursuing a doctorate in human services, especially if you wish to teach at the college level. Universities offer either a doctorate emphasizing the practical application of theories and research or a Ph.D. in human services focusing on original research. Both require 3-5 years and 55-65 credits.