What degree is best for human services?

A human services bachelor's degree program is typically best for students interested in the field. Exploring concentration options, working with an academic advisor, and taking introductory classes can help you build a strong knowledge base. Make the most of your undergraduate education by taking advantage of field placements and internship opportunities. Both can help improve your resume and graduate school admissions portfolio.

Is a degree in human services the same as human resources?

No. Human resources (HR) refers to the part of a company or organization tasked with recruiting, training, and retaining employees. HR specialists and managers also resolve employee disputes, such as sexual harassment complaints. You need a bachelor's or master's in HR to explore relevant positions. Consider double-majoring in human services and HR if both fields interest you.

Why do people major in human services?

People often major in human services with the goal of helping those in need. Human services workers often act as champions for their clients' needs. However, even enrollees unsure about their career goals can gain transferable skills in a human services program. Graduates can also use their degree to apply to a master's program in human services, social work, or a related field.

Is human services in high demand?

The answer varies by career. With a bachelor's, you can work as a social and community service manager, a career the BLS projects to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033. Compare this to the average 4% growth rate across all occupations during the same period. Work with your college's career advisors to explore in-demand jobs and economic trends impacting the human services field. Doing so can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Best Online Human Services Degree Programs of 2025

Human services professionals help people improve their lives. Learn more about human services degree online programs.

Edited by

Updated December 18, 2024

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In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced nearly $70 million in funding for education, HIV prevention, and suicide prevention programs. Greater funding helps professionals meet their clients’ unique needs. Those who work in the human services career field all share the same goal: improving people’s lives.

An online human services degree program can prepare you for a career as a caseworker, community outreach worker, or substance use counselor. Many jobs require a master’s degree or a state-issued license. Fortunately, some online programs’ accelerated curricula can help you launch your career or apply to graduate school as soon as possible.

Featured Online Programs

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In this Article

Top Online Human Services Degrees

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,628

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

60%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,838

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

91%

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,756

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,431

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

14,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,838

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,838

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

19%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,756

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,431

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

14,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA2 yearCampus + Online

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,020

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,020

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

2,152

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,050

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,050

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,020

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,020

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

2,152

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

St. Joseph's University-New York

Brooklyn, NY2 yearCampus + Online

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,456

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,456

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

1,046

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,760

St. Joseph's University-New York

Brooklyn, NY2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,760

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,456

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,456

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

1,046

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Mercer University

Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$30,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,531

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,531

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,124

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,017

Mercer University

Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,017

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,017

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$15,531

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,531

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

9,124

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$12,106

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$23,898

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,436

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

24,640

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,106

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,898

Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,106

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,898

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

63%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,436

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

24,640

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

LeTourneau University

Longview, TX2 yearCampus + Online

$33,670

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,670

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,875

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

3,536

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,670

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,670

LeTourneau University

Longview, TX2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,670

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,670

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,875

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

3,536

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Murray State University

Murray, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,144

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,144

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

9,857

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Murray State University

Murray, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,144

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,144

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

9,857

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Columbia College

Columbia, MO2 yearCampus + Online

$12,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,826

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,826

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

952

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,140

Columbia College

Columbia, MO2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,140

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

78%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,826

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,826

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

952

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,062

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

20,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,500

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,500

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,062

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

20,877

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

What Can I Do With a Human Services Degree?

Human services career pathways depend on your degree, area of professional interest, and relevant licenses and certifications. The information in this section highlights the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

Human Services Degree Jobs

Students in a human services program can explore many career paths, such as physical health, mental health, and community improvement jobs. Introductory coursework lets you research these and other options. You can also work with a college career counselor to choose a degree, as well as electives that align with your professional goals.

Fortunately, the BLS projects the need for community and social services professionals to grow faster than average from 2023-2033. Changing economic circumstances may mean more or fewer jobs for recent graduates.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Human Services Degree?

A human services degree program can prepare you for one of the below careers.

Many factors affect salary, such as your concentration, years of relevant experience, and location. Recent graduates with a human services bachelor’s degree should expect to learn less than their career’s median salary.

Popular Human Services Degree Jobs
Job Title	Median Annual Salary (May 2023)	Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)	Description
Social and Human Service Assistant	$41,410	8%	Connects clients with appropriate services, helps clients fill out paperwork
Community Health Worker	$48,200	13%	Performs client home visits, acts as a client advocate, provides coaching
Substance Use Counselor, Behavioral Therapist, Mental Health Counselor	$53,710	19%	Develops treatment plans, works with clients and family members, refers clients to appropriate services
Social Worker	$58,380	7%	Identifies clients’ areas of need, researches appropriate resources, maintains confidential records
School Counselor	$61,710	4%	Helps students identify areas of improvement, acts as a mentor, collaborates with teachers
Probation Officer	$61,800	4%	Helps incarcerated individuals transition to life outside prison, performs drug tests
Case Manager or Community Outreach Manager	$77,030	8%	Identifies community needs, analyzes data, manages outreach programs
Political Scientist	$132,350	3%	Develops and tests new policies, monitors developments, creates election forecasts

Source: BLS

Human Services Career Pathways

Casework
A career in casework involves connecting clients with the services they need to overcome hardships. Most entry-level casework careers do not require a state-issued license, making them accessible to recent online human services program graduates.
Top employers for new and experienced caseworkers include government agencies, mental health clinics, and substance use clinics. Consider starting your career in casework, as jobs can introduce you to other human services career pathways.
Child and Family Advocacy
Mental health counselors, healthcare social workers, and other human services professionals work in child and family advocacy. They specialize in children’s and families’ unique needs, such as problems affecting social and academic development.
The biggest employers for child and family advocates include private family services organizations, local and state government agencies, and hospitals.
Social Work
The social work field features many specialization options, such as education, mental health, and senior care. An online human services degree program along with supervised experience can qualify you for an initial license. Earning a master’s and fulfilling other state requirements can help you increase your salary potential and qualify for new positions.

What Can I Expect From a Human Services Degree Program?

Like other bachelor’s degree programs, online courses of study in human services take about four years for full-time degree-seekers to complete. Some online colleges offer accelerated options. Core coursework covers many broad areas, such as theoretical foundations, client populations, and cultural diversity.

Field experiences and research classes can prepare you for an entry-level career or graduate coursework. Online human services degree programs help you find field experiences in your community. You can work with professors and your college’s career advisors to tailor these experiences to your goals.

Online learning benefits many people, such as busy professionals and parents. Other advantages include the same career-planning resources on-campus students enjoy. Counselors can help you explore jobs in social work, health education, and related fields.

Human Services Degree Courses and Concentrations

Human services concentration options vary by school and program. By specializing in a specific area, you can better align your education with your career goals. Some typical concentrations include:

Addiction Studies: Concentrating in addiction studies prepares you to help people with drug or alcohol addiction. Required classes may include treatment issues in addiction, the dynamics of substance use treatment, and character and conflict.
Elementary Education: An elementary education concentration emphasizes human growth and developmental psychology fundamentals.
Mental Health: Consider concentrating in mental health if you want to work as a family therapist or licensed clinical social worker.

In addition to courses specific to your concentration, human services programs require core classes that all degree-seekers must pass. These may include:

Evaluation of Human Services Programs: Coursework covers the methods and techniques human services professionals use to determine whether programs meet their objectives.
Program Design and Proposal Writing: This class trains you to design, staff, and budget for human services programs.
Research and Data Management: This class emphasizes research and assessment skills.

How to Get a Human Services Degree

Compare program length and application requirements when researching online human services degree programs. Program websites and admissions advisors can help you find this information and explain what you can do with a human services bachelor’s degree.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Human Services Degree?

Full-time students take about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can graduate sooner by enrolling in an accelerated program or at a college offering a competency-based education. Institutions may also offer classes in the summer and winter terms.

Current high school students can reduce the time necessary to earn a degree by taking Advanced Placement classes or signing up for dual enrollment. Both options can help you earn college credit before graduating high school.

How to Apply For a Human Services Degree Program

Although admissions requirements vary by college, almost all schools require applicants to have a high school or GED diploma. Below are other common application requirements:

Recommendation letters from high school teachers or work supervisors
Admissions essays
FAFSA results
Undergraduate transcripts if you hold an associate degree or some college credit
An interview with an admissions counselor or a professor

You can start the admissions process by creating an online account and uploading documents. Make sure to submit all materials by the application deadline. Some colleges feature rolling admissions, giving you greater flexibility when applying.

Fix any errors as soon as possible, as a delay may invalidate your application. College admissions advisors can answer your questions and help you avoid mistakes.

How Much Does a Human Services Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the typical off-campus degree-seeker attending a four-year in-state college paid an average of $15,200 during the 2022-2023 academic year. Students at private schools spent more than double this amount.

If you research your options, you may pay less for your education. For instance, the University of Arizona’s online human services program charges $460 per credit as of October 2024. This tuition rate saves learners over $1,000 per year compared to the national average, and most degree-seekers qualify for institutional aid.

Continuing Education in Human Services

What you can do with a human services bachelor’s degree depends on your professional goals. You may need a master’s degree, such as a master of social work, to qualify for positions in the social work field requiring licensure. Professional certifications, including board certification, can qualify you for more roles and help you keep up with the latest skills and best practices in your human services specialty.

While completing your bachelor’s degree program, research these and other options. Master’s programs may require applicants to possess a minimum undergraduate GPA and submit standardized test scores. Board certification involves passing one or more exams and gaining work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Services Degrees

Yes, if you want to dedicate your career to helping people improve their lives and overcome problems. Keep in mind that some human services career paths, such as social work, can be stressful and challenging. Consider your personality and preferences before committing to the field.