Best Online Human Services Degree Programs of 2025
Human services professionals help people improve their lives. Learn more about human services degree online programs.
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2025In 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.
Top Online Human Services Degrees
How We Rank Schools
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
In the human services program at the University of Arizona, you'll learn people-first skills like leadership, client empowerment, and culturally responsive care. You'll pay the same $525 per credit whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student. If you're coming from an Arizona community college, you may be eligible for a $500 per semester scholarship for up to three years.
Highlights
- Sets you up for careers in mental health counseling and social work
- 98% of students were awarded financial aid in 2022-23
Know Before You Apply
- The student-to-faculty ratio is a little higher at 17-to-1
- Overall graduation rate of 66%
60%
$11,210
88%
$35,628
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 53,187
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Washington University
- Bellingham, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The BA in human services is the only fully online undergraduate program at Western Washington University. It's taught by faculty with backgrounds in developmental psychology, social work, global health, sociology, and adult education. Some electives include families in poverty, grant writing, and issues and concepts in human services. As an online student, you have the same resources as an in-person student like the research and writing studio and tutoring center.
Highlights
- 95% of students were awarded financial aid in 2022-23
Know Before You Apply
- Student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1
- Overall graduation rate of 66%
19%
$ 7,270
79%
$25,838
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,637
- Institution Type
- Public
Elizabethtown College
- Elizabethtown, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Elizabethtown College offers a BS in human services with a concentration on behavioral and addictions counseling. The program prepares students for service administration, counseling, and advocacy for clients, coworkers, and marginalized populations. The program is $525 per credit, but in 2022-23 Elizabethtown gave all of its students some amount of financial aid. Alums, employees of college partners, and students who refer other students also qualify for their own respective scholarships.
Highlights
- 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Elizabethtown awarded all of its students financial aid in 2022-23
- High graduation rate of 77%
Know Before You Apply
- Option of either a general degree or a concentration in behavioral and addictions counseling
25%
$35,050
84%
$35,050
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,152
- Institution Type
- Private
St. Joseph's University-New York
- Brooklyn, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
If you want to earn two degrees in the time it takes to get one and save some money, try out St. Joseph's dual accelerated degree program, where you can earn your BS in human services and MS in human services leadership in five years. Undergraduate classes cost $780 per credit, and graduate classes cost $860 per credit. Military service members and their family members are also eligible for a special $250 per credit price.
Highlights
- Small 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- In 2022-23, the university awarded 99% of its students financial aid
- Discounts for military students and their families.
Know Before You Apply
- A lower graduation rate of 64%
54%
$31,760
78%
$31,760
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,046
- Institution Type
- Private
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Mercer University designs its online courses with the adult learner in mind. Students take classes on an eight-week term and can take just two classes per week with one evening meeting per week. You can also earn an MS in human services administration by completing two graduate courses in lieu of undergraduate courses. A few of the careers the degree prepares you for include child development specialist, family support worker, benefits manager, parole officer, and grant writer.
Highlights
- Small class sizes with a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 100% of students awarded some amount of financial aid
- 73% overall graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Start terms begin in January, March, May, August, and October
34%
$30,017
83%
$30,017
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,124
- Institution Type
- Private
Ohio University-Main Campus
- Athens, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The bachelor's in human services at Ohio University features asynchronous courses, so you can complete classes on your schedule. Tuition costs $319 per credit hour, and out-of-state tuition costs just $5 more. Ohio residents who completed some college but no degree may also be eligible for the Second Chance Grant Program for $2,000 in scholarships. Some of the most common graduate degrees students earn afterward are in counseling, psychology, and social work.
Highlights
- The university awarded 97% of students financial aid in 2022-23
- Asynchronous format
Know Before You Apply
- Higher 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Lower graduation rate of 66%
63%
$12,106
83%
$23,898
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 24,640
- Institution Type
- Public
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
If you're looking for a bachelor's in human services that integrates the Christian faith into curriculum, LeTourneau may pique your interest. Each class can be completed in seven weeks and costs $380 per credit hour.
Highlights
- Awarded 99% of its students financial aid in 2022-23
- Small class sizes, with a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
Know Before You Apply
- Lower graduation rate of 61%
- The Christian faith is integrated into the curriculum
58%
$33,670
76%
$33,670
- Acceptance Rate
- 49%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,536
- Institution Type
- Private
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Murray State University offers a BA and BS in human services, where you'll learn ethical decision-making, cross-cultural community engagement, policy and law advocacy and reform, and how to support marginalized communities. Online students at Murray State can utilize Career Services for mock interviews, networking, and academic coaching.
Highlights
- The university awarded 99% of its students financial aid in 2022-23
Know Before You Apply
- Higher 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Lower graduation rate of 60%
49%
$ 9,708
76%
$14,742
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,857
- Institution Type
- Public
Columbia College
- Columbia, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Columbia offers a BA and BS in human services. The BA program requires you to take more humanities courses, and the BS program requires more major-specific courses. You'll study topics like counseling, case management, and rehabilitation to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. At Columbia, you can take advantage of the wellness center, career services center, tutoring and writing services, and testing services. According to the school, you should expect to pay $4,128 in tuition per semester.
Highlights
- Awarded 93% of its students financial aid in 2022-23
Know Before You Apply
- Lower graduation rate of 62%
- Higher student-faculty ratio of 20-to-1
78%
$12,140
76%
$12,140
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 952
- Institution Type
- Private
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Nova Southeastern University's BS in human services administration prepares you to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. After completing the core classes of the program in ethics, counseling, diversity, and management, you can choose a concentration in advocacy and case management, health administration, or social work. You may also qualify for dual admission to a graduate program as well.
Highlights
- 100% of students in 2022-23 were awarded financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Lower graduation rate of 64%
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1
52%
$34,500
76%
$34,500
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,877
- Institution Type
- Private
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.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistant | $45,120 | 8% | Connects clients with appropriate services, helps clients fill out paperwork |
| Community Health Worker | $51,030 | 13% | Performs client home visits, acts as a client advocate, provides coaching |
| Substance Use Counselor, Behavioral Therapist, Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | 19% | Develops treatment plans, works with clients and family members, refers clients to appropriate services |
| Social Worker | $61,330 | 7% | Identifies clients’ areas of need, researches appropriate resources, maintains confidential records |
| School Counselor | $65,140 | 4% | Helps students identify areas of improvement, acts as a mentor, collaborates with teachers |
| Probation Officer | $64,520 | 4% | Helps incarcerated individuals transition to life outside prison, performs drug tests |
| Case Manager or Community Outreach Manager | $78,240 | 8% | Identifies community needs, analyzes data, manages outreach programs |
| Political Scientist | $139,380 | 3% | Develops and tests new policies, monitors developments, creates election forecasts |
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.
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