The human services field applies knowledge from social work, sociology, communications, and psychology to address common individual and societal problems. This interdisciplinary approach helps human services professionals understand and assist clients struggling with addiction, poverty, violence, and mental illness.
A bachelor's in human services degree meets minimum educational requirements for community and social service occupations such as mental health counselor, health educator, and correctional treatment specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these careers pay median annual wages of $47,000-$58,000. The BLS also projects a rapid employment growth of 13% for health educators and community health workers, including 25% for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2019-2029.
Learn About Human Services Programs
What is human services?
A diverse array of social, psychological, and economic support systems and activities, human services includes child welfare work, rehabilitation therapy, mental health counseling, and health education.
What jobs can you get with a human services degree?
Online human services degrees can lead to careers in community education, social work, counseling, and nonprofit management. Health services bachelor's degrees often meet minimum degree requirements for jobs as probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, and substance abuse counselors.
Is a human services degree worth it?
March 2021 PayScale salary data indicates that human services BA graduates earn an above-average annual salary of about $54,610 — nearly $16,000 more per year than AA in human services graduates. These figures suggest that a bachelor's degree often pays for itself pretty quickly.
What is the difference between human services and social services?
The social services field focuses on helping underserved populations. Human services includes these efforts plus additional, broader goals and activities that serve society.
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Why Get a Degree in Human Services?
Online human services degrees yield many benefits, including diverse career options, promising job growth prospects, and positive social contributions. Human services graduates may occupy roles as educators, counselors, or managers of nonprofits. Many human services degree jobs such as community health educator, substance abuse counselor, and social and community service manager enjoy positive job growth projections of 13%-25%.
Working professionals often pursue online human services degrees, which typically cost less than on-campus equivalents. See below to learn more about online degree financing.
How Much Does a Human Services Degree Cost?
A bachelor's degree in human services varies in price. According to a 2020 report on college pricing, in-state students at public universities pay an average of $10,560 annually, compared to the $27,020 that out-of-state students pay. The report indicates that public universities usually charge much lower tuition than private universities, which average $37,650 annually.
College tuition also differs considerably based on location. In-state tuition in South Dakota, New Hampshire, and Vermont averages over three times that of New Mexico and California. Enrolling in schools based in less expensive states can save online learners money, especially because some public institutions allow online students to pay in-state tuition.
Online human services degree enrollees can benefit from not paying commuting or residency costs. Schools also waive various on-campus fees, since distance learners do not usually use many campus facilities. Read further for more information on financing a bachelor's degree in human services.
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How Much Do Human Services Majors Make?
Human services majors enjoy many career possibilities in various sectors, including governmental organizations, education, nonprofits, and the healthcare industry. April 2021 PayScale data cites a $54,610 average annual salary for human services BA graduates.
Many human services professionals offer direct services such as addictions, rehabilitation, school, or mental health counseling. BLS data indicates that these careers pay median annual salaries ranging from $35,960-$58,120. Other human services degree jobs involve community education programming and teaching work. Health educators and community health workers earn a $48,140 median annual salary. Criminal justice positions such as probation officer or correctional treatment specialist often pay higher salaries.
Rehabilitation, school, and marriage and family counselors and therapists need at least a master's degree, so human services majors may use their bachelor's to qualify for graduate programs. Social workers, who often earn a median annual salary of $51,760, typically also need a master's degree and state licensure.
Earning related graduate degrees can help human services degree graduates qualify for research, teaching, and administrative positions. Social work teachers at postsecondary institutions earn a median $71,570 per year, while social and community service managers make a median salary of $69,600 annually.
Courses in Human Services
Human services bachelor's programs usually require 120 credits. This degree may entail general education coursework, major-related core courses, and a specialized curriculum concentration. Core human services courses explore social science research methods, human services law and ethics, and family and community systems. Specialized field offerings include child development, administration, and addictions.
Human services coursework helps develop assessment, evaluation, care planning, and advocacy skills. Many human services programs also feature internship experiences, which cultivate additional skills corresponding to the participant's chosen concentration. Some bachelor's programs require capstone papers or research projects developing research, analysis, and writing skills.
Family and Community Systems
Often an entire curriculum concentration, this coursework analyzes common community and family dynamics and surveys available resources. Enrollees explore various societal response systems, including community mental health, family court, the Department of Human Services, and the criminal justice system. Family and community systems courses develop skills for needs assessment and program design, implementation, and evaluation.Human Services Law and Ethics
Another essential human services course, law and ethics surveys various protective rules and protocols for human services practice. Participants learn about ethics principles, including respecting dignity, honoring diversity, and advocating for justice. Relevant laws cover involuntary commitment, mandated reporting, and advance directives.Substance Abuse Disorders
This course frequently appears in core coursework or specialized human services curricula. Aspiring substance abuse counselors pursue curriculum concentrations in this field. Substance abuse disorder courses discuss biological and cultural causes for addiction. Participants also learn to recognize symptoms. The course surveys prevention and treatment strategies, including 12-step programs and psychopharmacology.
Certifications and Licensure for Human Services
Bachelor's in human services degrees satisfy education requirements for careers such as corrections treatment specialist, community health worker, and substance abuse counselor. However, some jobs seek candidates with additional professional certification or licensure. See below for a few common human services credentials.
This certification requires an associate degree from a regionally accredited school, plus 350 professional experience hours and passing results on the certification exam. Professionals with the HSB-CP designation may work in community health, social work, counseling, or administration.
Social workers must obtain licensure from the state where they work. Each state establishes its own licensure requirements, but these often include a related master's degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional experience, and a licensure exam.
The CHES certification usually serves current or aspiring community health educators. The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing grants this certification based on the applicant's academic record. Eligible candidates' transcripts demonstrate satisfactory coverage of seven designated areas of responsibility.
Scholarships for Human Services
Like other college students, human services bachelor's enrollees may qualify for scholarships. Various organizations award these scholarships to candidates demonstrating some combination of financial need, academic excellence, and underrepresented identity status. The following sampling designates several human services-focused scholarships.
Human Services Scholarships
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship |
Tuition, school expenses, and a monthly stipend |
The scholarship serves full-time, native Hawaiian-ancestry college students studying various health professions and demonstrating high academic achievement. Upon graduation, recipients must serve 2-4 years in Hawaiian communities. |
David C. Maloney Scholarship |
Varies |
Current National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) members pursuing a human services degree and maintaining a minimum 3.2 GPA may qualify for this scholarship. Applicants submit resumes, recommendation letters, short essays, and official transcripts. |
Outstanding Human Services Student Scholarship |
Varies |
This NOHS scholarship supports student members demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Applicants must receive nomination from a faculty member or social service organization employee. Application materials include recommendation letters, resumes, and documentation of applicants' contributions. |
Online Bachelor's In Human Services Programs 2022
#1 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a public institution.The school's catalog of five online programs provides options for students interested in many fields. The institution's online BS in human services program prepares learners for careers in human services.
Along with core classes, the program requires advanced coursework that prepares degree-seekers for positions in the field. Undergraduates gain transferable skills while completing upper-division coursework. Full-time undergraduate degree-seekers typically require four years to complete the 120-credit bachelor's program.
Student support services such as tutoring and career counseling prepare learners to succeed academically and professionally. Enrollees with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
East Tennessee State University Numbers:
Undergraduate Admission Rate: 86%
Total Programs: 142
Total Bachelor's Programs: 53
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Winona Lake, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private institution based in Winona Lake, Indiana.With 16 online programs, the school provides distance learning options for students interested in various fields. Individuals interested in human services careers can enroll in the institution's online bachelor of human services program.
Degree-seekers in the human services program develop transferable skills through core coursework and specialize during upper-level classes. Upper-division requirements help learners develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Full-time undergraduate degree-seekers typically require four years to complete the 120-credit bachelor's program.
The school offers student support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, to support learners' overall success. Enrollees with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
Grace College and Theological Seminary Facts:
Student Acceptance Rate: 80%
Total Programs: 103
Total Bachelor's Programs: 73
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Dakota offers a bachelor's in rehabilitation and human services online for busy learners who want to earn their degree while maintaining employment. With a main campus in Grand Forks, the school delivers academic programs in various fields. The university's academic offerings include 67 online programs, with 16 bachelor's-level options.
Online learners in the program benefit from scheduling flexibility. Customizable scheduling options can make it easier for busy learners to complete degree requirements. The online program features opportunities to connect with peers and faculty members. Most online bachelor's programs take full-time degree-seekers about four years to complete.
Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Online undergraduate programs at the institution cost an average of $726 per credit, and bachelor's students generally complete about 120 credits to graduate. Degree-seekers with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. Students can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Colorado State University Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Colorado State University Global Campus is an Aurora-based public institution.With 39 online programs available, the school educates distance students in various disciplines. The online bachelor's degree in human services from the institution prepares online learners to enter careers in the field.
The online human services program uses a rigorous curriculum that includes core and advanced coursework. Graduates can apply the critical thinking and analytical skills gained during upper-division coursework to careers in a variety of fields. Full-time undergraduate degree-seekers typically require four years to complete the 120-credit bachelor's program. Students with transfer credits often graduate in less than four years.
Online and on-campus learners can access support services, including career resources, from the school. Enrollees with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
Colorado State University Global Campus Numbers:
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 99%
Total Programs: 39
Total Bachelor's Programs: 15
Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Accepts Transfer Credits: Yes
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Anderson University
- Anderson, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Anderson University offers a top-ranked online bachelor of human services program. The private institution offers traditional programs on campus and a variety of online bachelor's programs. Working professionals and busy students benefit from the flexibility of an online learning format.
During the online bachelor's program, undergraduates take advanced coursework in human services. The program offers many opportunities to customize the degree, including through electives and minors. The school also supports distance learners through online tutoring, career services, and financial aid counseling.
Online learners enrolled at the accredited institution can qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. Students can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their degree.
Anderson University at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 76
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Number of Online Students: 1,545
Percent of Students Accepted: 69%
Rate of Undergraduate Graduation: 67%
Accepts Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Western Washington University
- Bellingham, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The undergraduate programs at Western Washington University help professionals move into new careers or advance in their current field. The school's bachelor's programs, including the bachelor's in human services program, provide the liberal arts and skills training graduates need. Students can conveniently earn accredited degrees online while they work.
Students without transfer credits typically need about four years to graduate from the bachelor's program. The flexible learning format allows learners to work full time while earning their degree. Professionals often pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for promotions or enter a new field.
Western Washington University Fast Facts:
Percentage of Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 86%
Average Price With Aid: $17,728
Allows Transfer Credits: No
Student Admission Rate: 90%
The school holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Marion, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University's online bachelor's in human services program can pursue a variety of positions in human services. The online program features flexible enrollment options that benefit working professionals.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Marion-based private institution. In addition to on-campus offerings, the school delivers 78 online programs. The university offers 18 bachelor's programs online.
Learners pursuing the online human services bachelor's degree take general education courses, along with core and upper-division major classes. The school confers the degree to individuals who complete all requirements, including earning at least 120 credits. The program features a rigorous curriculum, helping enrollees develop foundational knowledge in the field.
Learners at the school can access support services such as tutoring and career counseling. For assistance locating job placements, undergraduates and alumni can consult with the institution's career counselors. Students can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With 91 programs, Troy University provides academic programs for Alabama-based students and those throughout the country. The public institution's learners can study online or on campus. To prepare for human services careers, undergraduate students can pursue the school's online BS in human services.
Enrollees pursuing the online human services degree benefit from scheduling flexibility. Students gain transferable skills while completing general education coursework. The curriculum blends classroom learning and hands-on experiences to help degree-seekers gain field-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Faculty advisors provide undergraduates with academic and professional guidance.
Learners at the institution access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Financial aid counseling can also help students reduce the financial burden of earning a degree.
Troy University Fast Facts:
Number of Online Students: 9,242
Applicants Admitted: 88%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 47
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Transfer Credits Counted: No
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- Oshkosh, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers an online bachelor's in human services leadership that is ideal for learners interested in high-level human services careers. In addition to educating students at its Wisconsin campus, the public institution delivers nine programs for online students. Degree-seekers with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in one of the school's three online bachelor's programs.
Distance learners in the program complete coursework in a virtual classroom environment, gaining experience with the latest technology. The curriculum comprises core coursework and advanced human services classes to prepare students for the workforce. General education requirements help degree-seekers develop and strengthen important skills, such as critical thinking and communication. Internship opportunities allow undergraduates to gain professional experience, which they can add to their resume.
Learners in the school's online programs can access support services such as tutoring and career counseling. Students at the accredited institution can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce the financial burden of obtaining an education.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Most Affordable Online Human Services Degrees
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of the Cumberlands is a Williamsburg-based private institution. The institution offers online and on-campus programs for learners. Online undergraduate degree-seekers can choose from 10 online bachelor's programs. The online bachelor's in human services program prepares graduates for entry-level roles in human services.
The school requires degree-seekers to earn at least 120 credits to graduate with the human services degree. The online program features core courses, general education requirements, and upper-division classes. Specialized electives allow learners to customize the curriculum based on their goals and interests. Students can participate in internships to bolster their resume and impress prospective employers.
At the accredited institution, online students can use federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant to pay for college. The school reports that 99% of undergraduates fund their education through financial aid. For specific application details, including requirements and deadlines, prospective students can contact an admissions advisor.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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