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Creating a positive impact in people’s lives by providing support or intervention is the core principle of Human Services. Professionals in this field are adept at remediating and preventing challenges societies face, including homelessness, substance abuse, and trauma. By assisting young children, supporting single mothers, and providing for the homeless and elderly folks, Human Services impacts people’s lives directly.
By pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Services degree online, students develop specialized skills that will enable them to impact other people’s lives positively. They learn to analyze different needs, develop the right action plans, and assess outcomes with clients. They enhance interpersonal skills that demonstrate their readiness to provide and lead. They learn about applying evidence-based leadership and organizational management models in Human Services.
With a Bachelor’s in Human Services degree, graduates will have various career options. The increasing number of social services for those struggling with substance addiction, domestic violence, disabilities, homelessness and poverty, and mental health issues guarantee actual job growth for Human Service professionals.
Graduates can pursue crucial Human Services careers, including child protective services specialists, family educators, mental health aides, life skills counselors, community service managers, youth specialists, social service specialists, shelter direct care staff, and health and human services program coordinators.
Quick Summarization
An online Bachelor’s in Human Services degree is focused on teaching students about addiction therapy, charity work, community outreach, public health, social work facilities, mental health centers, and counseling services to help people overcome challenges. This program also provides learners with the necessary abilities to work in mental health rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons.
Methodology
Hundreds of schools across the United States are offering a Human Services bachelor’s degree. To ensure that students get the most out of their college experience, it’s imperative to choose wisely!
We help you narrow down your options! Each top Human Services online bachelor program on our list meets these criteria:
- Delivered online or as a hybrid Human Services undergraduate program,
- Features a curriculum that covers a wide range of topics, including Psychology, Diversity Studies, Human Development, and Criminal Justice,
- Offers fieldwork opportunities for hands-on learning experience, including through clinical hours, volunteer work, fellowships, and internships,
- Holds classes on robust virtual platforms and Learning Management Systems,
- Provides clear and measurable learning objectives to give students a good overview of what they can expect from a Human Services degree program,
- Features expert faculty with years of Human Services experience, providing students with academic guidance and support,
- Offers affordable tuition rates and a generous credit-transfer policy to make higher education accessible for everyone.
- Provides financial assistance options, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships from government, private, and nonprofit organizations,
- Properly vetted by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and other respectable accrediting agencies to ensure that the Human Services program offered meets specific standards.
- Recognized by organizations in the Human Services industry,
Examine our online college and program selection process! Read our Methodology.
10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services
Southern New Hampshire University
The web-based Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program at Southern New Hampshire University demonstrates how compassion meets process and policy to improve the lives of individuals and entire populations.
The Human Services degree program at SNHU will provide students with the know-how and skills that will enable them to help individuals and groups in need. Human Services majors will gain cultural awareness and develop communication strategies. They will be taught historical, political, and social trends and legal and ethical standards. They will also learn about human services policies and the importance of advocating for the traditionally underserved.
This online degree program offers three concentration options:
Human Services – Child and Family Services
This concentration track will teach students to advocate for change for children and families. Students get to explore various social issues that affect the overall well-being of families and communities, as well as the federal and state policies that may influence the delivery of services.
This concentration track will train students to provide case management services, such as collaborative development and evaluation of treatment plans, assessment, relationship building, and client referrals to the appropriate community service providers.
Human Services – Gerontology
Choosing a concentration in Gerontology allows students to establish the knowledge needed to meet the increasing need for professionals who can cater to the baby boomer generation and beyond. This concentration track is designed to train undergraduates on properly caring for the country’s aging population. They will also learn techniques to improve care and change the lives of elderly folks.
Human Services – Substance Abuse
One of the biggest problems around the world is substance addiction. Because of this, SNHU offers this concentration track to teach students to become drug and alcohol counselors. At the end of the program, they will also be able to help clients suffering from mental illnesses due to addiction.
Course requirements for SNHU’s BA in Human Services include:
- Introduction to Statistical Analysis
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human Services Organizational Systems
- Child Growth and Cognitive Development
- Psychology of Individual Differences and Special Needs
Walden University
People passionate about impacting other people’s lives can channel their passion into a fulfilling career with Walden University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. This online degree empowers those committed to serving individuals, families, and communities.
With Walden University’s BS in Human Services degree, students can excel in non-licensed, nontherapeutic direct service or entry-level leadership positions. This will also teach students about relationship-building and engaging with the community. Students will also learn to ethically guide people to the appropriate services to improve their lives.
Human Services majors will learn how to provide the right services to help those in need, whether it involves suicide or substance abuse. This program will train individuals to determine strategies to address social stratification and marginalization in various communities. They will know how and when to apply ethical and legal standards in providing human services.
Students establish highly marketable skills that will open doors of opportunities for them, whether in administration or nontherapeutic direct services.
Pursuing an online Human Services degree at Walden University will provide students with the necessary training and experience to complete the program and go on to work as case managers, social workers, mental health technicians, coordinators, directors of social services, residential counselors, or family services specialists. Because Human Services students will earn a degree, they can potentially earn higher.
These are some of the course requirements for Walden University’s BS in Human Services degree:
- Understanding Urban Culture and Community Assessment
- Developing the Helping Relationship
- Cultural Humility and Diversity
- Advocacy in the Global Community
- Mental Health Crisis Response
St. Joseph’s University New York
St. Joseph’s University New York’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree is designed for those seeking a fulfilling career providing various human services. Through this program, students will use their strengths and abilities and develop them to a higher purpose.
This Human Services degree features courses that will prepare students for working with the underserved, including victims of domestic abuse, the homeless, the unemployed, the aging, the veterans and their families, people struggling with addiction and mental illness, and those experiencing the effects of poverty.
Through this program, individuals can learn how to be effective outreach workers, addiction counselors, assisted living managers, mental health workers, case managers, or program directors.
St. Joseph’s University New York’s BS in Human Services program features courses in case management, gerontology, family and child welfare, and addictions counseling, to name a few. This leads to a wide range of opportunities for graduates. Aside from being equipped to take on leadership roles in Human Services, students can also pursue graduate studies in mental health counseling, human services administration, and social work.
Major requirements for St. Joseph’s University New York’s online BS in Human Services degree include:
- Human Services Administration
- Principles of Counseling
- Group Dynamics and Communication
- Introduction to Case Management
- Fundamentals of Statistics
Old Dominion University
The Bachelor of Science in Human Services program is offered through Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education & Professional Studies. It is a degree-completion program for those with some college credits or who have completed at least 30 credit hours online from this university. For full-time students, this program is a full degree that requires 120 credit hours.
This BS in Human Services offered by Old Dominion University will equip students for entry-level positions in various community service agencies. Through this program, they will learn about the characteristics of human growth and development and human services agencies. They will also study the roles and functions of human services professionals. They will tackle the theories and skills of human services and the basics of grant writing, fundraising, and program evaluation. Moreover, they will know about the multicultural, legal, and ethical issues surrounding the human services profession.
Old Dominion University’s BS in Human Services program has gained the approval of the Virginia Board of Counseling and the Virginia Certification Board. The university is known for being an outstanding provider of addiction education that can qualify students to be a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) after completing the residency requirement and taking the exam set by the Virginia Board of Psychology.
At ODU, BS in Human Services students must develop a profound understanding of documentation, including writing legally defensible case notes and service billing justification. Aside from that, students will study a wide range of courses, including the following:
- Introduction to Human Services
- Interpersonal Relations
- Career Development and Appraisal
- Case Management & Crisis Techniques through Field Observation
- Introduction to Substance Abuse
Liberty University
With Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program, students will graduate and pursue careers that help make a difference in the community. This degree will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level positions.
Liberty University, a Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges-recognized school, features a BS in Human Services program with a curriculum that combines human services, social work, and psychology courses.
Learners will also be trained to become skilled and ethical human services professionals capable of landing fulfilling careers in community outreach, case management, or mental health support. This program also provides valuable opportunities for students to apply their skills to real-world situations.
Liberty University has been offering distance learning programs since 1985, which means it is an expert in creating online programs that combine affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence. Throughout the program, students will learn about using a holistic approach to human services, accounting for human existence’s biological, social, spiritual, and psychological aspects. More importantly, they will learn to create lasting change within their communities.
Human Services majors get to complete at least one internship in a human services setting. They will also study courses conducted by faculty with advanced degrees and years of experience in the field.
Here are five of the course requirements for Liberty University’s BS in Human Services program:
- Introduction to Probability & Statistics
- Human Behavior & the Social Environment
- Multicultural Counseling & Research Issues
- Social Work in Mental Health
- Social Welfare & Policy
Colorado State University
The Colorado State University – Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree program covers the different community and social services fields, including child care, elderly support, mental illness, and support for people with disabilities.
CSU’s BS in Human Services program helps students meet community and social welfare needs among various populations. They also gain the practical knowledge to help them assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Through this program, students can develop valuable written communication and analysis skills. They will establish a deep understanding of the nature and purpose of human services by studying the functions of human services workers in various micro and macro settings. They will gain case management and intervention skills. They will also be able to successfully assess administrative responsibilities and analyze the impact of culture and diversity in the human services field.
Human Services majors can choose a degree concentration, which consists of five upper-division courses. Although not required to complete the degree, choosing a specialization is an ideal way to customize a student’s educational experience to suit their professional and personal goals.
Some of the concentrations they can choose from include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics
- International Business
- Healthcare Management
- Public Relations
- Information Technology Management
CSU’s BS in Human Services program consists of 15 3-credit core courses that are part of the degree requirement, which is 120 credit hours. These are some of the core courses that students need to enroll in to complete this program:
- Applying Leadership Principles
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Intervention Methods in Human Services
- Case Management in Human Services
CSU’s BS in Human Services has the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approvals.
Columbia College
At Columbia College, students seeking to improve people’s lives can pursue the online Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Human Services. This program offers interdisciplinary knowledge and valuable insights into case management, counseling, and rehabilitation.
By studying Human Services, students will learn about strengths-based practices that can be useful when working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. They will also form a deeper perspective by exploring social policy and research. Aside from that, they will have opportunities to learn about social gerontology, mental health, disabilities, child welfare, addiction, military casework, and social inequality.
Human Services graduates will have a competitive edge when applying for rewarding careers in advocacy, child welfare, addiction, social services, public policy, rehabilitation, and probation services. They will learn how to prevent and resolve problems, improve people’s overall quality of life, and help others overcome challenges in various settings, including public welfare agencies, counseling programs, and court systems.
These are the core requirements for Columbia Colleges’ BA/BS in Human Services:
- Introduction to Human Services
- Ethics in the Human Services Profession
- Victimology
- Working with Communities and Organizations
- American Social Policy
Florida State College at Jacksonville
By pursuing the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville, students learn the fundamentals of human needs assessment and problem-solving. This program will prepare undergraduates to take on roles that provide the necessary services to those with mental illness or developmental disabilities, individuals or families in crisis, elderly folks, those suffering from chemical or alcohol dependency, and victims of crime.
Pursuing a career in human services is made possible with FSCJ’s BS in Human Services program. However, one needs compassion, patience, understanding, and willingness to serve the people. Through this degree, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the human services field, whether they want to advance in their careers or get into graduate school.
FSCJ’s BS in Human Services program’s academic roadmap includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Crisis Intervention
- Health Welfare Delivery Systems
- Research Methods in Human Services
- Administration in Human Services
- Group Dynamics
The BS in Human Services program at FSCJ is hailed for offering one of the country’s most affordable online Human Services degrees! FSCJ is a SACSCOC-approved institution.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University offers the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program to set every student’s path to successful and fulfilling careers. What sets this program apart is that it provides learners with a biblically centered education.
IWU’s BS in Human Services degree equips students to improve management, social change, and service delivery by working in various organizations. This program also allows undergraduates to choose a specialization, Life Coaching or Leadership, which will prepare them to become trusted leaders or certified life coaches.
The Life Coaching concentration emphasizes helping students create healthy and empowered relationships that can influence social change. This will teach students to be advocates for positive social change and to apply the ICF Code of Ethics.
The Leadership specialization, on the other hand, accelerates students’ careers and helps them serve others through effective leadership. This track will teach students to apply leadership and followership theories within different settings and use leadership skills to inspire others.
Course requirements for both Life Coaching and Leadership concentrations for the BS in Human Services program at IWU include:
- Crisis Intervention
- Systems of Social Change
- Advocacy in Human Services
- Cultivating Learning and Growth
- Co-Creating the Relationship
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services degree is Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)-accredited. This program is aimed at those who are “people persons” and equips them to advocate for individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing diversity, empowerment, inclusion, and social justice.
The BAS in Human Services is an interdisciplinary field that leads to a wide range of fulfilling careers, including advocates, administrators, and coordinators who can positively impact other people’s lives. This program teaches students to be resilient leaders who often pursue continuing education in education, criminal justice, health administration, counseling, rehabilitation, and social work.
Coursework in this program combines theory with real-world application of human services best practices and standards in work settings through internship opportunities. This hones students’ skills in understanding, responding, and supporting the physical, educational, psychological, and social demands of individuals, families, groups, and communities in contemporary society.
Through this program, students will gain core skills, such as critical thinking, ethical decision-making, culturally responsive care, client empowerment, research, program planning, leadership, interpersonal, and human services delivery skills. A required internship experience allows students to work with local service agencies face-to-face with real-world situations and gain crucial insights into the field.
The BAS in Human Services curriculum includes courses such as:
- Transitional Resiliency
- Research Methods in Social Sciences
- Introduction to Human Services
- Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practices
- Identity, Positionality, and Cultural Humility
The studies of Human Services and Social Work have several similarities between them. However, there are also noticeable distinctions that set them apart.
Social workers assist people in solving and coping with the problems they face daily. Social workers only need a bachelor’s degree in a related field to qualify for social work. However, clinical social workers must have a master’s degree plus two years of post-master’s experience in a supervised clinical setting to qualify as such.
Social workers focus on empowering and enabling people in everyday situations. Moreover, they are responsible for working with those directly affected by disenfranchisement and other complex social problems. Licensed clinical social workers often work in a college, university, child welfare agency, or mental health facility to diagnose and treat behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues.
Human Services
The field of human services encompasses a wide variety of in-demand careers. The primary focus of this field is to make a difference by supporting individuals, families, groups, or communities struggling to return to society. Human service workers take on managerial roles to oversee projects geared toward the greater good.
Human services workers play the administrator role in an organization to support underserved communities. They also help individuals and communities access basic needs at an administrative level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can graduates do with a Bachelor’s in Human Services?
These are some of the high-paying careers that graduates with a Bachelor’s in Human Services can qualify for:
- Substance Abuse Counselors – $58,040
- Rehabilitation Caseworkers – $38,913
- Health Education Specialists – $55,975
- Social Services Administrators – $56,026
- Community Service Managers – $61,698
- Rehabilitation Counselors – $75,650
- Marriage and Family Therapists – $63,300
- Child Welfare Advocates – $40,007
- Substance Abuse Counselors – $58,040
What are the benefits of having at least a bachelor’s degree in Human Services?
While there are career opportunities that only require an associate’s degree, earning a bachelor’s provides students with a well-rounded Human Service education that prepares them to work in various fields, including social work and counseling. Because of this, degree holders can earn competitive salaries and gain an advantage that will help them advance in their careers.
Do employers require the expertise of a Human Services professional?
The Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of social and human service assistants will grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, opening about 35,600 jobs annually on average until the end of the decade.
What scholarships are specific to Human Services online or on-campus students?
The NOHS or National Organization for Human Services offers scholarships, grants, and awards to deserving Human Services students. Here are some of them:
- David C. Maloney Scholarship is for students currently enrolled in a human services program, whether at the associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s level.
- The Harold McPheeters Scholarship is for applicants who can show their successful work in human services and have been acknowledged by others as dedicated and respectful of clients.
Key Points to Ponder
- A Bachelor’s in Human Services degree trains students for public-facing roles as substance abuse counselors, social workers, community managers, and other similar positions.
- Some Human Services programs allow students to choose a concentration track to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
- Most Bachelor’s degrees in Human Services require students to complete an internship or practicum to expose them to real-world situations and help them gain practical learning experiences in managing cases, developing social services programs, and more.
Additional Information: