The Best Health Degrees

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25 Best Human Services Degrees

25 Best Human Services Degrees

Key Takeaways:

  • University of Delaware and Northeastern University offer some of the most diverse and top-ranked human services programs.
  • A Bachelor’s in Human Services degree can jumpstart careers in various fields for empathetic individuals.
  • Top programs human services programs ranked by Best Health Degrees are based on price, accreditation, and salary potential.
  • Human Services degrees prepare students for non-clinical roles supporting community well-being.

The best Human Services degrees are traditional campus programs for bachelor’s degree students to earn a degree and begin a new career. If you’re an empathetic and caring person with a desire to help others in a non-clinical setting, bachelor’s in Human Services degrees will start you on a path for a satisfying health career in a variety of fields.

Whether you have an interest in crisis prevention, assisting people in improving their quality of life, helping to maintain services in communities and non-profit agencies, an undergraduate degree in Human Services will be a great beginning for you.

Best Health Degree lists schools that are regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as well as several others. Financial aid is available for all these human services degree programs based on the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for qualified students. Many schools require financial aid applications to be on file as part of the admission process as well as for school scholarships.

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs

To rank the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

Note: The Covid-19 pandemic caused many colleges and universities to reevaluate the way they present courses. You’ll want to determine if the schools you’re interested in have moved from classroom to online coursework. Be sure to determine what changes to admissions and attendance requirements may be needed.

1. University of Delaware

You can choose from four concentrations with this B.S. in Human Services on the main campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. Among the program concentrations are:

  • Administration and Family Policy
  • Clinical Services
  • Early Childhood Development

studied in Administration and Family Policy, Clinical Services (accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education), . The curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as Families and Children at Risk, Social Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Families, Counseling in Human Services, Public Policy, as well as Human Development, and more. You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

The curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as Families and Children at Risk, Social Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Families, Counseling in Human Services, Public Policy, as well as Human Development, and more. You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

To apply for admission, you’ll need to complete an online application ($75 nonrefundable fee required), a required Common or Coalition application essay, letters of reference, self-reported high school grades using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and other documents as needed. For the spring and fall semesters, standardized tests are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,280-$35,710/per academic year

Fast Fact: Money ranked this university #41 in its 2020 Best Colleges ranking

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2. Northeastern University

Are you looking for a B.A. in Human Services which will prepare you for a career in counseling, nonprofit management, or community and organizational development? Then, you may want to explore this program at Northeastern University in Massachusetts.

Requiring 132 credit hours, this is a five-year program that includes 5 co-op experiences. You’ll study Counseling in Human Services, Social Change and Human Services, Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines, Social Policy, Research Methods for Human Services, Sexual Orientation, Gender Expression, and others. Additionally, Northeastern University is competency, rather than course-based. You’ll have a set of 11 competencies to fulfill other Northeastern University degree requirements.

First-year students must complete a Common or Coalition Application along with a $75 application fee. Other requirements include academic transcripts and secondary school counselor or teacher recommendations. The 2020-21 academic year application does not require SAT scores or ACT scores for admission consideration and the university offers several application programs for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $53,506 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern as one of its Most Innovative Schools and Best Value Schools

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3. University of Oregon

Offered through UO’s College of Education, this program offers both a B.A. in Family and Human Services and a B.S. in Family and Human Services.

Both degrees require you to take a minimum of 50 credit hours of general university requirements before making an application to the major. The B.A. requires a second language proficiency and the B.S. requires mathematics or computer and information science proficiency.

Once accepted into a program, you’ll take pre-major courses in Exploring Family and Human Services, Issues for Children and Families, and Diversity in Human Services. General Human Services coursework includes Group and Community Interventions, Research in Human Services, Individual Interventions in Ecological Contexts, Junior and Senior Professional Practices and Issues, Field Experiences and Capstone Project.

You’ll make an application to the University of Oregon through one of three methods, SAT/ACT test scores are optional, academic transcripts (self-reported), an application essay, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,720-$36,615/per academic year

Fast Fact: Niche ranks UO #80/676 in its Top Public Universities in America

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4. Syracuse University

Syracuse University has a Selected Studies in Education B.S. degree designed with an interdisciplinary approach.

With this degree, working with your advisor, you’ll be able to specialize in one of five concentrations including, Post-Secondary & Human Services Fields. This speciality also includes a fast-track, M.S. option in Professional Counseling in Mental Health. Among the studies in this concentration are general studies in social services and human services focusing on families, communities, and individuals. The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours and includes general university studies. Additionally, you’ll participate in an internship.

You’ll pay an $85 nonrefundable fee along with your admission application to Syracuse University. For fall admission, students must submit academic transcripts with a senior year grade report, two academic recommendations, and an evaluation from their high school guidance counselor.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $53,849/per academic year

Fast Fact: Syracuse University ranks #70 in Best Value Schools and #68 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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5. George Washington University

Located in Washington D.C., GW University has a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Human Services and Social Justice.

With this degree, you’ll study sociology, interpersonal relationships, child and adult development, sex and gender sociology, race relations, ethical leadership, program planning and evaluation, organizational management in nonprofit organizations, and research methods. Along with a Capstone Project, you’ll also participate in an internship. In addition, students take general university courses in humanities, math, physical or natural sciences, writing, and social sciences.

Admission requirements to George Washington University involve submission of an application and fee, counselor and teacher recommendations, official academic transcripts, and other documents as required. Regular Decision admission’s deadline is January 5 and the Early Decision admission is November 1 and January 5. ACT/SAT scores are optional for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $56,935/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes rated GW University #78 in its 2019 Top Colleges ranking

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6. Rowan University

Rowan University, in Camden, NJ, has a B.A. in Human Services that, among other areas, will prepare you to become a human services and social services provider.

This is a degree completion program requiring 60 credit hours in your major from a variety of studies. Beyond the general university course requirements, you’ll study sociology, intake and interviewing skill techniques, ethics in human services, statistics, case management, psychology, and abnormal psychology, to name a few studies. Field experiences are also part of the curriculum, as are a senior human services seminar and specialization courses (developed in collaboration with your advisor).

A $65 application fee is part of admission. You’ll also need an Associate Degree or a minimum of 24 semester hours of transfer college credits. Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,00-22,832/per academic year

Fast Fact: Rowan University is #448/1,619 in Niche’s Best Colleges in America

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7. Western Washington University

Western Washington University has an undergraduate degree in Human Services on two campuses as well as online.

You’ll be responsible for taking 35 credit hours in foundation classes in studies such as Human Services Foundation, Social Welfare Policy, Human Services Professionals and Community Systems, and more. Skills studies are part of the curriculum with courses in Applied Research Methods, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Introduction to Interviewing and Interventions in Human Services. Field studies and seminars are also part of the program. Elective courses are available in mental health, disability, addiction, as well as aging and health. health promotion, and more. The university requires a minimum of 180 credit hours for graduation.

General university admission requirements include an application (and $60 fee), optional ACT/SAT test scores, and unofficial transcripts. Other documents may be required and specific requirements are needed for admission into the Woodring College of Education.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,343-$24,690/per academic year

Fast Fact: Western Washington University is #5 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Top Public Schools

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8. The University of Scranton

Here’s a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services (CHS) offered by the Jesuit school, The University of Scranton, located in Pennsylvania.

This degree is part of the College of Professional Studies (CPS) and will prepare you for an entry-level position in the human services field. The degree requires 127 credit hours with 58 credits in CHS. Some of the courses you’ll take are Human Services Systems, Case Management and Interviewing, Theories of Counseling, Research Methods, Crisis Intervention, as well as others and an internship. A unique feature of this program is its Community Based Learning component in addition to the internship. This program follows ethical and training standards of the American Counseling Association. There is a concentration in Rehabilitation Services that focus on substance abuse and addictions.

Items on the university’s admission checklist include the submission of the Common Application, SAT/ACT scores (optional due to the Covid Pandemic), letters of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, a listing of extracurricular activities, and official academic transcripts. The university has specific deadlines for entering students and you should be certain to meet all requirements.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $45,790 per academic year

Fast Fact: Scranton University ranks in The Best 386 College by the Princeton Review

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9. Washburn University

This Kansas university in Topeka offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services (BAS) degree requiring 120 credit hours for completion.

You’ll take university-required courses in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, English, and Natural Sciences and Math. Your BAS core studies will be in Human Development, Family Issues, Group Work in Human Services (Group Counseling), Research & Evaluation, and more. Twelve hours in major coursework is in Family Family Services and includes Issues in Aging, Working with Trauma, Individual Counseling Methods, and Working with Parents and Youth. There are numerous elective classes from which you can choose in Mental Health and Addictions, Victimology, Aging and Mental Health, Disaster Response and Recovery, and others.

Admission to Washburn University is straightforward and requires an application (with a $20 non-refundable application fee), ACT/SAT scores, and academic transcripts from any school attended. Note: ACT/SAT scores are not required for students over 21 years of age but may be helpful. If you’re from Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma or Texas, you’ll pay in-state tuition.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,704-$19,456/per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks Washburn University #154-#209 in its Top Public Schools ratings

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10. Siena Heights University

At the main campus located in Adrian, Michigan, Siena Heights University has an Adult Degree Completion program that results in a B.A. in Community and Human Services. You can also choose to concentrate in Family Systems.

As a degree completion program, you’ll need to complete 39 credit hours in your major for graduation. Crisis Intervention, Social Psychology, Counsel Techniques & Practice, Community & Human Services, and other courses are part of the Community and Human Services degree curriculum. If you choose to concentrate on Family Systems, you’ll need to have prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Psychology. Once completed, you’ll then finish the program with required courses in Social Psychology, Marriage and Family Relations, Crisis Intervention, etc. The concentration requires you take Early Interventions with Children/Families (0-6) and (6-12) and Investigative Techniques in Social Services. Electives options are Juvenile Justice, Personality, Psychology of Aging, and Ethnic Dimensions of American Society, and also a practicum experience.

As a degree completion program, you’ll need to provide transfer credit information for admission. Additionally, you’ll need to submit an application, official college and high school transcripts, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,152/per academic year

Fast Fact: A Catholic university, Siena Heights ranks #939/1,572 in Niche’s Best Value Colleges in America

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11. Fort Hays State University

Here’s another Kansas university where you can earn a Bachelor of General Studies with a Human Services Concentration.

The degree program requires 120 credit hours for completion. Required general education courses include English Composition, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and also Math. Additionally, students take 21 credit hours in their concentration and 54 hours in electives. Your concentration studies will include 21 hours in sociology coursework. The suggested academic plan for the concentration includes studies in Social Inequality, Sociological Theory and Literature, Methods of Social Research, Advanced Sociological Research, and others.

Fort Hays State University has a rolling admission policy and offers several admission options. Entering students will need to provide applications, submit academic transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,280-$15,360/per academic year

Fast Fact: Founded in 1902, FHSU ranks #35 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools

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12. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University provides a multidisciplinary B.S. in Human Services degree that blends a curriculum from psychology,  social work, criminal justice, sociology, and political science disciplines.

The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours with 45 credit hours in the major. You’ll complete core courses in studies such as Survey of Human Services, Statistics, General Psychology, as well as Supervised Fieldwork, and more. The curriculum also offers three concentrations in Mental Health, Child, Adolescent and Family Services, and Gerontology and Aging. Additionally, you’ll choose from electives in Human Diversity and Social Solutions and Social Change, which offers classes in Social Psychology, Deviance and Society, Psychology of Human Sexuality, Psychology of Women, and others.

Loyola admission requirements include a Common Application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, and also official academic transcripts. Recently, SAT/ACT test scores are optional and the school recommends you submit an essay on a topic of your choosing as well as a resume describing your activities.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $45,543/per academic year

Fast Fact: The Princeton Review ranks this Jesuit Catholic University in its Best 386 Colleges ranking

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13. Spelman University

This well-known, historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia, awards a B.A. in Human Services.

The program consists of core courses in the major and specialty areas. General Psychology, Introduction to Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology, and National Government make up the cognate coursework. As part of your major’s curriculum, you’ll take classes in Methods of Research, Introduction to Human Service, Principles of Management, and Field Work in Human Services. Speciality areas in this degree include elective studies in Developmental Psychology, Public Policy, Multicultural Studies, and Individual or Group Processes.

If you’re a first time college student, your admission will require you to submit a Common Application, a $40 application fee, academic transcripts from all schools you’ve attended, two letters of recommendation, and an optional SAT/ACT test score submission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,972/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes ranked Spelman College as one of its Top Colleges

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14. SUNY Empire State College

This campus is in Saratoga Springs, NY, and has a 124 credit hour B.S. in Community and Human Services degree with a Human Services concentration.

This degree helps human services professionals to join other professionals working in community social services. It focuses on six pillars: human behavior, service delivery, professional skills, ethics, diversity, and application. To major in this degree, you’ll need to have 45 credits in general education requirements such as English, math fundamentals, sociology, psychology, philosophy and others. Courses in your major will include Abnormal Psychology, Nature and Needs of Individuals with Special Needs, Case Management, Introduction to Human Services, Crisis Intervention, Family and Society, and several more.

Among the admission criteria, you’ll need to submit an application showing proof of secondary school completion, official transcripts from all schools attended, as well as an application essay of at least 300 words. Prospective students must also show proof of immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, and meningitis.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,605-$17,515/per academic year

Fast Fact: This school ranks in U.S. News and World Report’s #50-#62 Top Public Schools

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15. University of Alaska Anchorage

Here’s an undergraduate, Bachelor of Human Services (BHS) degree completed in 120 credit hours that’s offered both on campus and online.

The coursework includes general education studies as well as subject-specific classes. The Human Services studies include Human Relations in the Workplace, Introduction to Paraprofessional Counseling, Working with Individuals with Disabilities: A Human Service Perspective, Clinical Approaches to Substance Abuse, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse and the Older Adult, Men and Masculinity, etc. You’ll also have a wide selection of electives on topics of Community Education and Prevention in Substance Abuse, Introduction to Children’s Behavioral Health, and more. Practicum experiences are also part of the program.

Application for admission is open one year prior to the one for which you’re applying. You’ll need to submit an application, academic transcripts, and a 2.5 GPA. While standardized testing isn’t required for admission, standardized test scores are used in course placement.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,103-$28,084/academic year

Fast Fact: UAA ranks #35 in the Top Public Schools rankings of U.S. News and World Report

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16. Monroe College

This New York college has campuses in St. Lucia, New Rochelle, and the Bronx and offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services.

The degree is online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format through Monroe College’s School of Criminal and Social Justice. This B.S. will require you to study Ethical Issues in Human Services, Social Welfare Policy, Research Seminar in Human Services, Field Experiences, and more. Other related courses will include Drugs and Behavior, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, Psychology Across the Lifespan, Introduction to Psychology, Group Dynamics, etc.

First-year students will need to submit an application with a $35 fee for admission, write an essay, unofficial academic transcripts, and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. You’ll also need to schedule an interview.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,860 per academic year

Fast Fact: Ranks #24/308 in Niche’s Best Online Colleges in America

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17. Bay Path University

You can earn an undergraduate degree in Health and Human Services from this Massachusetts university.

This B.A. offers a wide range of concentrations in areas such as Healthcare Management, Health Science, Early Intervention, Autism Spectrum Studies, and five others. Required coursework (in addition to concentration studies) includes work in English, business, psychology, sociology, as well as general electives. You’ll take classes in Social Policy in Health and Human Services, Communicating in the Helping Professions, Introduction to Health and Human Services, and more. The program also requires a Health and Human Services internship, studies in research methods, and a capstone project. You can learn about concentration-specific classes on the homepage of the department’s website.

Bay Path University is three colleges the Traditional (on-campus), the American Women’s College (online), and Graduate College. The B.A. in Health and Human Services is through the Residential College and requires you to request admission information through an online form. The American Women’s College has a B.A. in Human Services and Rehabilitation degree offered online.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $35,081 per academic year

Fast Fact: A private, woman’s college, Bay Path ranks #12 in U.S. News and World Report’s Most Innovative Schools

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18. New York City College of Technology

Known as City Tech, this college has a B.S. in Human Services designed to prepare you for work in the social welfare sector.

The 120 credit hour curriculum has Liberal Arts courses at its core and the HS program requires studies in Group Work Practice, Counseling Methods, Research Methods in Human Services, Volunteerism, Management Concepts in Human Services, and others. Specific program classes include Health Issues of Children and Adolescents, Health and Mental Health Issues With Vulnerable Populations Across the Life Span, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment, and free electives. You’ll also complete two internships as part of this program.

Applicants pay a $65 fee ($75 for transfer students) along with your admission application. Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay are also part of the admission process. CUNY has suspended the ACT/SAT requirement due to the Covid pandemic. Additional materials may be requested by the Admissions Office.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,320-$15,270/per academic year

Fast Fact: Ranked #21 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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19. Wingate University

You can choose between a B.A. or B.S. degree in Human Services at Wingate University in North Carolina. The university has campuses in Wingate, Charlotte, and Hendersonville.

The Human Services program revolves around a curriculum that offers studies in Developmental Psychology, Social Stratification, Introduction to Critical Thinking and Research Design, Global Perspectives, Inferential Statistics, Professional Interviewing and Helping Skills, etc. (The B.A. requires a foreign language component.) You’ll complete 100 hours of practicum experience in school counseling centers, community shelters, autism support services, and domestic violence facilities. The degree can be awarded in eight consecutive Fall and Spring semesters.

Wingate’s admission doesn’t require an application fee or essay, and standardized test scores are optional (if you don’t have ACT/SAT scores, you’ll need to complete a 250-word essay). Academic transcripts will be requested for all academic schools you’ve attended.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $35,290/per academic year

Fast Fact: Founded in 1896, Niche rates Wingate University #944/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

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20. Quincy University

A B.S. in Human Services from Quincy University will provide you studies in counseling theories, as well as techniques for understanding, and working with, family or group dynamics.

Among the classes are Lifestyle and Career Development, Counseling Techniques, Counseling Theory, Victimology, Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention, Group Dynamics and Counseling, Crisis Intervention, and also Psychology of Human Sexuality. Additionally, required practicum experiences provide real-world experiences in individual and group counseling techniques. These experiences are in agencies and hospitals in the Quincy, Illinois area and provide excellent practical experiences under professional preceptors.

Quincy University has a standardized test-optional policy in its admission requirements. The school does ask for an application, academic transcripts, and counselor recommendations. Be prepared to provide a 500-word writing sample as part of the admission process.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $30,450/per academic year

Fast Fact: Established in 1860, Quincy University has been ranked #14 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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21. University of South Carolina Beaufort

You may want to explore the B.S. in Human Services from the University of South Carolina. You’ll have two options for this program, a hybrid program at the Beaufort campus or the online, degree completion program through USC’s Palmetto College.

The coursework for the degree requires you complete general education classes in English, Speech, Liberal Arts (humanities, fine arts, behavioral and social sciences, natural sciences, etc.) in addition to the major courses. Among those classes are Human Services: An Introduction, Personal and Professional Development, Nonprofit Management and Funding, Human Service Interventions, Psychology, Statistics, as well as research methods. Additionally, you’ll complete an internship and capstone project. The degree is 120 credit hours in length.

You’ll find admission to USCB fairly simple. You’re encouraged to start your application with a campus visit, either in person or virtually. An application with a $30 nonrefundable fee high school transcript (or transcripts for all academic programs attended), and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. Application deadlines are July 1, December 1, and May 1.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,730-$21,776 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates USCB #13-#23 in its Top Public Schools rankings

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22. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

You can earn your B.S. in Human Services degree either online or on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus in Indiana town of the same name.

Located in the college’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the degree requires 120 credit hours for completion, 55 hours of which are in your Human Services major. Introduction to Human Services, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, The Family, Ethical and Legal Issues in the Helping Professions, Techniques of Counseling, two practicum experiences, and others are part of the program’s curriculum. You’ll also take 6 hours of classes in American Public Policy, State and Local Government, and American Federal System.

Application for admission is done online and does not require an application fee. Besides the application, you’ll be asked to submit academic transcripts from high school and/or transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended. SMWC has a test-optional policy for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $30,500/per academic year

Fast Fact: SMWC is a private school dating to 1840 and ranks #25 Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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23. University of the Cumberlands

Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands awards both B.S. and B.A. in Human Services degrees. You can choose from three Human Services areas in Human Services, Mental Health, or Addictions.

The overall degree calls for 120 credit hours which includes university-required general education studies. You’ll take 51 credit hours in your major/concentration. The curriculum requires core coursework in Basic Counseling Skills, Group Dynamics, Case Management, Ethics in Human Services, Human Diversity, as well as seminars and an internship. For the Human Services concentration, you’ll take classes in Experiential Opportunities, Introduction to Sociology, Human Services in Schools, Addictions and Recovery, and others. The Mental Health concentration provides classes in Addictions and Recovery, Abnormal Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling, and more. Addictions concentration offers Addiction and Recovery, Grief and Crisis, Drug Abuse Education and Prevention, etc.

The university has a test-optional policy and you’ll complete an online questionnaire to determine the right avenue for you to take for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,875 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report places the University of the Cumberlands #298-#389 in its National Universities ranking

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24. Post University

You can take this B.S. in Human Services online or on the Waterbury, CT campus of Post University. This curriculum will prepare students with the communication skills to work in crisis intervention, ethics, and counseling.

You’ll be able to choose from several concentrations in Psychology — Health, Education, and Community Services, Sociology-Health and Community Services, Criminal Justice, and Equine Industry (equine-assisted work to enhance treatment outcomes in healthcare, physical and occupational therapy) Core Human Services coursework includes Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Human Services Administration, Sex and Gender, as well as practicum experiences, and more. The degree requires 120 credit hours for completion.

Admission to Post University is an eight-step process. You’ll need to first connect with a Post University Admission Counselor, provide an application, and academic transcripts, file for Federal Financial Aid, complete a Professional College Advisory Session (PCAS), and other documents as needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,610/per academic year

Fast Fact: Post University was founded in 1890 and ranks #136-#176 in U.S. News and World Report’s Regional Universities North

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25. Granite State College

Granite State College calls Concord, New Hampshire, home and awards a B.A. in Human Services with eight available concentrations. Specialty areas range from Addiction Studies, Wellness and Prevention, Counseling Foundations, Family Studies, Psychology, and others.

You’ll take foundational courses in Human Services topics such as Human Services, and the Helping Process, Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services, Interpersonal Communications, Counseling Theories, Management Conflict, Social Stratification and Inequality, or Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace. Field-Based Practicum or Project-Based Practicum experiences are required. This degree is 120 credit hours in length.

Granite State College has rolling admission and requires the submission of academic transcripts, a free online application, and an application for financial aid.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,791-$9,015/per academic year

Fast Fact: Granite State College ranks #50-#62 Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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Why Should You Get a Bachelor’s in Human Services?

If you have a desire to help others and are interested in the social aspect of individuals and communities, a bachelor’s degree in Human Services is a terrific stepping stone. As with most professional careers, the more education you have, the better.

A B.A. or B.S. in Human Services will provide you with an interdisciplinary course of study. It will help you navigate established social systems and organizations in communities. And it will make it possible for you to help individuals in need and effect social change. Additionally, if you want to continue your education, you can go on to earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

What Do You Learn?

Coursework in the human services degree programs prepares you for entry-level management and administration roles in the Human Services field. Human service professionals take courses in psychology, sociology, behavioral health, aging and gerontology, child and family services, addiction, and substance abuse.

Most undergraduate human services degree programs also include internships in a variety of organizations. These internships provide you with real-world experience in non-profit and for-profit agencies, schools, healthcare services, government agencies, rehabilitation centers, mental health services, or individual and family services.

Where Can You Work with a Human Services Degree?

Human services workers find employment in a variety of locations from a nonprofit institution to a private company. They may work in child development, community services, or at human services agencies. As a substance abuse counselor, they may help individuals struggling with a substance abuse disorder. And, social workers help coordinate services for families struggling with mental illness. Other career options for human service practitioners are at human services organizations or in public health.

What is Human Services?

The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) defines the field as “meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” The Human Services Education organization simplifies the definition by stating the profession provides a societal service during a crisis, affecting either an individual or community.

Professionals in Human Services not only connect individuals with appropriate services but work to identify needs and improve service delivery. There are numerous careers within the field such as Drug Abuse Counselor, Case Worker, Child Advocate, Community Outreach, Home Health Aide, and others. You’ll want to read the Bureau of Labor Statistics article on Human Services as you make your decision.

Careers in Human Services

Below are some of the careers and jobs for human service professionals. These career options for human service professionals require excellent communication skills.

  • Behavioral Management Aide
  • Case Worker
  • Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
  • Child Advocate / Youth Worker / Child Life Specialist
  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • Clinical Social Worker Gerontology
  • Community Economic Development
  • Community Outreach Worker / Community Treatment Specialist
  • Corrections Treatment Specialist
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
  • Criminology Careers
  • Disaster Relief Worker
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Family and Human Development Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Grant Writer
  • Grief Counselor
  • Health Educator
  • Human Services Assistant / Human Services Worker
  • Human Services Manager / Human Services Professional
  • Interpreter
  • Social Worker
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Permanency Worker
  • Probation Officer
  • Public Policy Consultant
  • Public Administrator
  • Public Health Educator
  • Rehabilitation Case Worker
  • Social and Community Services Manager
  • Substance Abuse Counselors
  • Sociologist

Is Human Services a Good Career?

If you have a desire to help others, this may be the career for you. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes Human Services as a career that supports and enhances community and social well-being. While you can work in the field without an undergraduate degree, your job prospects and salary greatly improve if you have a degree.

According to the BLS, job opportunities in Human Services are expected to grow by a much faster than average 10% between 2021 and 2031. As for salary expectations, the BLS reports the median annual wage in this field is $45,760.

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