Finding the Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Degree is the first step to having the expertise necessary to untangle many of the world’s most interesting and diverse issues.
What is a Human Services Degree?
A Bachelor’s in Human Services Degree marks an individual as an expert when it comes to understanding human behavior and finding practical solutions to improve the lives of others. Many people who have a Human Services degree go on to become social workers or work for nonprofit organizations.
Featured Programs
Human Services Degree holders are equipped with the knowledge necessary to see how people interact with one another and why problems arise. They are able to determine the best individual or community-focused solutions for those problems.
For instance, a Human Services degree owner could educate people on reproductive health or begin a fitness program for the children of their hometown. Human services experts are necessary in a variety of fields, and demand for the profession is expected to grow.
Human Services degree holders can also become excellent leaders in their own right. They often head the aforementioned nonprofit organization. They have to learn a lot about communication and interpersonal interaction to be effective at their jobs. As a result, they are quite capable when it comes to gathering support for social movements or wrangling people into action when a task needs completing.
How Much Can You Earn with a Human Services Degree?
Those with a Bachelor’s in Human Services degree can earn a healthy living, although their exact annual salary depends on their profession or position within a company. On the lower end, Human Services workers can expect around $35k per year, while workers in higher positions or as the leaders of their own organizations can see around $50k a year in many circumstances.
Overall, while it’s possible to live comfortably under the salary of a human services professional, those interested in the degree should know that the real reward comes from helping other people.
If it’s the healthcare aspect that attracts you to Human Services, consider a degree in Public Health or Healthcare Administration.
What is Required for a Human Services Degree?
A human services degree requires a lot of interdisciplinary studies. This is because the types of problems solved by human services workers are typically complex and require knowledge from a wide variety of fields and subjects. The classes in a human services degree program might include:
- English
- Psychology
- Business
- Communication
- Biology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- History
In addition, many degree programs require some amount of practical experience or an internship for a student to be eligible for graduation. Real-world experience is necessary to prove that one is ready for the responsibilities of a human services worker.
What Are the Best Human Services Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Lindsey Wilson College
20-Year ROI$569,177
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,000(in state) / $24,000(out of state)
- Eight-week courses
- Degree can be completed in less than 2 years
- Can have up to 30 hours of credit from prior learning
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThis bachelor’s degree combines education in multiple aspects of human service, including counseling. Focuses and specializations include case management, mental health, substance abuse, therapy, and neurofeedback, although there are others. Applicants from Kentucky receive extra options to graduate early if they already have a degree. Certain courses you’ll take in this program will also fulfill your general education requirements. To be accepted into the program, you must take Principles of Psychology as a prerequisite course. Other courses you’ll take include Abnormal Psychology, Mental Health Administration, and Principles & Techniques of Group Counseling. For graduation, you will be required to take a comprehensive examination.
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Southern New Hampshire University
20-Year ROI$882,666
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,756(in state) / $30,756(out of state)
- Able to earn math credits for what you already know
- No application fee
- Nationwide network of alumni and internship opportunities
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreThis degree program helps students learn to navigate and understand various aspects of human health and mental services. Graduates will be able to advocate for individuals, families, and communities equally. This degree provides three possible concentrations: family services, gerontology, or substance abuse. You will be able to transfer in up to 90 credits with this program. You can work through this degree at your own speed, as there are over six eight-week terms per year. At the end of the program, you’ll be able to apply your skills and new knowledge in a capstone experience. This will provide a real-world setting for you to test your knowledge.
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Southwestern Assemblies of God University
20-Year ROI$700,785
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,700(in state) / $19,700(out of state)
- Can transfer many credits into the program
- Offers several academic specializations
- Includes prerequisites for graduate work in the same field
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreThis bachelor’s degree program comes from a university with a strong Christian focus. This extends to its human services education. Class sizes are small and focus on how spirituality and excellent education can combine to assist communities and individuals in need. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to work in an entry level human service career based on your specialization. This degree will prepare you for work in agencies such as nonprofit faith-based facilities, private companies, the government, mental health facilities, and social service organizations. Each semester, you’ll have to take one General Biblical Studies course until you’ve fulfilled all degree requirements.
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Shorter University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: not reported(in state) / not reported(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- Must have a minor in criminal justice, business, or sport management
- $25 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThis bachelor’s degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to help students meet human needs. Courses cover various aspects of social work, psychology, sociology, and counseling. All students will participate in a 16-week internship at some point during their time at the university; this provides real-life work experience and opportunities for careers after graduation. You will be required to take a three-credit hour course in science and a three-credit hour course in math. Some classes you may take include Cultural Diversity, Addictive Behaviors, and Human Services Theory. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
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Purdue University Global-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,556(in state) / $11,556(out of state)
- Degree can be completed in less than four years
- Work experience can be leveraged for credit
- Purdue offers a 3-week introductory period
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThis online bachelor’s degree is one of Human Services in Youth/Family Services and Administration. This unique focus prepares students to interact with young people and communities in desperate need of resources and problem-solving. This program also allows students to become certified for Human Services Education. This degree offers an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option. You can gain real-world experience with an optional internship in this program. Purdue offers multiple start dates for the program. Some classes you may take include Child Welfare and Family, Prevention and Crisis Intervention, and Public Personnel Administration.
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Columbia College
20-Year ROI$755,005
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,712(in state) / $8,712(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- No application fee
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThis Human Services degree provides students with all the relevant education they need to immediately begin working within human service agencies. Curriculum will hone skills in both group and individual issue navigation. Columbia also offers an internship experience for every student which can lead to greater job opportunities after graduation. There is a multicultural requirement that must be fulfilled. This is done either through coursework or a study abroad experience. Some courses you may take in this curriculum include Military Case Work, Social Gerontology, or Child Welfare. You must also complete a senior seminar.
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Upper Iowa University
20-Year ROI$847,992
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,850(in state) / $28,850(out of state)
- $50 application fee
- Five 8-week classes per semester
- Accelerated 6-week summer semester if you want to graduate early
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThis degree program equips students with the knowledge they need to enter this fast-growing field and be successful. It focuses on the socio-economic, political, and psychological foundations that drive many of the issues requiring human service expertise. The coursework is interdisciplinary and relies heavily on good communication skills. Graduates of this program have worked as Family Support Workers, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist, and even Rehabilitation Case Managers. Upper Iowa University also offers the Social Work Training Certificate. You’ll be taught by knowledgeable faculty who have extensive experience in the field.
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Ottawa University-Online
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,976(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- 24/7 support
- Christian-focused learning traditions
- Offers some certificates
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThe Ottawa University Human and Social Services program focuses on a wide variety of interdisciplinary issues and subjects such as poverty, mental health, substance abuse, and social equality. There are two concentrations to choose from: communication or management of community-based organizations. They also accept some credits from work or life experience. In this program, you’ll gain skills such as client interviewing, program implementation, counseling and more in order to serve others in a way that meets their needs. The online program also offers a flexible format that will fit your schedule.
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Walden University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,060(in state) / $12,060(out of state)
- Accepts up to 135 transfer credits
- Accelerate Into Master’s program available to take graduate courses early
- Nine concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis BS in Human Services degree prepares you to excel in your field and be marketable to employers. The coursework includes many communications and direct service skills, as well as a focus on leadership, to make you more attractive to employers. No field worker practicum is required, but the options are available if you want some on-site experience before graduation. The coursework follows the professional standards set by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). Some concentrations from the major include Child and Adolescent Development, Global Social Justice and Civic Engagement, and Criminal Justice.
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Colorado State University Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,400(in state) / $8,400(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- Specializations are 15 credits each
- $25 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis online degree is perfect for compassionate people who want to help others as a profession. The program focuses on family support, social work, psychology, and rehabilitation to prepare students for careers in these fields. An undergraduate specialization in nine different potential choices is available to you. Some topics for the major you will cover are intervention methods, human development, and case management. You may receive an employer discount if you’re employed by a company CSU partners with, landing you 10% off tuition. The online program is also very flexible and has no set times or locations.
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Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
20-Year ROI$638,669
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $29,510(in state) / $29,510(out of state)
- 1 required focus class in Federal, State, or Public policy
- 120 credit hours
- No application fee
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThis university has a strong Catholic tradition. Thus, the Human Services component of the program combines academically rigorous coursework with the moral fiber and framework of the Catholic faith. It offers minor concentrations in American public policy, the federal system, and state and local government. In this program, you’ll learn how to truly make a difference in others lives by learning how to identify and assess their individual needs and needs as a community. The bachelor’s program will prepare you for a variety of entry level social worker positions in group homes and halfway houses, agencies working to end substance abuse, or hotlines that respond to crisis or help people find assistance.
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California Baptist University
20-Year ROI$839,708
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,446(in state) / $30,446(out of state)
- Emphasizes some biopsychosocial concepts rare in many universities
- Usually completed in less than two years
- Only 42 credit hours in the major
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of the Arts program focuses on communication and leadership aspects for Human Services above other aspects, although there’s plenty of focus on the psychological and political aspects as well. The program has early foundations for progressing to a Master’s degree. As a Christian school, this faith is represented in the coursework and moral guidelines that will be taught. You will be fully prepared to work in public, private, or non-profit fields. The skills and knowledge gained from this program will help you land positions such as case manager, community outreach worker, and counselor.
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Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,871(in state) / $8,871(out of state)
- Typically completed in less than two years
- 51 credit hours in the major
- Books are automatically shipped to students
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis Christian school brings biblical understanding to human services issues and education. This combination of religious education and academic framework prepares students for all manner of social problems. Although it can be completed entirely online, classes must meet either physically or in a digital room once per week for collaboration. Some courses you’ll take in this program include Theory and Practice of Group Counseling, Psychology or Abnormal Behavior, and Advocacy in Human Services. This program also requires completion of a capstone course. There are only two prerequisite courses you must take before you dive straight into your major.
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University of the Cumberlands
20-Year ROI$693,847
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,640(in state) / $22,640(out of state)
- Offers focuses on human behavior or psychology and human development
- 130 credit hours
- No application fee
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis online degree has a curriculum that emphasizes self-awareness and a personal understanding of your own values. You will then apply this information and understanding to help others solve human services problems and meet their needs with humanity. The educational coursework focuses on professional helping skills, behavioral therapy, and current social issue understanding. Some classes you will take with this degree include Human Diversity and Ethics, Individual and Family Assessment, and Basic Counseling Skills. There is an internship requirement for this program. If you choose not to do an internship or don’t meet the GPA requirements, then you must take Professionalism in Human Services.
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Grace Bible College
20-Year ROI$567,107
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,969(in state) / $10,969(out of state)
- No application fee
- Small class sizes
- Accelerated graduation program available
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of Science degree enables students to learn how to help and heal relationships. This curriculum is boosted by a Christian focus and emphasis on traditional styles of socialization and communication. Thirty hours of the degree must be in religious studies. Some courses you will take in this program include Spiritual Formation, Theories and Foundations in Counseling, and Culture and Conflict Management. In this program, you will be required to take a capstone course. This degree is designed to prepare you for career fields in recreation, education, social services, corrections, and business.
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Southern Wesleyan University
20-Year ROI$780,343
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,200(in state) / $24,200(out of state)
- Capstone experience includes an internship or an individually designed research project
- 120 credit hours
- No application fee
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThis degree program combines practical education and rigorous coursework with a Christian worldview. The fundamentals of faith-based social work and scientific research are utilized together in each class. This program has five available concentrations. These concentrations are counseling, marriage and family services, criminal justice, and administration. You can work at your own pace in the program and you also get to communicate with your classmates on the forums. The coursework fulfills the requirements for you to become a Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner as well as the requirements set by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education.
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Judson University
20-Year ROI$848,703
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,408(in state) / $28,408(out of state)
- 46 credit hours for the major
- Can apply for an entire major or just single classes
- Very flexible class schedules
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis online bachelor’s degree program fuses Christian faith and scientific education to prepare students for the complex problems they’ll face in human services careers. The program can be completed in less than two years depending on how many credit hours you take per semester. There are lots of opportunities for internships and research projects. In this program, you’ll be able to create your own set of professional ethics that are based on Christian principles. You’ll also get the opportunity to do an internship. Some classes you’ll take include Advocacy and Social Justice, Not-for-Profit Management, and Human Behavior and Social Environment.
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Southeastern University
20-Year ROI$684,037
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,360(in state) / $24,360(out of state)
- 124 credit hours
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- $125 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThis degree program is another excellent online Christian school that uses a religious framework to help you understand morality and be a positive force of change in the lives of others. The coursework emphasizes leadership and the idea of a “servant leader” who can take charge and listen at the same time. Two practicum courses are required to provide you with hands-on experience before graduation. With this degree, you’ll be able to work in a variety of settings including homeless shelters, substance abuse programs, clinics, and more. You’ll learn from experienced faculty who have actually been in the field.
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Iowa Wesleyan University
20-Year ROI$777,442
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $23,600(in state) / $29,500(out of state)
- Ranked as one of the best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News and World
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- Eight-week terms with six start dates throughout the year
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThis is a Business Administration degree with a human services concentration. It focuses on leadership and business-oriented skills and knowledge to prepare students for broad-picture careers in human services. The goal is to prepare you to manage complex environments including fiscal management and evaluation, organizational development, and program planning and development. The classes and faculty are extremely flexible with 24/7 support. Some courses you will take include Criminal Law and Individual Rights, Abnormal Psychology, and Race and Ethnicity. Iowa Wesleyan University offers military/veteran benefits as well.
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Lees-McRae College
20-Year ROI$652,628
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,878(in state) / $24,878(out of state)
- 63 credit hours in major
- Opportunities for certification
- Graduate preparation courses also available
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThis Human Services degree provides students with interdisciplinary coursework that emphasizes the community and caring aspects of the profession. The courses provided here also emphasize caring for the elderly and handling human services problems for aging populations. It can usually be completed in two years or less depending on your transfer credits. The program leads directly to job placement or advancement after graduation. Some courses you’ll take in this program include Essential Skills in Human Services, Psychopathology & Maladaptive Behavior, and Social Barriers & Public Policy. Upon graduation, you may also acquire certification to become a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner.
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Grace College and Theological Seminary
20-Year ROI$688,672
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,918(in state) / $22,918(out of state)
- 45 credit hours in the major
- Need 60 prior college credit hours to apply
- $30 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of Science degree is 100% online and can usually be completed in about 16 months. The experienced faculty prepares students for handling a variety of interpersonal issues. Convenient scheduling and academic resources include free books and openly licensed content to drive costs down further. Some courses you’ll take in the program include Systems of Social Welfare, Delivery of Human Services: Theory and Practice, and Legal, Professional and Ethical Issues in Human Services. Your knowledge will be put to the test with the Senior Seminar class where you’ll demonstrate your skills in the workplace.
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Post University
20-Year ROI$812,667
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,258(in state) / $15,258(out of state)
- Six concentrations available
- 120 credit hours
- $40 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis program teaches students how to become Human Services experts through case studies and interactive classroom activities, even in the online curriculum. This helps students identify the correct solutions when they graduate and enter a real profession. Many internship opportunities are available, and during the program students will have the option to apply what they have learned in a human service setting with a supervisor. Some concentrations of this program include Counseling, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Management. The curriculum will prepare you for work in for profit, non-profit, or state agencies.
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Indiana Institute of Technology
20-Year ROI$842,763
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $25,940(in state) / $25,940(out of state)
- Classes start every five weeks
- No application fee
- 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThis rapid-pace degree program focuses on topics like aging, understanding diversity, and helping relationships. Opportunities for field experience and internships are plentiful, and students wishing to work for nonprofits or other similar organizations will find a lot to like here. Most of the courses are technically social sciences classes rather than human service-specific classes. This degree uses a Tracked Educational Adult Modules approach to learning. You’ll be organized into groups of 12 to 18 people and you must complete courses in a predetermined order. Some courses you’ll take include Crisis Management in Human Services, Human Growth and Development, and Interviewing Strategies for Helpers.
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East Tennessee State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,888(in state) / $24,672(out of state)
- 120 credit hours
- Offers free courses in a variety of subjects
- $25 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of Science program is very interdisciplinary in its coursework. It includes classes in the social sciences, writing, and business subjects, as well as legal and ethical subjects. Before graduation, students can join an accelerated pathway to earn a master’s degree in Human Services. The program is nationally ranked and designed for students interested in case management, counseling, administration, or other helping professional fields. You must take the California Critical Thinking Skills Test as the Senior exit exam. There is separate tuition for in state and out of state students.
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Elizabethtown College School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $69,375(in state) / $69,375(out of state)
- 125 credits
- All courses available online
- 2 tracks to choose from
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreElizabethtown College School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a Human Services degree either 100% online or in a blended format. The program covers everything from theory to application. There is an optional concentration for Behavioral Addictions Counseling, or students can choose a minor from any department in the Continuing and Professional Studies school. Both tracks will take classes on the ethics, theory, and practice of human services. The Addictions Counseling track will take courses such as Recovery and Relapse Prevention, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Pharmacology and Substance Use Disorders. The general track will choose three electives.
