If you have a desire to help people and your community in a substantial way, a degree in Human Services could be perfect for you.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Human Services?
Since human services are so broadly defined, Master of Science or Master of Arts in Human Services degrees are encompassed as well. Ideally, an advanced degree in Human Services will prepare you to identify, plan, implement, and analyze services to meet a particular need. Human Services professionals work in community agencies providing assistance to people of all ages, demographics, and economic levels. Human Services professionals will assess assistance and coordinate services for the greatest support in a variety of environments.
How Much Can You Earn With a Master’s Degree in Human Services?
PayScale estimates graduates with an MHS degree could earn an average of $58,000 annually. That said, salaries will be determined by your particular speciality. The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have a single category for Human Services; however, the closest would be Social and Community Service Managers. This field is growing at a rapid 18 percent and has estimated salary ranges from $59,000-$83,600.
What Is Required For a Master’s Degree in Human Services?
Master’s degrees in Human Services can usually be earned in 1.5-2 years of full or part-time study. Included in these programs may be internships, capstone projects, or a thesis, depending on the specialty. Coursework may include interdisciplinary studies in ethics, theory, counseling, case management, economics, statistics, communications, etc.
You may want to be certain that the program you choose will meet any licensure or certification requirements you may need to practice.
What Are the Best Online Master’s Degrees in Human Services?
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.
Purdue University Global-Main Campus
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,680(in state) / $7,680(out of state)
- Multiple start dates
- Member Council for Standards Human Service Education
- Internship Option
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScorePurdue Global University is one of U.S. News and World Report’s Most Innovative Schools and a Top Public School. This master’s requires 45 credit hours and has two concentrations: Family and Community Services and Organizational and Social Services. The program is designed for currently working Human Services professionals.
University of Illinois at Springfield
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,772(in state) / $15,857(out of state)
- Social Services Administration concentration
- Internship in your home community
- A U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreThis M.A. at the University of Illinois-Springfield requires 44 credit hours. Admission requires an undergraduate degree in human services or prerequisite courses. Both a capstone project and internship are required for this degree.
Saint Leo University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,990(in state) / $9,990(out of state)
- Ranked as a Best Value School by U.S. News and World Report
- Military friendly
- 36 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreThe M.S. in Human Services degree prepares you to run a human services organization. Courses include Management and Leadership, Grantsmanship, Advocacy and Policy Analyses, etc. Students take one or two classes per eight-week term.
Southeastern University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,360(in state) / $12,360(out of state)
- Complete in 12-24 months
- Choose from 3 specializations
- No admission test required
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreA Master of Arts in Human Services, this program lets you pick from administrative, ministry, or child and family concentrations. You need an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA to apply for admission. The program also requires successful completion of a background check.
Bellevue University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,170(in state) / $10,170(out of state)
- Military Friendly
- 36 credit hours
- Choose between internship or capstone project
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreBellevue University in Nebraska offers an online Master of Arts in Human Services. This degree is not a licensure track and includes studies in statistics, ethics, and leadership theory. Admission requires an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Concordia University-Chicago
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,000(in state) / $15,000(out of state)
- 100% online
- 24 months for completion
- U.S. News and World Report Best Value Schools ranking
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThis is a Master of Arts, non-licensure, degree program. The curriculum focuses on advocacy, psychology, and gerontology. Courses include Administration for Human Services, Family Systems Theory and Therapy and concludes with a capstone project.
Liberty University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,217(in state) / $8,217(out of state)
- Finish in 1.5 years
- 100% online
- Military Friendly
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreLiberty University offers 13 human services concentrations from which to choose, including Addiction and Recovery, Criminal Justice, Christian Ministry, and Executive Leadership. The program accepts transfer credits for up to 50 percent of the 30 credit hours required. This is not a clinical preparation program.
Wilmington University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,388(in state) / $8,388(out of state)
- 100% online
- Finish in as few as 12 months
- No out-of-state tuition
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreWilmington’s Master of Science in Administration of Human Services degree and follows the Council for Standards in Human Services Education guidelines. You have the option of finalizing the degree with a thesis, capstone project, or practicum experience. Graduates may sit for the certification exam as part of this degree.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,350(in state) / $10,350(out of state)
- Completely online
- Three track options
- U.S. News and World Report Best Value Schools ranking
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreDesigned for the working professional, this program offers three speciality options in Addictions Counseling, Human Services Management, or Career Development. Internship or fieldwork can be done in your home community. Lenoir-Rhyne University accepts admission applications year-round.
Capella University
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,365(in state) / $14,365(out of state)
- 3 Human Services concentrations
- A Yellow Ribbon school
- 36 quarter hours required
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreYou may pick from either the Social and Community Services, Leadership and Organizational Management, or Program Evaluation and Data Analytics specializations. Coursework is designed following guidelines set by the Council for Standards in Human Services. Classes are taught by PhD prepared faculty with real world experience.
