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Compare Human Services Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Human Services Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Human Services Programs
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Best Online Human Services Degree Programs of 2025
Compare Human Services Programs
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An online human services degree program prepares students for various public service careers in community organizations, healthcare agencies, schools, counseling centers, and more. Human services degrees are available at multiple levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s. Depending on a student’s education level, they can pursue jobs such as social and community service manager, earning a median annual salary of $77,030; addictions counselor, earning a median salary of $53,710; and career counselor or advisor, earning a median salary of $61,710.

Students must earn at least 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree in human services and 30 credits for a master’s. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for undergraduate degree programs is $7,998 at public institutions and $34,923 at private schools. For graduate degrees, tuition averaged $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private colleges.

How to Choose an Online Human Services Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Even if you’ve already selected human services as your area of study, take some extra time to reflect on the specific career path you’re interested in pursuing and what skills and experiences you’ll need to get there. This reflection will help you select the most appropriate degree for your future career. For example, if you’re considering becoming a social worker, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) might be a better fit than a Bachelor of Science (BS) in human services, a more general degree that might not meet all requirements for social work certification. Some programs will also allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as gerontology or community health.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your online human services degree program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE).

Students should seek out answers to the following questions as well:

  • Who are the human services faculty members, and what are their credentials?
  • How much do students interact with faculty?
  • What are the resources available to students?
  • What are the program’s graduation and job placement rates?
  • What are the graduation requirements?
  • How affordable is the school compared to your other options?

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

While the exact application process varies by school, online human services degree programs typically request the following documents:

  • Official transcripts from previously attended schools
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume

Depending on the degree level and program, schools may require standardized tests, like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate students or the GRE for graduate students. Individuals applying to master’s programs may also need to demonstrate professional experience or prerequisite coursework in a related field.

Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Compare your research on various human services degree programs and rank them based on which ones meet all or most of your needs. There’s no magic number of programs to apply to, but students should remember that most online human services degree programs charge application fees, which can become costly.

Rather than submit all applications simultaneously, students may want to submit to one or two of their top picks, wait for a response, and send more if necessary. They can also seek application fee waivers from each university.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost and financing options.

Bachelor’s and master’s-level students can apply for scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and federal student loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Before borrowing any student loans, students should know the difference between direct subsidized and direct unsubsidized loans and ensure their loans comply with the Higher Education Act of 1965 regarding fixed interest rates.

Those working full-time jobs while attending an online human services degree program can check with their employer regarding tuition assistance opportunities. Students can also research scholarships and grants from local and state organizations, nonprofits, religious organizations, and more.

Best 50 Accredited Online Human Services Degree Programs

Best Online Human Services Programs badge
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Elizabethtown College
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University of Arizona
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University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
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St. Joseph's University, New York
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CSU Global
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Ohio University
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Southern New Hampshire University
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LeTourneau University
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Troy University
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Western Washington University
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Indiana Wesleyan University
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Mercer University
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Old Dominion University
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National Louis University
01

East Tennessee State University
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Empire State University
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Fisher College
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Upper Iowa University
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Nova Southeastern University
01

Ottawa University
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Saint Leo University
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Minot State University
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Columbia College
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University of South Carolina
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California Baptist University
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Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
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Dominican University
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Rivier University
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Southeastern University
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Florida State College at Jacksonville
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Liberty University
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The Catholic University of America
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Anderson University
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Brigham Young University-Idaho
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Marian University
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Alfred State College of Technology
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University of Alaska Anchorage
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Southwestern Assemblies of God University
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Springfield College
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University of the Cumberlands
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Lesley University
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Shorter University
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Gardner-Webb University
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University of New Hampshire
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Grace College
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Great Basin College
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Indiana Tech
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Spring Arbor University
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William Woods University

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How We Rank Schools

All of the programs on this list have regional accreditation, ensuring a high level of quality. The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) also offers a specialized accreditation for human services programs, which some of our listed programs have.

The coursework for all listed programs can be completed online, but they may have in-person field experience components.

Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated their course strength, cost, flexibility, and reputation, and then we calculated their Intelligent Scores on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.

What Can You Expect from an Online Human Services Degree?

What to expect varies based on a student’s concentration in human services. For example, students with a social work focus will learn to coordinate services for community members needing help, like counseling, food stamps, housing, and specialty doctors. Students in a counseling concentration will learn techniques to help clients improve their mental health and overcome problems like addiction.

Criminal justice concentrations focus on interacting with and assessing people on probation and parole. At the same time, educators learn to assess students and make recommendations and referrals to help meet their physical, psychological, social, and academic needs. Students in a healthcare concentration learn to educate the public on health matters and improve their overall well-being. Whether they work in a hospital or nonprofit, they advocate for positive community health.

Many programs may also include a practicum or internship, giving students hands-on experience working in a human services capacity.

Potential courses you’ll take in an online human services degree program

  • Introduction to Human Services. Students review the history and importance of the human services field and the many career options available. They learn the various theories regarding ethics, legal issues, case management, and communication.
  • Human Development. Students study theories and developmental stages from birth to death. They explore psychological, physical, cognitive, and social human development to help assess and create treatment plans for individuals and groups within the community.
  • Ethics and the Law. Students learn the importance of working within the ethical and legal boundaries of the client-professional relationship. Real-world case studies teach students to apply their skills.
  • Multicultural Issues. Students explore how the many factors of diversity, including culture, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, age, disability, and spirituality, affect professional relationships. Discussion topics include multicultural competencies, racism, prejudice, and privilege.
  • Continuum of Care. Students learn to assess individuals to determine the level of care they need, including standard outpatient counseling, inpatient hospitalization, or intensive outpatient.

What Can I Do With an Online Human Services Degree?

An online human services degree prepares students for many rewarding careers in their community. After studying human development, counseling, and ethics, graduates are prepared to help people as leaders in the human services industry.

Earning an online human services degree also equips graduates for advancement in their chosen careers. A counselor with a bachelor’s degree can earn a master’s degree to become a specialized school or career counselor, while a community health worker may advance to a health education specialist after earning a degree in human services.

Career outlook

  • Mental health counselor — Work with individuals and groups of clients to handle issues such as substance abuse, trauma, or mental illness in a variety of healthcare settings and clinics.
    • Median annual salary: $53,710
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
    • New jobs projected: 42,000
  • Social worker — Manage a caseload that includes families and individuals and help them handle obstacles that impede their success and happiness in society.
    • Median annual salary: $58,380
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
    • New jobs projected: 63,800
  • Social and community service manager — Supervise programs managed by nonprofit organizations or other community resources and reach out to different facets of the community for support and participation.
    • Median annual salary: $77,030
    • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
    • New jobs projected: 16,000

Online Human Services Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to an online human services degree program?

To ensure they submit the correct supporting materials without missing a deadline, students should contact the school’s admissions department. Generally, online human services degree programs require the following materials:

  • Completed application with fees
  • Resume showing work experience, honors, and unique talents
  • Personal interest essay on why you chose human services
  • Letters of recommendation from reputable sources
  • Transcripts of any previous education showing overall GPA
  • Standardized test scores, if necessary, may include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) for bachelor’s programs and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for master’s programs

Colleges generally accept applications and all other required materials electronically. Undergraduate students can complete the Common Application to apply to multiple schools at once.

How much does an online human services degree program cost?

The cost of an online human services degree program will vary based on a few different factors. Private schools typically charge higher tuition rates than public universities. However, public schools often charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.

Schools also typically charge online students additional fees for technical support and learning technology, student support services, library resources, labs, and more. Other common expenses include textbooks and supplies, application fees, standardized tests, and official transcripts.

How long does it take to complete an online human services degree program?

A bachelor’s degree requires at least 120 credit hours, usually taking full-time students four years to complete. Master’s programs require a minimum of 30 credit hours, which can be completed in one to two years of full-time study.

However, several factors can affect program duration. Part-time students need more time to earn their degrees, while students enrolled in accelerated or degree-completion programs will need less time.

The delivery format of an online program also matters. Some online programs are asynchronous, meaning students can complete them independently. Others are synchronous, with students taking scheduled classes at a pre-determined pace.

Is a human services degree worth it?

Most careers in this field require at least an associate degree, if not a bachelor’s or master’s degree. While some jobs in human services may not require a degree, any career that involves one-on-one client relationships or managerial leadership often requires applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in human services or a similar field.

Earning a degree in human services also makes graduates aware of societal issues outside of their understanding. Both theoretical and practical work within a human services degree program can give graduates valuable insight into their future careers and the communities in which they live.


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