2024 Best Online Human Services Degrees

The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (UWO) is one of 26 campuses in the UW system. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services Leadership in an accelerated format so students may finish faster to start serving their communities as quickly as possible. The online human services leadership program courses include Globalization in Human Services, Interpersonal Relationships in the Helping Professions, Program Evaluation and Grant Writing, and Legal and Ethical Aspects of Human Services.

Why we like them: Requiring an internship once students have completed a minimum of 65 credits is a significant benefit because it ensures that online students gain practical, real-world experience in their chosen field, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional application. Internships also provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a supervised environment, allowing them to develop crucial skills, build a professional network, and gain insights into their future careers.

SUNY Empire State College (SUNYES) features three options for human services undergraduates. Specifically, the university's Health and Human Services department offers a Bachelor of Arts, Science, or a Professional Studies in Community and Human Services. Some examples of courses include Exploring Happiness; Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations; and Trauma and Recovery in Adults.

Why we like them: A significant benefit for community and human services students is the flexibility to tailor their curriculum according to their interests and career goals while ensuring coverage of the essential foundations of human behavior, service delivery, skills and application, ethics, and diversity. This customization empowers students to align their education with their specific passions and aspirations within the field. It not only enhances their engagement and enthusiasm but also equips them with a well-rounded skill set and knowledge base to excel in diverse human services roles.

Elizabethtown College (EC) has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services available tp online students. In this program, you learn how to operate in a public and private organization and study the issues that cause people to seek help in the first place. The curriculum incorporates ethics, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills through courses such as Counseling Techniques and Skills, Case Management and Documentation, and Mental Health and Crisis Intervention. The last course is a seminar capstone.

Why we like them: We appreciate programs that go out of their way to offer concentrations to help you achieve your career goals. This human services degree from EC has a concentration in Behavioral Addictions Counseling that focuses on substance abuse and behavior disorders. To provide you with even more experience in your niche, an internship is available but not required. You can aspire to be a youth worker, crisis intervention counselor, and rehabilitation case worker.

Fisher College offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. The online curriculum covers the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workforce, including psychology knowledge and soft skills in communication and empathy. Students are required to take courses that include Practice of Counseling and Interviewing, Ethical Issues, and Research Methods in Social Sciences.

Why we like them: Distance learners can potentially finish this online human services program in three-and-a-half years if they take a full-time schedule of two courses per eight-week term. A condensed schedule can result in cost savings, as students spend less time paying for tuition and associated expenses. It also allows students to enter the job market more quickly.

Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Community Development - Community Services to help students develop the skills to foster better health, economic, and political opportunities for diverse populations. The community service curriculum is designed to help students develop fiscal management and leadership skills and deepen cultural diversity knowledge, with courses such as Racism and Inequality, Community Health, Criminology, and The Family.

Why we like them: For this program at Central Michigan, students must also complete a practicum to practice applying skills in real-life situations. We believe this requirement prepares online students for the challenges they will encounter in their careers, such as interacting with patients, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and navigating the healthcare system effectively. Additionally, a practicum often leads to valuable networking opportunities and mentorship relationships within the healthcare industry.

Tuscon's University of Arizona (UA) is a Hispanic-serving, public institution that delivers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services. This socially-focused, community-driven degree program focuses on diversity, inclusion, empowerment, and social justice. Depending on the area of interest, courses in the online human services bachelor's program include Transitional Resiliency; Identity, Personality, and Cultural Humility; Program Planning and Evaluation; and Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Practices.

Why we like them: Five areas of interest are available, including (1) Education & Human Development; (2) Health, Nutrition, & Fitness; (3) Interdisciplinary Studies; (4) Psychology & Human Behavior; and (5) Social & Behavioral Sciences. We believe that having these options are beneficial to human services majors because choosing a specialization can make you more attractive to employers who are seeking expertise in specific subfields.

Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Social Services for distance learners interested in working for government agencies and nonprofits assisting populations in need. Online social services students at CWU take courses such as Minority Experience, Death and Dying, Sociology of Food, and Urban Sociology.

Why we like them: Students must also complete four credits of cooperative education to prepare for careers in environments, including vocational rehabilitation services, food delivery programs, transitional housing centers, and recreational programs for children and teenagers. We believe that this kind of practical experience allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing problem-solving skills as well as professional competencies.

You can study human services at National Louis University (NLU) through an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. Most of the courses you take cover strategies, leadership, theories, and management. Courses also teach what's needed to work with diverse populations related to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and special needs. Courses include Interviewing Principles and Practices, Survey of Populations with Special Needs, and Principles and Practices of Group Process.

Why we like them: Your practical training doesn't stop after three levels of fieldwork. You're also required to spend 300 hours in an internship. Not only does this make you well suited to enter the workforce, but you'll have plenty of connections to turn your experiences into careers. Fieldwork is also a major component of this program, where you prepare for entry-level jobs as a community service manager, social worker, and case management aide.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) in rural Fayette is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services, including minors such as Psychology, Criminal Justice, Management, and Public Administration. Coursework will depend on whether a minor is chosen. However, human services distance learners take the same core courses, such as Marriage and the Family, Social Gerontology, Social Welfare Programs/Policies, and Issues/Ethics: Helping Professions. A program advisor can help determine if an internship is required.

Why we like them: Courses are eight weeks with an accelerated six-week summer session. This structure is beneficial because it allows students to complete their courses in shorter timeframes. Students can also take two courses at a time to help maintain school/work/life balance. We believe this helps individuals better manage their academic workload alongside their other responsibilities, ultimately facilitating a more balanced and adaptable approach to education.

Ohio University - Main Campus (OU) in Athens is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Applied Human and Consumer Sciences in Human Services through Patton College that can help prepare students for career advancement in social services and public health roles. Online courses include Cross-Cultural Communication, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies, Marketing Principles, and Women and Leadership: Roles and Responsibilities.

Why we like them: Areas of emphasis include (1) Leadership and Organization as well as (2) Diversity and Communication. In an industry that demands effective leadership and well-organized healthcare delivery, the first option can equip students with crucial skills for managing healthcare teams and healthcare facilities efficiently. On the other hand, specializing in Diversity and Communication can help students develop cultural competence, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively with patients from different cultures and backgrounds, thereby improving patient care and satisfaction.

Once enrolled at Western Washington University (WWU), you can study human services with an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. In addition to gaining essential skills like interviewing and program planning, you also learn about the systemic inequalities that make human services a vital part of society. Think of courses like Inequity in U.S. Policy and Institutions: Implications for Human Services Professionals, Social Justice and Equity in the US, and Families in Poverty.

Why we like them: This program uses a community-based learning format. This means your work will be focused on your local community. WWU will help you set up internships, projects, and even mentors in your area. Two internships make up 10 credits for 120 hours of supervised training in a human service organization. Career options include case managers, grant writers, and advocacy specialists.

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services that can help equip distance learners with the skills they need to serve their communities. Depending on the specialization, courses in the human services program may include Leading Through Conflict Resolution, Comprehensive Emergency Planning, Population Health Management, and Public Relations Techniques.

Why we like them: Online specializations are also available, such as Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, Fundraising, and Healthcare Management. Choosing an area of expertise to focus on enables you to learn specialized knowledge and skills that go beyond the general curriculum. This expertise can make graduates highly sought after in their niche areas, enhancing their career prospects.

New England's Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services to help students understand how compassion intersects with process and policy. Concentration options include Child and Family Services, Gerontology, and Substance Abuse. Online human services students take classes such as Child Growth and Cognitive Development, Aging and Wellness, Foundations of Addictions, and Role and Impact of Trauma on Children and Families.

Why we like them: An online Bachelor of Arts in General Studies - Essentials of Human Services is also available. This means that you can choose the program that aligns most closely with your career goals, whether it's the human services bachelor program for a more focused path or the General Studies program for a broader perspective. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your education to your unique aspirations.

By taking the online Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services at the University of Phoenix, you earn skills beyond human services and social work to include corrections. Study American culture and institutions while learning case management principles and criminal behavior. You take Overview of Mental Health in Criminal Justice, Survey of Corrections in the United States, and Institutional and Community-Based Programs courses, among other requirements.

Why we like them: We know flexibility is important to you. We recommend this human services program online from the University of Phoenix partly because you can study remotely on your own time. Plus, you receive individualized support to help you stay on track. Work your way up to case manager, social services manager, and program eligibility specialist.

At Arizona State University (ASU), you can study human services while completing an online Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocacy and Social Policy. Courses take a grassroots approach to covering human services, such as Social Service Delivery Systems, Whole Person Health Across the Lifespan, and Diversity and Oppression in a Social Work Context. The capstone project comes at the end of your core requirements.

Why we like them: The main focus of this program is on marginalized and oppressed people and what actions you can take to support them, whether by developing programs or advocating for policies. Since this human services degree allows you to examine some of the most complex themes of our time, from oppression to privilege, it prepares you for a range of fulfilling careers, like community health workers, advocates, and health education specialists.

Liberty University (LU) is an evangelical institution that hosts a fully remote Bachelor of Science in Human Services. , providing individuals with the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities. This program combines elements of psychology, social work, and human services to equip students for various entry-level roles in the helping professions. Examples of courses include Case Management Practice, Crisis Intervention, and Ethics in Professional Helping.

Why we like them: LU's online degree focuses on fostering ethical and compassionate human services professionals, emphasizing the importance of serving individuals and communities both nationally and internationally. The curriculum covers a holistic approach to human services, addressing biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of human existence. With access to cutting-edge content, internships, and experienced faculty, students gain practical skills and prepare for careers in human services.

Purdue Global hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services to help students develop skills relevant to careers at mental health centers, social service agencies, nursing homes, and local communities. Concentrations include Human Services Administration, Gerontology, Child and Family Welfare, and Community Organization and Advocacy. Human services distance learners take classes such as Advocacy for Families and Youth, Restorative Justice in Human Services, Psychology of Aging, and Public Personnel Administration.

Why we like them: The program curriculum helps prepare students to sit for the Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) exam. Passing the HS-BCP exam demonstrates a high level of competence and knowledge in the field of human services. It provides students with a recognized credential that can enhance their credibility and employability as practitioners. Being certified can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher-paying positions within the human services sector.

Brigham Young University - Idaho (BYU Idaho) has a flexible online Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Human Services that teaches skills in conflict resolution, case management, and advocacy. Courses focus on solving household problems, like Family Stress and Coping, Child & Family Advocacy, and Family Relations.

Why we like them: BYU Idaho offers a unique program structure with three certificates: (1) Family Relations, (2) Family Services, and (3) Family Theory and Research. This format helps you earn specific training in several areas of human services. You learn a lot of general skills, too, like professional writing, communication, and data analysis. After graduation, you'll be ready for work in nonprofit organizations, youth services, and advocacy groups.

The online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management at Columbia Southern University (CSU) gives you human services skills for crisis situations. Complete psychology and behavioral courses while learning to lead during traumatic situations. The curriculum features courses similar to those in human services degrees, such as Organizational Theory and Behavior, Leadership, and Professional Communication.

Why we like them: This program has Environmental Science, Fire, Homeland Security, and Occupational Safety and Health concentration options. This way, you can choose to specialize in one concentration or explore multiple fields, enhancing your career opportunities. You can also switch between concentrations if your interests change. Many graduates work in public and private human services organizations, developing crisis management plans, training staff, and assessing risks for vulnerable populations.

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) features an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services that aims to help students build a solid foundation in human needs assessment and problem-solving. Concentrations include Advocacy, Education, and Human Services. Human services distance learners choose from classes, such as Issues in Domestic Violence, Relations Across Family-School-Community, Drug Awareness and Education, and Classroom and Behavior Management.

Why we like them: FSCJ's human services bachelor's online requires an internship before graduation. Internships often provide students with valuable networking opportunities. This way, online students can establish connections with professionals and organizations in the field, potentially leading to future job offers or mentorship relationships. Additionally, this practical training ensures that they are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in their future careers.

Bryant & Stratton College Online (BSC) has an online Bachelor's in Human and Social Services that teaches human services content in a flexible remote format. Although the training you receive is non-clinical, it's still heavily focused on the functions of human service organizations. Example coursework includes Health Services Management, Public Policy and Social Advocacy, and Counseling and Case Management Strategies. The skills you earn are perfect for entry-level careers as a case manager or advocate.

Why we like them: A lot of the courses you have to take offer incredibly useful skills that can be applied to any job, whether in human services or otherwise. These include Workplace Mathematics, Computing Skills, Career Development, and Introduction to Project Management.

You can pursue human services at Saint Leo University Online (SLU) through an online Bachelor's in Human Services. This human services degree explores the different problems people face and how to address them. You learn to understand human behavior in diverse cultures and advocate for those in need. The curriculum focuses on systems theory, which looks at social services, families, and individuals and how they are all connected.

Why we like them: There are three minors to pick from, each featuring some aspects of human services, including (1) Legal Studies, (2) Hospitality Management, and (3) Sport Hospitality. Legal Studies has the most relevant coursework that looks at the justice systems and criminal law. Potential jobs you can get are life skills counselor, grant writer, and government benefits eligibility specialist.

Gain essential human services skills with an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services - Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University Online (IWU). Learn how to manage social programs effectively while you study individual behavior and group relations. A lot of the coursework has practical training, like Developing the Self as Leader, Program Planning and Evaluation in Human Services, and Crisis Intervention.

Why we like them: Not many programs on this list dedicate so much coursework to building your leadership skills. Six of the 15 required courses are fixed on leadership training in ethics, critical thinking, and decision-making. Your capstone project can focus on leadership or life coaching. This type of learning sets you up to be a case manager, director of social services, or family services coordinator.

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) puts you on a professional track for human services with an online Bachelor of Human Services to assist diverse clients with various needs. You take a broad selection of courses such as History of Systems of Change, Ethical Issues in Human Services Practice, and Approaches for Working with Individual Clients. There's also a capstone project and practicum experiences.

Why we like them: Much of the coursework in this program is about the needs of Alaskans. Online degrees that explore local issues are helpful for finding work in that region. According to UAA, around 80% of their human services students in Alaska find jobs within one year of graduating. It's common for graduates to get jobs in community mental health centers, group homes, and family service agencies.

Studying at Troy University with a focus on human services allows you to earn an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services. You can gain skills in communication and ethics while learning how humans behave in social environments. This gives you a better understanding of the resources people need to function in society. Expect courses such as Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Ethics in Helping Profession, and Practicing Cultural Competency. Some jobs require certification or licensure, but you'll be prepared for work as a social and community services manager, rehabilitation counselor, and mental health social worker.

Why we like them: Troy University has a ton of online career resources to help you plan your next move after graduation. They can set you up with internship and job opportunities, provide virtual counseling sessions, and train you on your interview skills. There's also a required field experience as part of the major that puts you in human services settings for individuals with disabilities.

The online Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Columbia College (CC) focuses on human services through practical learning. You learn how to be an empathetic counselor with the ability to solve complex problems while taking courses in Case Management, American Social Policy, and Working with Families.

Why we like them: There are some very exciting electives to help you focus your studies on the area of human services you want to work in, be it veterans, the elderly, substance abuse patients, individuals with disabilities, or children in the welfare system. You also take on an internship that consists of 45 hours of fieldwork in an agency. These experiences help you land jobs as a community health worker, care case manager, and victim advocate.

As a human services student at Utah State University (USU), you can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. In this program, you study the most pressing family issues and build your guidance, intervention, and research skills. Courses include Abuse and Neglect in Family Context, Human Development Across the Lifespan, Parenting and Child Guidance, and a practicum experience.

Why we like them: We believe in the importance of career prep, even outside of the academic material. This program from USU includes two courses specifically designed for career development, including a pre-practicum course to help you transition into fieldwork. Like other human services graduates who focus their studies on children and families, you'll be set up for teaching, social work, and childcare roles.

The online faith-based Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies - Government and Public Policy at Regent University Online (RU Online) teaches leadership skills that can be applied to human services roles. Expect to strengthen your spirituality, ethics, decision making, communication, and knowledge of systems. Courses like Introduction to Public Policy and The Legislative Process help you understand policymaking to advocate for vulnerable populations.

Why we like them: This program is different from your typical route to a human services career, but that makes it worthwhile. A lot of people's needs are met through government-funded social systems. This online degree gives you strong insights into this process and encourages you to create change at the policy level. The leadership training you receive will allow you to pursue jobs in nonprofits, congressional offices, and lobbying.

At Great Basin College (GBC), you can earn an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services, where you learn human services by helping people change their unhealthy behavior. Learn how to assist individuals, families, and whole communities through foundational courses like Substance Abuse: Fundamental Facts and Insights, General Psychology, and Human Growth and Development. You start your practicum as a sophomore going into your senior year. A capstone is also required during your final semester.

Why we like them: This program is great for becoming an alcohol and drug counselor because it meets the Nevada requirements for an accelerated license. This is done through courses in substance abuse, addiction, and behavioral health courses. Graduates may find careers as substance abuse counselors and human services professionals.

You can take an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies at Maryville University that looks at human services through the individual. Learn to explore people's relationships, emotions, family dynamics, and psychological development so they can thrive in society. Take online courses such as Human Development through the Lifespan, Family and Community Partnerships, and Human Sexuality.

Why we like them: We appreciate the customization many of these schools offer, and Maryville is no different. You can add a Child Life Specialist concentration and choose from four tracks in Adult Development and Aging, Family Life Education, Youth Development, and Early Childhood Development. There's also a supervised internship and capstone research project to further help you gain expertise in a specific area. Once you finish all the requirements, you can explore a career as a community service manager, youth counselor, or patient advocate, to name a few options.