Accredited Online Human Services Degrees

Human services is a broad and dynamic field dedicated to helping individuals and communities meet essential needs and enhance their quality of life. Whether supporting children, families, individuals with disabilities, or people navigating the justice system, human services professionals are committed to making a positive and lasting impact.

An online human services degree equips you with the skills to connect people with vital community resources, provide compassionate support, and contribute to programs aimed at improving lives. This flexible degree opens doors to diverse careers across social services, healthcare, mental health centers, and government agencies.

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What is human services?

Human services is a multidisciplinary field focused on addressing human needs through advocacy, support, and access to essential services.

Professionals in this field:

• Help individuals navigate and access community resources and support programs
• Serve diverse populations, including children, seniors, underserved groups, and those affected by mental illness or substance abuse
• Support individuals facing challenges such as poverty, disability, trauma, or reentry after incarceration
• Collaborate closely with social workers, mental health counselors, public agencies, and human services organizations
• Develop and implement programs that improve wellbeing, independence, and social welfare

The human services field centers on empowering people to improve their lives through practical assistance and ethical service delivery.

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore:

• Online Psychology & Human Services Degrees
• All Online Degrees

What You Can Do With a Human Services Degree

A degree in human services prepares you for a variety of rewarding, service-oriented careers.

Common career paths include:

• Human services assistant
• Social worker (with additional education and licensure)
• Probation officer
• Rehabilitation counselor
• Community service manager

Graduates find opportunities in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems, mental health centers, and community outreach programs.

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Career Paths in Human Services

The human services industry offers diverse roles to work with various populations and social challenges.

Examples include:

• Human Services Assistants
  Assist clients in accessing programs like food assistance, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment, with an average salary around $30,830 annually
• Social Workers
  Provide counseling, advocacy, and protection services, typically requiring a master’s degree and licensure, earning about $45,900 annually
• Probation Officers
  Support individuals reentering society to reduce recidivism, earning approximately $49,360 annually
• Rehabilitation Counselors
  Help individuals with disabilities achieve independence, often working as substance abuse counselors, earning around $34,390 annually
• Social and Community Service Managers
  Oversee programs and staff within human services organizations, earning about $63,530 annually

These roles blend direct client service with program evaluation, leadership, and advocacy.

Check out our psychology & human services career center for more options.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Human services careers are experiencing steady growth, with strong labor statistics projects supporting demand.

• Entry-level roles typically offer salaries between $30,000 and $45,000 annually
• Management and specialized roles can exceed $60,000 annually
• Job growth ranges from 4% to 12%, with some areas such as substance abuse counseling projected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033

The occupational outlook handbook highlights increasing needs in social welfare, mental health counseling, and community work.

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Why Choose Human Services

This field is ideal for students seeking meaningful work that creates a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Key benefits include:

• Wide variety of career options across the human services industry
• Opportunities to work with underserved populations, including child welfare, mental illness, and substance abuse treatment
• Purpose-driven work that supports community members in need
• Clear pathways to graduate programs and advanced roles in social work, mental health counseling, or criminal justice

What You’ll Learn in a Human Services Program

Human services bachelor’s degree programs provide a solid foundation combining psychology, communication skills, and practical service delivery.

Typical coursework includes:

• Human development and social psychology
• Communication for human services professionals
• Abnormal psychology and mental illness
• Case management, advocacy, and program evaluation
• Legal and ethical principles in human services

Graduate courses often focus on leadership, group dynamics, and advanced intervention strategies.

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Is Human Services Right for You?

This field suits compassionate, resilient individuals who thrive in service-oriented roles.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Have a strong desire to help others and improve community wellbeing
• Are comfortable working in emotionally challenging environments
• Enjoy connecting clients with resources and support services
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills

Human services professionals often collaborate with community members and agencies to meet client needs effectively.

Education Path and Degree Options

There are multiple educational pathways depending on your career goals.

• Online associate degrees in human services for entry-level support roles
• Online bachelor's degrees in human services for comprehensive training and career entry
• Online master's degrees in human services for leadership, clinical, or specialized roles

Some careers, such as social work or mental health counseling, require additional licensure or certification.

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Certifications and Licensure

Licensing requirements vary by profession and state.

• Social workers typically must earn a master’s degree and pass a licensure exam to become licensed social workers (LSW)
• Substance abuse counselors may require certification depending on their role
• Other human services roles, like human services assistants or probation officers, may not require licensure

Research your state’s program requirements and certification pathways to plan accordingly.

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online human services degree program, consider:

• Accreditation and reputation of the institution
• Availability of specializations such as child welfare, mental health, or criminal justice
• Course offerings that include general education courses and practical skills training
• Opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or capstone projects

Programs with a generous transfer policy and personalized mentorship support student success and career readiness.

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Cost of Human Services Degrees

Tuition costs vary by program and degree level.

• The average cost of an online bachelor’s degree in human services ranges from $320 to $726 per credit
• Master’s degree programs typically average around $19,000 in total cost

Financial aid options are often available to help manage expenses.

GetEducated’s experts have compiled the following ranking reports showing the most affordable options:

• Bachelor's degree in human services ranking report
• Master's degree in human services ranking report

Compare Accredited Online Human Services Programs

Resources like GetEducated allow you to:

• Compare accredited online human services degree programs
• Review tuition, credit hours, and program features
• Explore specialization options in areas such as substance abuse treatment or mental health counseling
• Find flexible programs designed for full-time students and working adults

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a human services degree?

A human services degree prepares students to support individuals and communities by connecting them with resources, advocacy, and essential services.

What jobs can you get with a human services degree?

Career options include human services assistant, social worker, probation officer, rehabilitation counselor, and community service manager.

Do you need a license for human services careers?

Licensing depends on the role; social workers and counselors generally require licensure, while other positions may not.

How much do human services professionals make?

Salaries range widely from about $30,000 to over $60,000 annually, depending on experience and job responsibilities.

Is human services a good career?

Yes, it offers meaningful work with steady demand across multiple sectors, including mental health centers, social services agencies, and community organizations.

What is the difference between human services and social work?

Human services is a broader field focused on connecting clients to resources and support, while social work is a licensed profession often involved in counseling and direct client intervention.

Can you specialize in human services?

Yes, many programs offer specializations in populations such as children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, or focus areas like substance abuse treatment and criminal justice.

Is human services stressful?

The work can be emotionally demanding, as professionals often assist clients facing significant challenges, but it is also highly rewarding.