Best Human Services Certificate Online Programs – Top 10 Under $7,000

A human services certificate online has many facets. Of course, they are an excellent launching pad for those new to the field! They’re also a game-changer for those who want to advance their current careers.

This article covers undergrad and graduate certificates in human services online! These are flexible programs, making students’ work-life balance easier. But there are many factors to consider when it comes to these college programs. Cost, time-to-complete, and where they lead are essential to know before you apply.

Consider the top online certificates in this field with this exhaustive GetEducated article! Read on to find out more.

Article Navigation: Pursuing a Human Services Certificate Online | Types of Online Human Services Classes | 5 Best Undergrad Human Services Certificate Online Programs Under $5,000 | Top Online Graduate Certificates in Human Services Under $7,000 | Admission Requirements for Online Human Services Programs | Human Services Certificate Jobs | Take the First Step Toward a Rewarding Career in Human Services

Pursuing a Human Services Certificate Online

Do you want a college-level education but don’t have three to four years to commit? A certificate is a perfect alternative. An undergrad social services certificate online takes around one year to complete. A graduate certificate could take up to two years. This, of course, depends on your program and pace of study. Some components to consider in any online program include:

• Full or part-time schedules
• Asynchronous or Synchronous classes

Another important factor you should consider is whether or not your program has in-person requirements. In the human services field, hands-on experience is often required. A certificate, undergrad or graduate, might incorporate internships, field experiences, and more. In this way, online students still hold reputable experience like their on-campus counterparts.

Now, let’s touch on accreditation. It’s rare for a certificate to hold programmatic accreditation. However, for bachelor’s and master’s programs, it’s a must! CSHSE, or the Council for Standards in Human Services Education, is the primary source of accreditation here.

So, what does that mean for certificate programs? It’s common for students to apply their certificate credits toward a degree. But you must attend an institutionally accredited school to hold transferable credits. Make sure your online college holds regional or national accreditation before pursuing your program.

Related Article: Accreditation for Social Work Programs – A Complete Guide

Types of Online Human Services Classes

Interested in online human services education? There are two main certificate options available:

• Undergraduate certificate
• Graduate certificate

Each type of program caters to a different stage in your career. If you’re entering the field, you are more than likely an undergrad. Graduate certificates cater to specialized career tracks in the human services field!

Undergraduate Certificate in Human Services Online

First, let’s check out the undergraduate certificate in human services online.  This is an excellent starting point for those who are new to the field. It’s even a great option for those looking for a career change. This foundational program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent and focuses on core concepts such as:

• Introduction to human services
• Human development
• Helping relationships
• Ethics and professionalism
• Cultural competence

Undergrad certificates are often shorter in duration. They are a stepping stone to a human services associate’s degree online or a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field. Most programs allow you to transfer your certificate credits toward a degree, saving you time and money.

Graduate Certificate in Human Services Online

Already have a bachelor’s degree? A graduate certificate could be the next step for you! These more advanced programs go beyond the foundations of this field, catering to working students. There are more specialized options, which can demonstrate your commitment to continued education. Graduate human services certificate online programs offer the opportunity to:

• Specialize in a Niche: Focus on a specific area of interest, such as child welfare, gerontology, substance abuse, or mental health.
• Advance Your Career: Gain a competitive edge for promotions or leadership roles within your current career.
• Explore New Career Paths: Transition into a different area of human services or explore related fields like counseling or social work.

Moreover, typical coursework in a graduate certificate program may include:

• Advanced Human Behavior Theories
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Leadership and Management
• Research Methods

Students often apply the credits earned through these programs to a master's degree in human services or a related field. Graduate certificates take around one to two years to complete. They provide a valuable credential for career advancement, and also demonstrate your commitment to continued learning and professional growth.

5 Best Undergrad Human Services Certificate Online Programs Under $5,000

Another important factor to a human services certificate online? Cost! The following list of excellent human services certificate online programs keeps the price under $5K. Read on to find out more!

1. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Certificate in Economic Justice and Advocacy
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $2,624

   FHSU’s online Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy is a focused, 10-credit hour program. If you want to become an effective advocate, this is an essential certificate.

   Delve into the complex social, economic, and legal factors of victim advocacy. There is even a particular emphasis on addressing gender-based violence. Furthermore, the curriculum covers trauma-informed care principles! In this way, it empowers graduates to provide compassionate and effective support to survivors. Through coursework and practical experiences, students will:

   – Learn the legal system
   – Connect victims with essential resources
   – Advocate for systemic change that promotes safety, justice, and healing

   There are fall, spring, and summer options for online students. FHSU is also known for its great scholarship opportunities! Consider benefits like financial assistance of up to $700 off this certificate. Finally, you may apply credits from this certificate to many FHSU related degrees.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Economic Justice and Advocacy

    

2. Kentucky Community and Technical College System

   Degree: Certificate in Direct Support Work
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $3,030

   Next, check out KCTCS’s Certificate in Direct Support Work. These human services classes online offer practical training along with theoretical knowledge. Graduates have gone on to work for group homes, residential facilities, and more. There are a wide range of topics covered by this 15-credit program, including but not limited to:

   – Health care basic skills
   – Disabilities in human services
   – Medicaid
   – Family science

   The status of fully online or blended courses depends on specific colleges within the KCTCS system. Check with an academic advisor to make sure you can pursue a fully online certificate.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Direct Support Work

    

3. Lansing Community College

   Degree: Human Services Certificate of Completion
   Tuition (in-state): $3,153
   Tuition (out-of-state): $4,557

   The LCC Human Services Certificate of Completion is an excellent entry point into the field. It also serves to transfer between two- and four-year colleges in Michigan. Furthermore, the curriculum can lead to a wide range of human services careers, such as:

   – Social service technician
   – Case management aide
   – Community outreach worker
   – Residential counselor

   This is a great certificate for those seeking practicum experiences. Students must undergo a supervised field placement, serving up to 10 hours a week in an agency. Keep in mind that these experiences must start in the fall and run through spring.

   LCC provides a comprehensive guide to this program, including course sequence. Enroll in this online certificate to gain a leg up in your human services career.

   Find Out More:
   Human Services Certificate of Completion

    

4. Rio Salado College

   Degree: Certificate of Completion in Child & Family Organizations Management & Administration
   Tuition (in-state): $4,115
   Tuition (out-of-state): $4,780

   If you want to work at the paraprofessional level, consider Rio Salado College! This Certificate of Completion is a 16-credit program that opens a wide range of helping careers. There are full-time and part-time options, making this a flexible option. Also, this school emphasizes academic advisement to meet every students’ academic goals.

   Some of the more popular career paths with this unique certificate include:

   – Early childhood settings
   – Family life education
   – Human development

   Those three options only scratch the surface of where this human services online certificate leads. Expand your knowledge in areas such as project management and professional writing. Become fluent in management and administration. All this and more is achievable with Rio Salado College online!

   Find Out More:
   Certificate of Completion in Child & Family Organizations Management & Administration

    

5. University of Colorado-Denver

   Degree: Certificate in Mediation
   Tuition (in-state): $4,525
   Tuition (out-of-state): $5,424

   Last but not least on our list of human services certificate online programs under $5K is The University of Colorado-Denver! The online Certificate in Mediation helps students excel in the field of dispute resolution. Whether you are a communications major or a human services worker, this is a beneficial program.

   The social services courses cover several foundational essentials, including:

   – Mediation techniques
   – Negotiation strategies
   – Ethical studies
   – Legal frameworks

   This program may lead to a bachelor’s degree, but it is also useful for non-degree-seeking students. For example, if you’re a human services specialist ready to market yourself as a mediation specialist, this is a good option. Overall, the 12-credit certificate online can help you move ahead in your education and career!

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Mediation

    

Top Online Graduate Certificates in Human Services Under $7,000

Do you already have a bachelor’s degree? Ready to specialize and earn a better salary? Then here are five top human services classes available for under $7,000!

1. CUNY Graduate School and University Center-School of Professional Studies

   Degree: Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $5,995

   First up, CUNY’s Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies. This online program offers a broad exploration of this dynamic field. Students will dive into social, cultural, and political aspects of disability, specifically. These studies foster a new understanding of disability within the context of society. There’s a strong emphasis on the lived experiences of those who are disabled. Thus, this certificate empowers graduates to become advocates in the field.

   Some topics covered throughout this graduate certificate online include:

   – Disability history
   – Qualitative research methods
   – Agency leadership
   – Grant writing

   Through this program, graduates can work directly with disabled people. They can also pursue careers in policy, professional writing, and more! Overall, this CUNY online program covers and advances your knowledge of disability issues. Consider this program if you want to also pursue CUNY’s Master of Arts in Disability studies, as you may apply credits from this certificate to that advanced degree.

   Find Out More:
   Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies

    

2. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $6,305

   This online Graduate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies is a nine-credit program. Its focus? Equipping students to become effective child advocates. Not for the faint of heart, the program covers maltreatment, victim advocacy, and criminal justice. The online instructors lead through blended perspectives. Students will dive into areas of psychology, sociology, and civil efforts.

   The human services curriculum is also molded by the National Child Protection Training Center. This gives the certificate a unique connection to the US Department of Justice.

   You must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree to qualify for this program. Furthermore, if your goal is a graduate degree, you may apply credits from this program to the UW-Platteville Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies

    

3. South Dakota State University

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Community Development (Great Plains IDEA)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $6,960

   Next, check out SDSU’s online Graduate Certificate in Community Development. This program is part of the Great Plains-IDEA initiative. Graduates prepare for community-based service roles with explicit knowledge in areas such as:

   – Broad-based decision-making
   – Strategic tools and assessments
   – Regional planning and architecture
   – American Indian studies

   Courses are entirely online, taught by faculty across the Great Plains-IDEA region. Some of the more popular careers this graduate certificate leads to include non-profit work, colleges, government institutions, and more. If you already have some experience in this field, you may have a leg up in this program. Become a more holistic leader in your community with SDSU online.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Community Development (Great Plains-IDEA)

    

4. Kansas State University

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Community Development (Great Plains IDEA)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $6,960

   KSU’s online Graduate Certificate in Community Development is part of the Great Plains IDEA, a collaborative effort among multiple universities. The program equips community leaders, practitioners, and advocates with the knowledge and skills to drive positive and sustainable change. You can expect to study topics such as:

   – Economic development
   – Environmental sustainability
   – Social justice
   – Participatory democracy

   The curriculum emphasizes real-world application. In this way, graduates can address complex challenges facing rural and urban communities alike. Overall there is a heavy focus on collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. If you want to broaden your perspective and make a lasting impact on your community, KSU will provide.

   Through the Great Plains IDEA, students benefit from a common tuition rate and the flexibility to take courses from partner institutions. This can expand your network and learning opportunities in the long run!

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Community Development (Great Plains IDEA)

    

5. Ball State University

   Degree: Graduate Certificate in Human Development and Learning
   Tuition (in-state): $6,966
   Tuition (out-of-state): $10,101

   Rounding out our list of human services online graduate certificates under $7K is Ball State University! Students must complete 15 credits to earn this certificate, just five courses overall. While the major human services classes cover psychology and human learning, electives offer:

   – Social development
   – Child development
   – Global Perspectives
   – Adult development and aging

   If you want to enter fields such as criminal justice, social work, healthcare, or education, this program provides! Furthermore, the certificate trains you to deliver AND design development services. Consider this human services certificate online if you’re interested in psychology! Your advanced, completely online courses await you.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Human Development and Learning

    

Admission Requirements for Online Human Services Programs

Admission requirements for online human services certificates vary by program level and institution. For undergrad certificates, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. You may also be asked for your high school transcripts. Some undergrad human services certificate programs may also have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 2.0. All applications generally include personal essays and letters of recommendation.

Graduate certificates, on the other hand, require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. For example, human services, social work, or psychology. Most graduate certificates in human services online also require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applications usually include a statement of purpose. You’ll need to outline your career goals and letters of recommendation from professors or professionals. Some programs may also require GRE scores.

Human Services Certificate Jobs

Both an undergrad and graduate certificate in human services online can lead to fulfilling careers in diverse settings. Some common career paths include:

• Case Manager: Coordinate services for people and families in need.
• Counselor: Provide guidance and support to those facing challenges.
• Community Outreach Worker: Connect people and communities to resources and services.
• Social Service Assistant: Provide administrative and direct support to clients in social service agencies.

By specializing through a graduate certificate, you can open doors to more advanced roles, such as:

• Social Worker: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
• Therapist: Provide individual, group, or family therapy to address a wide range of issues.
• Program Director: Oversee and manage human services programs within organizations.

And if you pursue and gain experience and further education, you may even advance to leadership positions like executive director or clinical supervisor.

Take the First Step Toward a Rewarding Career in Human Services

A human services certificate online is your gateway to a fulfilling career. You can find the one that fits your schedule and expectations right here with GetEducated. Explore GetEducated today to find accredited online programs in any human services field!