Human services is a broad field that covers a range of career options, but all of those careers have one thing in common: a desire to help people.
If you want to earn a degree in human services, you have several different options. How do you choose the right one? Keep reading for our top schools for human services degrees.
Top Schools for Human Services Degrees
There are a few excellent colleges and universities around the United States that offer degrees in human services. We've listed a few of our top choices below in alphabetical order.
1. George Washington University
The George Washington University (GW) is a private research university in Washington D.C., located just a few blocks from the White House.
Students at GW can earn their Bachelor of Arts (BA) in human services and social justice, a program that's meant to prepare students for a multitude of career paths.
The program offers small class sizes, and students get 300 hours of hands-on experience working with community organizations.
Some course options in this program include:
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Class and Inequality in American Society
- Human Interactions: Adult Development
- Social Justice and Public Policy
The university also offers a combined BA in human services and social justice/Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program.
This program allows students to take 12 MPA credits during their undergraduate program, accelerating the time it takes them to earn their master's.
2. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a Bachelor of Science in human services.
This is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses from departments like criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology, and social work.
The program offers three areas of concentration:
- child, adolescent, and family services
- gerontology and aging
- mental health
All students are required to take a set of basic courses in human services, regardless of their concentration. These include:
- General Psychology
- Human Services Practices
- Survey of Human Services
Additionally, students must take two courses from either the human diversity category or the social solutions and social change category.
3. Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university in central New York. It offers an education-focused degree in human services.
Students at Syracuse can earn a Bachelor of Science in selected studies in education with a focus in post-secondary and human services fields.
It offers courses like:
- Education for Transformation
- Poverty, Policy, and Human Services
- Teaching and Learning for Inclusive Schooling
- The Philosophy, Principles, and Organization of Athletics in Education
Interested students can apply for a Fast Track in professional counseling, including Master of Science programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.
4. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a public research university in Newark, Delaware. It offers human services programs through its College of Education and Human Development.
The college offers a bachelor's degree that trains students to provide critical services to children, adults, and families from all backgrounds.
Students can choose from three concentrations:
- early childhood development
- family and community services
- pre-social work/counseling
At the graduate level, the college offers a Master of Science in human development and family science with a concentration in human services leadership.
Courses include:
- Family Studies 1: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives
- Management Decision Making in Public & Nonprofit Sectors
- Program Planning, Assessment, and Evaluation
- Theories of Human Development
Students interested in both degrees can participate in the 4+1 program, which allows them to earn both degrees within five years total.
5. University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a public research university in Eugene, Oregon. Through its College of Education, it offers a family and human services program with multiple options.
Students can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in family and human services and choose a specialty.
The BA is for students with a proficiency in a second language, while the BS is for those with a proficiency in mathematics or computer and information science.
Two areas of emphasis are available: prevention science, for those interested in prevention-focused program development, and direct services intensive for those who want to work in intervention.
All programs include core courses like:
- Diversity in Human Services
- Exploring Family and Human Services
- Human Services Professional Ethics
- Issues for Children and Families
FAQs About Human Services Degree Programs
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about top human services degree programs.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Human Services?
A degree in human services positions you to excel in roles that include management, strategy, fundraising, and communication through nonprofit and government organizations.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Human Services?
The time it takes to earn a degree in human services depends on what level of degree you're wanting to earn.
Typically, bachelor's degrees take four years and master's degrees take two. However, some colleges offer programs that allow you to earn both degrees in five years, as opposed to six.
Can I Earn a Degree in Human Services Online?
Most human services degree programs require some amount of fieldwork or an internship. However, you may be able to find programs that offer coursework online.
Find Top Human Services Degree Programs
Students in the United States can choose from many great human services degree programs. Check out the ones listed above to find the perfect fit for you today.
