Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Human Services

We here at Study.com have looked at hundreds of schools across the country and analyzed countless amounts of data to compile our list of the top twenty best online bachelor's degrees in human services. Human services is a complex professional field that involves elements of social work, counseling, and administration, with potential careers in areas like mental health, drug addiction counseling, and the criminal justice system. We looked at how well each school's curriculum blended courses from diverse fields like psychology, sociology, counseling, criminal justice, and business. We also looked at the levels of convenience and flexibility in each school's online program as well as affordability. If you are interested in potentially pursuing a career in the human services and are in need of an online learning format, this list is an excellent resource for getting a head start on your education!

1. Central Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,273	85%	58%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Central Washington University takes the top spot on our list with its online Bachelor of Science in Social Services. This program blends key concepts from the field of sociology with essential aspects of the ground work of social and human service careers. This degree applies more abstract, theoretical concepts to practical situations in a wide variety of human services professions. Online social services students at Central Washington also have numerous opportunities to employ their skills and knowledge through engaging seminars and service-learning projects with human services organizations.

2. Grace Christian University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,350	100%	44%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services offered by Grace Christian University is one means for students to achieve qualifications for human services careers. This degree is offered as an entirely online program, affording students the rigors of the school's academics with all of the convenience of an online degree. This program is particularly acclaimed for its 14-1 student-faculty ratio, allowing online students personalized and consistent access to their professors. The program is also noted for its expediency, with online students often being able to complete the necessary bachelor's degree credits in as little as 24 months.

3. Bluefield College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,036	99%	34%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Psychology & Human Services Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees offered by Bluefield College are unique for their innovative blend of the fields of both human services and psychology into singular degree programs. The program's blend of human services skills with a psychological foundation has propelled it to one of the country's best human services bachelor's programs for students interested in careers in counseling, behavioral sciences, occupational therapy, and numerous other exciting career paths at the intersection of these fields. Bluefield College also allows its online human services students to participate in a real-world internship in psychological or human services organizations, affording them crucial work experience and networking in addition to their academic foundation.

4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$21,456	88%	45%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Arguably the most prominent and unique benefit of Southwestern Assemblies of God University's Bachelor of Science in Human Services program is its innovative breadth of concentrations. Rather than requiring human services students to follow one main curriculum, four distinct concentrations are offered: counseling, criminal justice, psychology, and social work. The program also excels in maintaining small class sizes for its students, allowing human services majors to thrive in a smaller learning environment with closer access to their instructors. All four human services concentrations are available as online degrees, providing distance students with a top-ranked degree and the convenience of online courses.

5. University of the Cumberlands

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,875	80%	44%	99%	No	Yes	AP Credits

Williamsburg, Kentucky's University of the Cumberlands takes a spot on our list with a diverse and comprehensive array of online options for bachelor's students interested in studying human service-related fields. The school offers both an online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with the latter degree program featuring additional academic concentrations in the fields of human services, mental health, and addiction. The program is also noted for its generalist approach affording all students a comprehensive academic foundation and common knowledge combined with a diverse and professionally-focused faculty with specific work experience and expertise in the careers that students will be pursuing post-graduation.

6. Ottawa University-Ottawa

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$30,805	15%	51%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Kansas, boasts a Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Services program that can be completed via online and distance coursework. This program has particular strengths in blending a firm education in diversity and social theory with an in-depth overview of the governmental and legal minutia affecting human services careers in the present day. An additional advantage of Ottawa University's human services program is its added option for accelerated coursework, with online students being able to complete individual courses in eight-week timeframes. The program also provides students with the opportunity to take part in a senior seminar in human services, allowing them to engage in critical, hands-on research in their preferred pathway and build their resume for future careers.

7. Anderson University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,230	69%	67%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Anderson University offers a unique Bachelor of Human Services degree, offered 100% online through the school's Flexible Degree Program. One of the major benefits of achieving an online degree through this program is that the curricula are based around demonstrated competencies rather than strict semester schedules, allowing students to complete their B.H.S. degree at an accelerated rate within a basic seven-week course format. Anderson University also offers its B.H.S. degree in two distinct formats: one for those who have already achieved an associate's degree in a relevant field, and one for those who have not.

8. Bethel University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,170	90%	67%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Bethel University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services degree specifically designed for busy adult learners looking to achieve their bachelor's degree. Bethel's Human Services B.A. is offered in an extremely flexible online format featuring rolling start dates every six weeks and an accelerated pace that can be completed in as little as 21 months. One of the most distinctive qualities of this program is its core emphasis on personal development and perspective, allowing each individual student to bring his or her personal experiences into the program and mold key human services skillsets to individual abilities. The program is also notable for its excellent internship opportunities for online students, offering the possibility of interning with addiction counseling organizations or another human service setting.

9. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$30,500	67%	56%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, which can be completed fully online. This degree combines necessary psychological and sociological background information with human service law at the federal, state, and local levels. The degree also excels at preparing human services undergraduate students for immediate qualification into entry-level fields in areas such as healthcare, the criminal justice system, mental health, and elder care. The program places a strong emphasis on training its human services students to effectively communicate and work with at-need groups at the individual, family, group, and community levels.

10. Grace College and Theological Seminary

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$24,078	80%	69%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Grace College and Theological Seminary features an online learning program that offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree. This program is noted for both its convenience and affordability with three annual start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, and tuition totaling only $390 per credit hour. A key advantage of Grace College and Theological Seminary's human services program is its emphasis on personal and professional skills, improving students' public speaking, communication, and writing skills as essential elements of careers in human services and social work.

11. William Woods University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$24,830	64%	58%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

William Woods University has perhaps the most unique and innovative human services degree on this list. The university now offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Deaf Human Services, adding to its status as one of the top universities in the country for American Sign Language interpretation. Undergraduate students interesting in working specifically with the deaf and hard of hearing communities can achieve their degree while learning not only American Sign Language but also the cultural nuances of the deaf community, necessary social work skills, and an additional foundation of psychology as it is applicable to human services careers. Despite its online structure, this program also allows students to get crucial hands-on experience with human services organizations serving the deaf community, such as the Missouri School for the Deaf.

12. Southern Wesleyan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$25,516	35%	54%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Southern Wesleyan University earns its spot on our list through general academic excellence and a diverse array of exciting academic concentrations. Undergraduates enrolled in this program may elect to concentrate in administration, counseling, criminal justice, marriage and family, or a specialized concentration for students who are transferring in additional credits from other schools. Southern Wesleyan offers this degree in a flexible online format, based around convenient seven-week courses, the serves as an excellent complement to its on-campus program in Central, South Carolina. Southern Wesleyan's program is also designed to satisfy the accreditation requirements set by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education, allowing students to become board-certified human services practitioners following graduation.

13. Lesley University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28,875	75%	60%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Lesley University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree that strongly emphasizes a liberal arts foundation and practical, real-world field experience. This program is known for its diverse curriculum that provides students with a solid education in ethics, sociology, race and gender studies, and other fields within the humanities that strongly apply to human services careers. The program is also focused on valuable field work, requiring not one, but two internships prior to graduation. This degree provides students with extensive experience working in actual human services contexts and the skills needed to excel in future human services careers.

14. Southeastern University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$26,620	48%	45%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Lakeland, Florida's Southeastern University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in a flexible online format. This program ensures that its human services curriculum touches on all relevant aspects of a human service-related profession, from the bureaucratic nuances of case management, to the broader, theoretical foundations in psychology and sociology, and everything in between. The program also involves two crucial practicums in which online students can gain real-world experience and apply their skillsets working with human services agencies and organizations.

15. Judson University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,870	39%	58%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Adult Undergraduate Program at Judson University offers students a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services that strongly emphasizes practical, professional skills and hands-on experience in an entirely online format. One of the core strengths of Judson's human services program is its successful integration of academic research methods and analytical skills with the legal and practical considerations that students will encounter in future human services careers. As an added degree of emphasis, the program also offers all students--including online students--opportunities to engage in internships and/or in-depth research projects in real-world settings.

16. Lees-McRae College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,175	55%	46%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Lees-McRae College makes our list with a unique and engaging Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Human Services, noted for its innovative emphasis on social work, psychology, and criminal justice. This degree program is particularly useful for adult professionals who already hold an associate's degree in a related field. For students who build on top of this previous academic foundation, this program can be completed in as little as two years in a convenient and flexible online format.

17. Shorter University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$22,370	60%	37%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The online Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Shorter University is an excellent opportunity for students interested in human services careers to engage in a unique and comprehensive academic program designed to be tailored to their needs and goals. This online degree program features a human services curriculum that expertly blends the fields of social work, psychology, sociology, and counseling. What's more, the program's curriculum ensures that human services students come away with firm understandings of issues in diversity, mental health, global and domestic policy, and cross-cultural communication.

18. Marian University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,950	62%	56%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Indianapolis's Marian University takes the next spot on our list, featuring one of the nation's best Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services. This program is particularly useful for busy professionals and working adults looking to advance their careers, as its online format can easily be tailored and adjusted to individual scheduling needs. The degree features an excellent blend of coursework in the social sciences, professional skills, business, and even science labs, resulting in future human services professionals with unsurpassed skillsets and breadths of knowledge.

19. Iowa Wesleyan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$25,424	58%	31%	79%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Iowa Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Human Services is unique for its one-of-a-kind blend of coursework in psychology, criminal justice, and law. This particular degree program features a curriculum that highlights the complex interrelationship between human services, human psychology, and the criminal justice system. This degree program is offered through the university's IW Online program. In this format, students have an outstanding degree of flexibility in their scheduling choices, with six annual start dates and convenient eight-week terms.

20. William Penn University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$26,100	58%	34%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

William Penn University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services as an online degree through its Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This program prepares students for either immediate qualification for entry-level positions in human services organization or for further academic studies in human services at the graduate level. The program's online curriculum features a blend of coursework in human services, psychology, and sociology, as well as the unique inclusion of the field of kinesiology, specifically as it relates to sports science and substance abuse.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The options for specialization or concentration in a human services degree vary greatly. Some programs may be more highly specialized than others, limiting opportunities to concentrate your studies in a particular area within the field. There are even some that take a generalist approach to the field. Still others may have several specialization tracks to choose from like:

• Child and family services
• Counseling
• Labor relations
• Gerontology
• Human services administration
• Criminal justice
• Disability advocacy
• Sustainability studies
• Substance abuse

With such a range of possible concentrations, the specific curriculum and coursework required to earn an online bachelor's degree in human services can easily differ depending on the student and program. Nevertheless, there are several core classes that most students will probably take or have the opportunity to take while pursuing this degree. Some schools may even offer free human services classes. Many programs will also require pupils to complete a capstone project before graduating that requires them to apply their skills to a real-world situation. Common class subjects include:

• Introduction to human services
• Communication for human services
• Public or social policy
• Human services administration
• Social science research
• Law and ethics in human services
• Case management
• Human development
• Statistics for human services
• Grant writing

The time required to earn an online bachelor's in human services is different for each school and individual. Many online programs offer ways for students to accelerate their learning, such as taking a few classes in short bursts instead of over an entire semester. Some requirements can also be met through professional experience or previous education. On the whole, these degrees normally require around 120 credit hours to complete, though some may mandate fewer. This means it can take between two and four years for most students to earn this degree.

Programmatic accreditation in the human services discipline is tremendously important. Graduates with this degree will be caring for vulnerable populations, so ensuring that your degree comes from a reputable institution and program is key to your success in finding a job within this field. The premier accreditor of human services programs in the United States is the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). Established in 1979, the CSHE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and provides direction to programs focused on mental health and human services.

Another important consideration within the accreditation realm is ensuring your chosen school is regionally accredited. This not only ensures that the education you receive will be of a high quality, it is a requirement to receive federal financial aid and makes it much easier to transfer credits to other schools. Regional accrediting bodies recognized by CHEA include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

To work in human services, individuals may need or want to obtain licensure or certification. The requirements for this differ depending on the job within the field and where the person in question works. For example, a counselor may need to obtain a license to practice their profession in some states.

Another common human services vocation that may require licensure is a social worker. Like with counselors, the requirements may vary, but generally regulatory boards require individuals to obtain a degree from an accredited school and pass an exam.

In terms of human services certification, one option is the voluntary Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner. Developed by leading organizations including CSHSE, this certification is designed to strengthen the human services community. A degree from an accredited institution or 350 hours of post-degree experience is required to obtain this certification.

What can you do with a bachelor's in human services? As you may have surmised based on the variety of concentration and course options, graduates can work in a number of areas. This may involve working in community organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, education institutions, or health companies, depending on what career an individual pursues. Generally speaking, the field is expected to grow because of a rising elderly population, an increase in people with mental illnesses or substance abuse issues, and a large need for replacing current professionals. Some possible job titles available to human services graduates include:

• Case manager
• Substance abuse counselor
• Probation officer
• Juvenile court liaison
• Social worker
• Teacher's aide
• Mental health specialist
• Social service manager
• Program coordinator

How to Become a Social Worker

While there are many careers for human services professionals, a common job is that of a social worker. Social workers assist individuals in need, helping people cope with and solve problems. This may involve identifying people or communities in need of help, assessing their needs and overall situations, researching community resources, maintaining case records, and responding to crisis situations. Oftentimes, social workers help people with major changes in their lives like serious illnesses or adopting a child.

Some social workers only need a bachelor's degree, but clinical social workers must have a master's degree. All states also require licensure or certification for clinical social workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that the category of social workers as a whole earned a median annual salary of $50,470. The field is also projected to grow 13 percent between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

How to Become a Social Service Manager

A social service manager, which may also be known as a community service manager, coordinates and supervises programs and organizations that support the general public. These individuals may work for a number of groups, including those that focus on a specific demographic like veterans or homeless people. Specific responsibilities may include overseeing administrative aspects of a program or organization, identifying needed programs and services with the help of community members, planning and managing activities, and determining the efficacy of programs.

The education required for this job is a bachelor's degree, but this is not typically an entry-level position. Most jobs require candidates to have at least a few years of work experience as a social worker, counselor, or similar professional. Some employers may prefer a candidate with a master's degree. The BLS reported in 2019 that these individuals had a median annual wage of $67,150. Like many professions within human services, this job is also expected to grow faster than many occupations, in this case 17 percent between 2019 and 2029.

There are a host of organizations in human services that exist to help professionals within the field. These groups may serve as a home for job opportunities, publish peer-reviewed journals or newsletters, facilitate networking opportunities, host conferences, offer scholarships, provide continued education, and regulate or accredit the industry. There are a few general organizations that broadly cover the human services field, and more specific ones that deal with areas within human services such as counseling or psychiatry, so it may behoove professionals to see what options are available within their particular discipline. Some well-known professional organizations in human services include:

• National Organization for Human Services - The NOHS is a nonprofit organization that represents human services teachers, pupils, and professionals. It works to support all of those individuals in an effort to help individuals and communities function as effectively as possible. This organization helped to develop the HS-BCP.
• American Public Human Services Association - The APHSA is a bipartisan, national organization that represents the leadership of human services agencies and the subject matter experts within the field. While its membership is mainly made up of those in the upper echelons of human services, the advocacy and career opportunities the APHSA provides can benefit anyone working in this arena.
• Association of Social Work Boards - The ASWB is another nonprofit, but this one is composed of and owned by the social work regulatory boards and colleges of every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, and all Canadian provinces. Its purpose is to help the regulatory agencies within the social work industry foster safer practices, to the benefit of all those who work in this field.

Human services as a profession values helping those in need. Many of the issues facing individuals in need are extremely complicated, and advanced education may be necessary to get a more complete grasp of the issues. Likewise, postgraduate training may be required to develop some of the skills needed to help these populations. Given the value placed on work experience, there are also degrees at the undergraduate level that aim to teach students the basics so they can begin work as soon as possible.

Online Associate Degrees in Human Services

One such degree option is an online associate degree in human services. This can take the form of an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students in these programs take foundational courses in the human services field, usually learning the core theories and practices necessary with the aim to obtain an entry-level job or prepare for a bachelor's degree. It normally takes one or two years to earn this degree online, with students completing around 60 credit hours of classes in most cases.

Online Master's Degrees in Human Services

One step above an online bachelor's degree in human services is where you will find an online master's degree in human services. Postgraduate degrees, which can be a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA), may offer high levels of specialization, as it is possible to take an area that served as a specialization at the bachelor's level and earn an entire degree with that subject as its sole focus. These degrees usually prepare students to become leaders within the field, teaching practical application of theory and strategy to solve problems in an administrative capacity. They are usually around 30 credit hours long, meaning it is possible to earn them in one or two years. Another option is the Master of Social Work (MSW) that is similar to a master's in human services.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Human Services

A doctoral degree in human services often takes the form of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These programs frequently cater toward those seeking to advance their degree to the highest leadership positions within the human services field or those who want to pursue scholarly research on the subject. Even at this level, meeting the needs of the populations served by human services professionals is still emphasized. A dissertation requiring original research may also be required at this level, and the time it takes to complete that lengthy piece of writing can affect how long it takes to earn this degree. It often takes two to four years to earn this degree, as students must typically complete approximately 70 credit hours of coursework.

Online Certificates in Human Services

Similar to an associate degree in human services, an online certificate in human services at the undergraduate generally aims to give students the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in this field. This may involve students taking classes focused on the fundamentals in the profession, including courses focused on theory like psychology and hands-on skills like field work. At the graduate level, students can also earn certificates. These may help enhance a resume or enable them to work in a particular field of human services. It can take anywhere from a few months to around two years to complete these certificates, as various programs have credit hour requirements ranging from nine to 24 credit hours.

To find financial aid, it is important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That is the first step to determine what federal funds students may qualify for in the form of grants, work-study programs, and loans. Filling out this form might take a couple hours and require documents like social security numbers, driver's license number, and federal tax information.

In terms of scholarships, one of the best places to find money in this field is from individual schools. Most colleges or universities offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing a degree in human services. These are often funded by graduates of the program or their families and typically require students to meet certain academic requirements to qualify. Be sure to check with your chosen school to see what options are available to you.

The United States government offers extensive help to those who work in the human services field. At the federal level, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has over 100 programs nationwide to serve Americans. It also has similar agencies that operate in each state, and these provide more direct help to both individuals and professionals in this field.

Every state has its own department of human services or health and human services, with the exact name differing from state to state. The specific services also vary depending on the organization, but these state agencies typically serve as a central hub of information on subjects like licensure and certification, state laws, records, and more. They may also offer job opportunities and professional development options for those who work in the field of human services along with help that can be useful for dealing with some of the complex legal and financial rules in this field.