Best Human Services Degree Programs of 2023
Individuals and communities rely on skilled employees to provide valuable guidance and assistance to help improve their well-being. Prepare for careers in social work, psychology, and counseling with a degree in human services.
Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE MANAGERS TO INCREASE BY 17%
Employment is expected to grow at a rate much faster than that of all other U.S. occupations. Social and community service managers are needed to assist an aging population and those who seek treatment for substance abuse and addiction.
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90,700 MORE SOCIAL WORKERS ARE NEEDED BY 2029
The job outlook for child and family social workers is much higher than the national average for all other occupations.
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SOCIAL WORKERS MAKE $50,470 PER YEAR
The median annual wage for social workers is $10,660 more than the median U.S. worker salary of $39,810.
Our Research
This list covers associate’s and bachelor’s programs in human services. Graduates study the psychology of human behavior and learn ways to help people effectively deal with life’s challenges. Degrees offered included Associate in Human Services, Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Leadership, and Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services. Students can choose from in-person, online, and hybrid learning formats.
Accreditation is given to higher education institutions who meet specific academic criteria on the national and regional levels. The programs on this list are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Others are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 73 hours to write this article
- 164 universities and colleges we assessed
- 337 education programs we compared
The Top 48 Human Services Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
When embarking on a career in human services, you should also consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Both fields deal with helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. Psychology uses science and extensive mental health research to make recommendations that can improve a person’s well-being. Human services specialize in evaluating an individual’s needs and matching them with the appropriate services. At the core, psychology and human services share a similar mission. However, human services graduates often work in the public sector, whereas psychologists work in public and private industries. Students who wish to practice psychology will also need to obtain a doctoral degree and state licensure.
There are different specializations in the field of human services, and certifications can help students gain valuable skills to assist them in the public workforce. Students who only wish to pursue an associate’s degree can also obtain additional certifications to increase their job prospects. Certifications for human services professionals include Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences, Certified Workforce Professional, and Certified Employment Support Specialist. Graduates may also consider joining professional organizations in human services such as the National Organization for Human Services, American Public Human Services Association, and the National Association for Family Child Care.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when researching degree programs in humans services:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students from all educational backgrounds can pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require a minimum GPA and standardized test score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Associate’s degree programs take two years of full-time study to complete. These programs aim to prepare students for bachelor’s programs, and many entry-level positions will require a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate programs require four years of full-time study to graduate.
Application deadlines and entry requirements are different for each program. Check for detailed information about the program you are applying to by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.
Determine how you will cover the cost of your higher education. You may be eligible for federal student aid as well as grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Research funding opportunities, and make sure to turn in all applications on time.