25 Best Human Services Degrees - The Best Health Degrees

Key Takeaways:

University of Delaware and Northeastern University offer some of the most diverse and top-ranked human services programs.
A Bachelor’s in Human Services degree can jumpstart careers in various fields for empathetic individuals.
Top programs human services programs ranked by Best Health Degrees are based on price, accreditation, and salary potential.
Human Services degrees prepare students for non-clinical roles supporting community well-being.

The best Human Services degrees are traditional campus programs for bachelor’s degree students to earn a degree and begin a new career. If you’re an empathetic and caring person with a desire to help others in a non-clinical setting, bachelor’s in Human Services degrees will start you on a path for a satisfying health career in a variety of fields.

Featured Programs

Whether you have an interest in crisis prevention, assisting people in improving their quality of life, helping to maintain services in communities and non-profit agencies, an undergraduate degree in Human Services will be a great beginning for you.

Best Health Degree lists schools that are regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as well as several others.

Financial aid is available for all these human services degree programs based on the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for qualified students. Many schools require financial aid applications to be on file as part of the admission process as well as for school scholarships.

Related:

Top 5 Human Services Bachelor’s Programs at a Glance

Rank	University	Location	Degree Type	Format	Estimated Tuition	Fast Fact
1	University of Delaware	Newark, DE	B.S. in Human Services	On-Campus	$14,600–$39,190 / year	Accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
2	Northeastern University	Boston, MA	B.A. in Human Services	Hybrid / Co-op	$69,375 / year	Includes five co-op placements and 11 competency milestones
3	University of Oregon	Eugene, OR	B.A. / B.S. in Family and Human Services	On-Campus	$16,137–$44,598 / year	Offers pre-major pathway and dual-language options
4	Syracuse University	Syracuse, NY	B.S. in Selected Studies – Human Services	On-Campus / Fast-Track M.S.	$35,010 / year	Integrates human services with counseling and education
5	George Washington University	Washington, D.C.	B.A. in Human Services & Social Justice	On-Campus	$64,990 / year	Combines sociology, ethics, and nonprofit management training

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs

To rank the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. University of Delaware

You can choose from four concentrations with this B.S. in Human Services on the main campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. Among the program concentrations are:

Administration and Family Policy
Clinical Services
Early Childhood Development

Studied in Administration and Family Policy, Clinical Services (accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education), the curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as Families and Children at Risk, Social Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Families, Counseling in Human Services, Public Policy, as well as Human Development, and more. You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

The curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as:

Families and Children at Risk
Social Entrepreneurship
Diversity and Families
Counseling in Human Services
Public Policy
Human Development

You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

To apply for admission, you’ll need to complete an online application ($75 nonrefundable fee required), a required Common or Coalition application essay, letters of reference, self-reported high school grades using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and other documents as needed. For the spring and fall semesters, standardized tests are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,810-$41,400/per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of Delaware is home to the first study-abroad program in the United States! In 1923, a group of UD students traveled to France, launching what would become a national model for international education.

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2. Northeastern University

Are you looking for a B.A. in Human Services which will prepare you for a career in counseling, nonprofit management, or community and organizational development? Then, you may want to explore this program at Northeastern University in Massachusetts.

Requiring 132 credit hours, this is a five-year program that includes 5 co-op experiences. You’ll study Counseling in Human Services, Social Change and Human Services, Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines, Social Policy, Research Methods for Human Services, Sexual Orientation, Gender Expression, and others. Additionally, Northeastern University is competency, rather than course-based. You’ll have a set of 11 competencies to fulfill other Northeastern University degree requirements.

First-year students must complete a Common or Coalition Application along with a $75 application fee. Other requirements include academic transcripts and secondary school counselor or teacher recommendations. The 2020-21 academic year application does not require SAT scores or ACT scores for admission consideration and the university offers several application programs for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $541- $781/ credit hour

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern as one of its Most Innovative Schools and Best Value Schools

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3. University of Oregon

Offered through UO’s College of Education, this program offers both a B.A. in Family and Human Services and a B.S. in Family and Human Services.

Both degrees require you to take a minimum of 50 credit hours of general university requirements before making an application to the major. The B.A. requires a second language proficiency and the B.S. requires mathematics or computer and information science proficiency.

Once accepted into a program, you’ll take pre-major courses in:

Exploring Family and Human Services
Issues for Children and Families
Diversity in Human Services

General Human Services coursework includes:

Group and Community Interventions
Research in Human Services
Individual Interventions in Ecological Contexts
Junior and Senior Professional Practices and Issues
Field Experiences
Capstone Project

You’ll make an application to the University of Oregon through one of three methods, SAT/ACT test scores are optional, academic transcripts (self-reported), an application essay, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $32,748-$61,209 /per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of Oregon’s Family and Human Services program was one of the first in the Pacific Northwest to combine academic coursework with 400+ hours of supervised field experience, allowing students to work directly with community agencies before graduation.

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4. Syracuse University

Syracuse University has a Selected Studies in Education B.S. degree designed with an interdisciplinary approach.

With this degree, working with your advisor, you’ll be able to specialize in one of five concentrations including, Post-Secondary & Human Services Fields. This speciality also includes a fast-track, M.S. option in Professional Counseling in Mental Health. Among the studies in this concentration are general studies in social services and human services focusing on families, communities, and individuals. The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours and includes general university studies. Additionally, you’ll participate in an internship.

You’ll pay an $85 nonrefundable fee along with your admission application to Syracuse University. For fall admission, students must submit academic transcripts with a senior year grade report, two academic recommendations, and an evaluation from their high school guidance counselor.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $66,580/per academic year

Fast Fact: Syracuse University’s Selected Studies in Education B.S. lets students custom-design their degree, combining courses in education, counseling, and human services.

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5. George Washington University

Located in Washington D.C., GW University has a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Human Services and Social Justice.

With this degree, you’ll study:

sociology
interpersonal relationships
child and adult development
sex and gender sociology
race relations
ethical leadership
program planning and evaluation
organizational management in nonprofit organizations
research methods

Along with a Capstone Project, you’ll also participate in an internship. In addition, students take general university courses in humanities, math, physical or natural sciences, writing, and social sciences.

Admission requirements to George Washington University involve submission of an application and fee, counselor and teacher recommendations, official academic transcripts, and other documents as required. Regular Decision admission’s deadline is January 5 and the Early Decision admission is November 1 and January 5. ACT/SAT scores are optional for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $69,780/per academic year

Fast Fact: George Washington University’s campus in D.C. once served as the filming location for several Hollywood movies — including Forrest Gump and The Pelican Brief! Plus, its Human Services and Social Justice program often partners with real D.C. nonprofits, giving students a front-row seat to policymaking in the nation’s capital.

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6. Rowan University

Rowan University, in Camden, NJ, has a B.A. in Human Services that, among other areas, will prepare you to become a human services and social services provider.

This is a degree completion program requiring 60 credit hours in your major from a variety of studies. Beyond the general university course requirements, you’ll study sociology, intake and interviewing skill techniques, ethics in human services, statistics, case management, psychology, and abnormal psychology, to name a few studies. Field experiences are also part of the curriculum, as are a senior human services seminar and specialization courses (developed in collaboration with your advisor).

A $65 application fee is part of admission. You’ll also need an Associate Degree or a minimum of 24 semester hours of transfer college credits. Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,428-$28,252/per academic year

Fast Fact: Rowan University started as a teacher’s college in 1923 and its transformation into a public research university was fueled by one of the largest gifts ever to a public college: $100 million from industrialist Henry Rowan in 1992. That donation helped launch Rowan’s engineering school and put the university on the national map for innovation in education.

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7. Western Washington University

Western Washington University has an undergraduate degree in Human Services on two campuses as well as online.

You’ll be responsible for taking 35 credit hours in foundation classes in studies such as Human Services Foundation, Social Welfare Policy, Human Services Professionals and Community Systems, and more. Skills studies are part of the curriculum with courses in:

Applied Research Methods
Program Planning and Evaluation
Introduction to Interviewing
Interventions in Human Services

Field studies and seminars are also part of the program. Elective courses are available in mental health, disability, addiction, as well as aging and health. health promotion, and more. The university requires a minimum of 180 credit hours for graduation.

General university admission requirements include an application (and $60 fee), optional ACT/SAT test scores, and unofficial transcripts. Other documents may be required and specific requirements are needed for admission into the Woodring College of Education.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $3,928-$8,432/per quarter

Fast Fact: Western Washington University is home to one of the largest outdoor sculpture collections on the West Coast with over 70 pieces of public art displayed across campus! Students in the Human Services program can even connect their studies to community arts and social initiatives through service-learning partnerships in Bellingham.

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8. The University of Scranton

Here’s a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services (CHS) offered by the Jesuit school, The University of Scranton, located in Pennsylvania.

This degree is part of the College of Professional Studies (CPS) and will prepare you for an entry-level position in the human services field. The degree requires 127 credit hours with 58 credits in CHS. Some of the courses you’ll take are:

Human Services Systems
Case Management and Interviewing
Theories of Counseling
Research Methods
Crisis Intervention

A unique feature of this program is its Community Based Learning component in addition to the internship. This program follows ethical and training standards of the American Counseling Association. There is a concentration in Rehabilitation Services that focus on substance abuse and addictions.

Items on the university’s admission checklist include the submission of the Common Application, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, a listing of extracurricular activities, and official academic transcripts. The university has specific deadlines for entering students and you should be certain to meet all requirements.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $53,708/per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of Scranton’s mascot, Iggy the Royal Wolf, is named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. The school’s Counseling and Human Services (CHS) program reflects that Jesuit mission of cura personalis “care for the whole person”, blending ethics, community engagement, and real-world service learning.

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9. Washburn University

This Kansas university in Topeka offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services (BAS) degree requiring 120 credit hours for completion.

You’ll take university-required courses in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, English, and Natural Sciences and Math. Your BAS core studies will be in Human Development, Family Issues, Group Work in Human Services (Group Counseling), Research & Evaluation, and more.

Twelve hours in major coursework is in Family Family Services and includes Issues in Aging, Working with Trauma, Individual Counseling Methods, and Working with Parents and Youth. There are numerous elective classes from which you can choose in:

Mental Health and Addictions
Victimology
Aging and Mental Health
Disaster Response and Recovery

Admission to Washburn University is straightforward and requires an application (with a $20 non-refundable application fee), ACT/SAT scores, and academic transcripts from any school attended. Note: ACT/SAT scores are not required for students over 21 years of age, but may be helpful. If you’re from Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, or Texas, you’ll pay in-state tuition.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $13,585-$22,547/per academic year

Fast Fact: Washburn University’s mascot, The Ichabod, is named after Ichabod Washburn, a 19th-century industrialist who never actually set foot on campus! The name stuck because it perfectly represents the school’s quirky mix of tradition and innovation, just like its Human Services students, who blend compassion with problem-solving in real-world community settings.

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10. Fort Hays State University

Here’s another Kansas university where you can earn a Bachelor of General Studies with a Human Services Concentration.

The degree program requires 120 credit hours for completion. Required general education courses include English Composition, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and also Math. Additionally, students take 21 credit hours in their concentration and 54 hours in electives.

Your concentration studies will include 21 hours in sociology coursework. The suggested academic plan for the concentration includes studies in Social Inequality, Sociological Theory and Literature, Methods of Social Research, Advanced Sociological Research, and others.

Fort Hays State University has a rolling admission policy and offers several admission options. Entering students will need to provide applications, submit academic transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,530-$17,772/per academic year

Fast Fact:

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11. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University provides a multidisciplinary B.S. in Human Services degree that blends a curriculum from psychology, social work, criminal justice, sociology, and political science disciplines.

The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours with 45 credit hours in the major. You’ll complete core courses in studies such as Survey of Human Services, Statistics, General Psychology, as well as Supervised Fieldwork, and more. The curriculum also offers three concentrations in:

Mental Health, Child, Adolescent and Family Services
Gerontology and Aging

Additionally, you’ll choose from electives in Human Diversity and Social Solutions and Social Change, which offers classes in:

Social Psychology
Deviance and Society
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Psychology of Women

Loyola admission requirements include a Common Application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, and also official academic transcripts. Recently, SAT/ACT test scores are optional and the school recommends you submit an essay on a topic of your choosing as well as a resume describing your activities.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,530/per academic year

Fast Fact: Loyola University Chicago is home to “Sister Jean,” the 100+-year-old chaplain who became a national icon during the Ramblers’ NCAA basketball run! The university’s B.S. in Human Services reflects that same Jesuit spirit — emphasizing cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” by blending psychology, sociology, and social justice to prepare compassionate community leaders.

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12. Spelman University

This well-known, historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia, awards a B.A. in Human Services.

The program consists of core courses in the major and specialty areas. General Psychology, Introduction to Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology, and National Government make up the cognate coursework. As part of your major’s curriculum, you’ll take classes in Methods of Research, Introduction to Human Service, Principles of Management, and Field Work in Human Services. Specialty areas in this degree include elective studies in:

Developmental Psychology
Public Policy
Multicultural Studies
Individual or Group Processes

If you’re a first time college student, your admission will require you to submit a Common Application, a $40 application fee, academic transcripts from all schools you’ve attended, two letters of recommendation, and an optional SAT/ACT test score submission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,885/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes ranked Spelman College as one of its Top Colleges

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13. SUNY Empire State College

This campus is in Saratoga Springs, NY, and has a 124 credit hour B.S. in Community and Human Services degree with a Human Services concentration.

This degree helps human services professionals to join other professionals working in community social services. It focuses on six pillars: human behavior, service delivery, professional skills, ethics, diversity, and application.

To major in this degree, you’ll need to have 45 credits in general education requirements such as English, math fundamentals, sociology, psychology, philosophy and others. Courses in your major will include:

Abnormal Psychology
Nature and Needs of Individuals with Special Needs
Case Management
Introduction to Human Services
Crisis Intervention
Family and Society

Among the admission criteria, you’ll need to submit an application showing proof of secondary school completion, official transcripts from all schools attended, as well as an application essay of at least 300 words. Prospective students must also show proof of immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, and meningitis.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $295/per credit

Fast Fact: SUNY Empire State College was founded in 1971 with no traditional classrooms — making it one of the first colleges in the U.S. to focus entirely on individualized, flexible learning. Its B.S. in Community and Human Services continues that legacy by letting students design their own degree paths to match their career goals in social work, counseling, or nonprofit leadership.

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14. University of Alaska Anchorage

Here’s an undergraduate, Bachelor of Human Services (BHS) degree completed in 120 credit hours that’s offered both on campus and online.

The coursework includes general education studies as well as subject-specific classes. The Human Services studies include:

Human Relations in the Workplace
Introduction to Paraprofessional Counseling
Working with Individuals with Disabilities: A Human Service Perspective
Clinical Approaches to Substance Abuse
Crisis Intervention
Substance Abuse and the Older Adult, Men and Masculinity

You’ll also have a wide selection of electives on topics of Community Education and Prevention in Substance Abuse, Introduction to Children’s Behavioral Health, and more. Practicum experiences are also part of the program.

Application for admission is open one year prior to the one for which you’re applying. You’ll need to submit an application, academic transcripts, and a 2.5 GPA. While standardized testing isn’t required for admission, standardized test scores are used in course placement.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $241-$841/ credit

Fast Fact: The University of Alaska Anchorage’s campus is so close to wilderness that it’s not unusual to spot moose wandering between classes! Its Bachelor of Human Services program mirrors Alaska’s rugged, community-driven spirit — training students to serve diverse and remote populations across the state.

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15. Monroe University

This New York college has campuses in St. Lucia, New Rochelle, and the Bronx and offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services.

The degree is online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format through Monroe University’s School of Criminal and Social Justice. This B.S. will require you to study Ethical Issues in Human Services, Social Welfare Policy, Research Seminar in Human Services, Field Experiences, and more.

Other related courses will include:

Drugs and Behavior
Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
Psychology Across the Lifespan
Introduction to Psychology
Group Dynamics

First-year students will need to submit an application with a $35 fee for admission, write an essay, unofficial academic transcripts, and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. You’ll also need to schedule an interview.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,922-$21,030/per academic year

Fast Fact: Monroe University’s Human Services program has a campus in St. Lucia, making it one of the few U.S.-based colleges where students can earn a social services degree in the Caribbean sunshine. All while gaining hands-on experience helping local communities through real-world field placements.

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16. Bay Path University

You can earn an undergraduate degree in Health and Human Services from this Massachusetts university.

This B.A. offers a wide range of concentrations in areas such as Healthcare Management, Health Science, Early Intervention, Autism Spectrum Studies, and five others. Required coursework (in addition to concentration studies) includes work in English, business, psychology, sociology, as well as general electives. You’ll take classes in:

Social Policy in Health and Human Services
Communicating in the Helping Professions
Introduction to Health and Human Services

The program also requires a Health and Human Services internship, studies in research methods, and a capstone project. You can learn about concentration-specific classes on the homepage of the department’s website.

Bay Path University is three colleges the Traditional (on-campus), the American Women’s College (online), and Graduate College. The B.A. in Health and Human Services is through the Residential College and requires you to request admission information through an online form. The American Women’s College has a B.A. in Human Services and Rehabilitation degree offered online.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $38,731/per academic year

Fast Fact: Bay Path University’s Health and Human Services program is part of a women-centered college where leadership is woven into every course. It even hosts an annual Women’s Leadership Conference that draws national speakers and change-makers to inspire future human service leaders.

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17. New York City College of Technology

Known as City Tech, this college has a B.S. in Human Services designed to prepare you for work in the social welfare sector.

The 120 credit hour curriculum has Liberal Arts courses at its core and the HS program requires studies in:

Group Work Practice
Counseling Methods
Research Methods in Human Services
Volunteerism
Management Concepts in Human Services

Specific program classes include Health Issues of Children and Adolescents, Health and Mental Health Issues With Vulnerable Populations Across the Life Span, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment, and free electives. You’ll also complete two internships as part of this program.

Applicants pay a $65 fee ($75 for transfer students) along with your admission application. Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay are also part of the admission process. Additional materials may be requested by the Admissions Office.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,930-$15,270/per academic year

Fast Fact: New York City College of Technology — known as City Tech — is the largest public college of technology in New York City, and its Human Services students often intern just blocks from campus at major hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies across Downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan.

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18. Wingate University

You can choose between a B.A. or B.S. degree in Human Services at Wingate University in North Carolina. The university has campuses in Wingate, Charlotte, and Hendersonville.

The Human Services program revolves around a curriculum that offers studies in:

Developmental Psychology
Social Stratification
Introduction to Critical Thinking and Research Design
Global Perspectives
Inferential Statistics
Professional Interviewing
Helping Skills

The B.A. requires a foreign language component.

You’ll complete 100 hours of practicum experience in school counseling centers, community shelters, autism support services, and domestic violence facilities. The degree can be awarded in eight consecutive Fall and Spring semesters.

Wingate’s admission doesn’t require an application fee or essay, and standardized test scores are optional (if you don’t have ACT/SAT scores, you’ll need to complete a 250-word essay). Academic transcripts will be requested for all academic schools you’ve attended.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $41,316/per academic year

Fast Fact: Wingate University’s Human Services students complete over 100 hours of fieldwork, often partnering with local organizations that also host the university’s live therapy dogs, making community service and stress relief part of campus life!

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19. Quincy University

A B.S. in Human Services from Quincy University will provide you studies in counseling theories, as well as techniques for understanding, and working with, family or group dynamics.

Among the classes are:

Lifestyle and Career Development
Counseling Techniques
Counseling Theory
Victimology
Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention
Group Dynamics and Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Psychology of Human Sexuality

Additionally, required practicum experiences provide real-world experiences in individual and group counseling techniques. These experiences are in agencies and hospitals in the Quincy, Illinois area and provide excellent practical experiences under professional preceptors.

Quincy University has a standardized test-optional policy in its admission requirements. The school does ask for an application, academic transcripts, and counselor recommendations. Be prepared to provide a 500-word writing sample as part of the admission process.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $38,400/per academic year

Fast Fact: Quincy University was founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, and its beautiful Gothic-style campus once served as a filming location for several period movies — making it one of the few small Midwestern colleges with real Hollywood cred!

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20. University of South Carolina Beaufort

You may want to explore the B.S. in Human Services from the University of South Carolina. You’ll have two options for this program, a hybrid program at the Beaufort campus or the online, degree completion program through USC’s Palmetto College.

The coursework for the degree requires you complete general education classes in English, Speech, Liberal Arts (humanities, fine arts, behavioral and social sciences, natural sciences, etc.) in addition to the major courses. Among those classes are:

Human Services: An Introduction
Personal and Professional Development
Nonprofit Management and Funding
Human Service Interventions
Psychology
Statistics
research methods

Additionally, you’ll complete an internship and capstone project. The degree is 120 credit hours in length.

You’ll find admission to USCB fairly simple. You’re encouraged to start your application with a campus visit, either in person or virtually. An application with a $30 nonrefundable fee high school transcript (or transcripts for all academic programs attended), and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. Application deadlines are July 1, December 1, and May 1.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,288-$21,39/per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of South Carolina Beaufort’s B.S. in Human Services program is located near Hilton Head Island, allowing students to complete internships with world-class resorts, coastal nonprofits, and community agencies — where class projects can literally happen by the beach!

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21. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

You can earn your B.S. in Human Services degree either online or on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus in Indiana town of the same name.

Located in the college’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the degree requires 120 credit hours for completion, 55 hours of which are in your Human Services major. Introduction to Human Services, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, The Family, Ethical and Legal Issues in the Helping Professions, Techniques of Counseling, two practicum experiences, and others are part of the program’s curriculum. You’ll also take 6 hours of classes in American Public Policy, State and Local Government, and American Federal System.

Application for admission is done online and does not require an application fee. Besides the application, you’ll be asked to submit academic transcripts from high school and/or transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended. SMWC has a test-optional policy for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $33,590/per academic year

Fast Fact: Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was the first Catholic women’s college in the United States, founded in 1840. Today, its B.S. in Human Services students can still take classes surrounded by historic architecture and horses from the college’s on-campus equine center!

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22. University of the Cumberlands

Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands awards both B.S. and B.A. in Human Services degrees. You can choose from three Human Services areas in Human Services, Mental Health, or Addictions.

The overall degree calls for 120 credit hours which includes university-required general education studies. You’ll take 51 credit hours in your major/concentration. The curriculum requires core coursework in Basic Counseling Skills, Group Dynamics, Case Management, Ethics in Human Services, Human Diversity, as well as seminars and an internship. For the Human Services concentration, you’ll take classes in Experiential Opportunities, Introduction to Sociology, Human Services in Schools, Addictions and Recovery, and others.

The Mental Health concentration provides classes in Addictions and Recovery, Abnormal Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling, and more. Addictions concentration offers Addiction and Recovery, Grief and Crisis, Drug Abuse Education and Prevention, etc.

The university has a test-optional policy and you’ll complete an online questionnaire to determine the right avenue for you to take for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,875/per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of the Cumberlands’ B.S. and B.A. in Human Services programs are taught on a campus nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where students often combine their coursework with community service projects that directly support rural Kentucky families.

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23. Post University

You can take this B.S. in Human Services online or on the Waterbury, CT campus of Post University. This curriculum will prepare students with the communication skills to work in crisis intervention, ethics, and counseling.

You’ll be able to choose from several concentrations in:

Psychology — Health, Education, and Community Services
Sociology-Health and Community Services
Criminal Justice
Equine Industry (equine-assisted work to enhance treatment outcomes in healthcare, physical and occupational therapy)

Core Human Services coursework includes Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Human Services Administration, Sex and Gender, as well as practicum experiences, and more. The degree requires 120 credit hours for completion.

Admission to Post University is an eight-step process. You’ll need to first connect with a Post University Admission Counselor, provide an application, and academic transcripts, file for Federal Financial Aid, complete a Professional College Advisory Session (PCAS), and other documents as needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $32,524/per academic year

Fast Fact: Post University’s mascot is the eagle named “Swoop,” symbolizing the school’s spirit of ambition and independence — fitting for a university that was one of the first in Connecticut to offer fully online degree programs, including its Human Services bachelor’s!

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24. University of New Hampshire

The B.S. in Human Services: Counseling Foundations at UNH (offered through the College of Professional Studies) is designed for students who want to work in human services by providing support programs and improving quality of life for individuals and communities. This 120-credit program prepares students for roles such as:

substance abuse counselor
mental health and substance abuse social worker
social and community service assistant
home health aide

A key strength of the program is its fully online format (with some on-campus optional courses), offering flexibility for adult learners and transfer students. Up to 90 credits may be transferred into the program, which makes it accessible for those with prior college experience or career credentials.

The curriculum includes foundational human services courses such as:

Human Services and the Helping Process
Case Management
Counseling Theories

Students who meet criteria (GPA ≥ 3.2 and 90 credits completed) can apply for an accelerated pathway that allows them to begin graduate-level work toward a M.S. in Human Services Administration while finishing their bachelor’s. The program at UNH is regionally accredited (NECHE) and is noted for helping students maximize transfer credit and access dedicated advising and career services.

Graduates of this program are prepared not only for direct service roles but also for further study at the graduate level — making it a strong stepping stone for gaining more advanced credentials in counseling or human services leadership.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,908-$37,070/per academic year

Fast Fact: UNH’s Human Development & Family Studies programs (closely linked to human services work) maintain a 100% placement rate with graduates either employed in their field or enrolled in graduate study within six months of graduation

Find out more about this degree in human services!

25. Purdue University

The B.S. in Human Services at Purdue University equips students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to support individuals, families, and communities facing social, behavioral, and service-delivery challenges. Students engage in coursework focused on:

human development
program evaluation
counseling techniques
service agency operations

A unique feature of the program is the optional Addiction Studies concentration, which aligns with Indiana’s Licensed Addiction Counselor Associate (LACA) requirements. This gives students a pathway into addiction counseling.

Undergraduate students must complete a capstone internship (6- or 12-credit hour) at a human services agency, which provides real-world experience that bolsters career readiness. Graduates are prepared not only for immediate employment as case managers, outreach coordinators, or family support specialists, but also for advanced study in social work, counseling, public health, or nonprofit leadership.

The program emphasizes collaboration with community organizations and service-learning opportunities, reflecting the university’s broader commitment to civic engagement.

Estimated Tuition: $11,130 (Online)

Fast Fact: Purdue’s Human Services major allows students to add the Addiction Studies concentration in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, enabling them to earn a certificate and meet Indiana’s bachelor-level addiction counseling licensing track.

Find out more about this degree in human services.

Why Should You Get a Bachelor’s in Human Services?

If you have a desire to help others and are interested in the social aspect of individuals and communities, a bachelor’s degree in Human Services is a terrific stepping stone. As with most professional careers, the more education you have, the better.

A B.A. or B.S. in Human Services will provide you with an interdisciplinary course of study. It will help you navigate established social systems and organizations in communities. And it will make it possible for you to help individuals in need and effect social change.

Additionally, if you want to continue your education, you can go on to earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

Human Services Career Outlook (2026–2036)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in Community and Social Service Occupations is projected to grow +8% from 2026 to 2036, faster than the average for all occupations. This steady growth reflects rising demand for social assistance, mental health services, and community-based programs addressing public health, family stability, and behavioral health needs.

The median annual salary for Social and Community Service Managers is $50,390, with experienced professionals in leadership or program-director roles earning well above that range. Entry-level graduates typically begin in support or case management positions before advancing into supervisory or specialized roles.

When compared with related fields, human services offers competitive salary potential and strong job security:

Field	Median Salary (BLS 2024)	Projected Growth (2026–2036)
Human Services / Community Services	$50,390	+8%
Social Work	$58,380	+7%
Counseling (Mental Health / Substance Abuse)	$53,710	+18%
Public Health (Health Educators / Community Health Workers)	$59,990	+7%

Top Scholarships and Financial Aid for Human Services Majors (2026)

Paying for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially in a field focused on helping others. Students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Services have access to a variety of national, institutional, and need-based financial aid options designed to reduce tuition costs and reward community impact.

1. National Scholarships

National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Scholarships – Awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to human service values.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Foundation Fellowships – Supports students preparing for social work or human services careers that promote social justice and community well-being.
Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) Student Award – Recognizes outstanding students enrolled in CSHSE-accredited human services programs.

2. Federal and Institutional Aid

Federal Pell Grants – Need-based grants available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a degree. Unlike loans, these funds do not need to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) – Awarded through participating schools to students with exceptional financial need.
Work-Study Programs – Offer part-time employment opportunities, often in community organizations or campus offices related to human services.
Institutional Scholarships – Many universities in this ranking (such as the University of Delaware and Northeastern University) offer merit-based awards or transfer scholarships for students entering human services or social science programs.

3. Professional and Regional Opportunities

Students may also qualify for local or community foundation scholarships related to nonprofit leadership, behavioral health, or counseling studies.
Professional associations often maintain updated lists of funding opportunities for human services majors and career changers returning to school.

Tip: File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early each year to maximize eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Scholarship / Grant	Award Amount	Eligibility	Application Deadline	Key Focus / Benefit
National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Undergraduate Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000	Human services majors in accredited programs; NOHS membership required	March–April (annual)	Recognizes leadership and service in the human services field
NASW Foundation Fellowship	$3,000–$4,000	Students pursuing social work or human services degrees; strong community service record	April 30 (annual)	Supports social justice and community well-being initiatives
CSHSE Student Achievement Award	$500–$1,000	Enrolled in a Council for Standards in Human Service Education–accredited program	Varies by institution	Honors academic excellence and ethical practice
Federal Pell Grant	Up to $7,395 (2025–26 max)	Undergraduate students with financial need	FAFSA priority deadlines (varies by state)	Federal need-based grant — no repayment required
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)	$100–$4,000	Students with exceptional financial need (FAFSA required)	Varies by institution	Campus-based federal aid for high-need students
Work-Study Program	Varies ($1,500–$5,000 typical)	Based on financial need and FAFSA eligibility	Rolling / institutional deadlines	Paid, part-time work related to student’s major or community service
University-Based Merit Scholarships	$500–$10,000	GPA, leadership, or transfer achievements	Institutional deadlines	Many ranked schools (Delaware, Northeastern, Scranton) offer renewable awards
Community Foundation Grants	$500–$5,000	Residents of specific counties or states pursuing human services or public health careers	Local deadlines	Often renewable and can stack with federal aid
AmeriCorps Education Award	Up to $7,395	Completion of AmeriCorps service term	End of service term	Can apply funds toward tuition or student loan repayment
State-Based Human Services Scholarships	$1,000–$5,000	State residency and degree relevance (e.g., social work, counseling, nonprofit management)	Varies by state	Encourages workforce development in social and community services

What Do You Learn?

Coursework in the human services degree programs prepares you for entry-level management and administration roles in the Human Services field. Human service professionals take courses in psychology, sociology, behavioral health, aging and gerontology, child and family services, addiction, and substance abuse.

Most undergraduate human services degree programs also include internships in a variety of organizations. These internships provide you with real-world experience in non-profit and for-profit agencies, schools, healthcare services, government agencies, rehabilitation centers, mental health services, or individual and family services.

Where Can You Work with a Human Services Degree?

Human services workers find employment in a variety of locations from a nonprofit institution to a private company. They may work in child development, community services, or at human services agencies. As a substance abuse counselor, they may help individuals struggling with a substance abuse disorder.

And, social workers help coordinate services for families struggling with mental illness. Other career options for human service practitioners are at human services organizations or in public health.

What is Human Services?

The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) defines the field as “meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” The Human Services Education organization simplifies the definition by stating the profession provides a societal service during a crisis, affecting either an individual or community.

Professionals in Human Services not only connect individuals with appropriate services but work to identify needs and improve service delivery. There are numerous careers within the field such as Drug Abuse Counselor, Case Worker, Child Advocate, Community Outreach, Home Health Aide, and others. You’ll want to read the Bureau of Labor Statistics article on Human Services as you make your decision.

Careers in Human Services

Below are some of the careers and jobs for human service professionals. These career options for human service professionals require excellent communication skills.

Behavioral Management Aide
Case Worker
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
Child Advocate / Youth Worker / Child Life Specialist
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Clinical Social Worker Gerontology
Community Economic Development
Community Outreach Worker / Community Treatment Specialist
Corrections Treatment Specialist
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Criminology Careers
Disaster Relief Worker
Domestic Violence Counselor
Emergency Management Specialist
Family and Human Development Worker
Family Support Worker
Grant Writer
Grief Counselor
Health Educator
Human Services Assistant / Human Services Worker
Human Services Manager / Human Services Professional
Interpreter
Social Worker
Marriage and Family Therapist
Mental Health Professional
Mental Health Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Permanency Worker
Probation Officer
Public Policy Consultant
Public Administrator
Public Health Educator
Rehabilitation Case Worker
Social and Community Services Manager
Substance Abuse Counselors
Sociologist

Is Human Services a Good Career?

If you have a desire to help others, this may be the career for you. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes Human Services as a career that supports and enhances community and social well-being. While you can work in the field without an undergraduate degree, your job prospects and salary greatly improve if you have a degree.

According to the BLS, job opportunities in Human Services are expected to grow by a much faster than average 8% between 2023 and 2033. As for salary expectations, the BLS reports the median annual wage in this field is $72,910.

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