10 Fastest Online Masters Human Services Programs

Key Takeaways:

Purdue Global University is the #1 top school for a fast online human services masters program.
Online master’s programs in human services are designed to be completed quickly, often within 1-2 years.
These programs offer various formats such as fully online, on-campus, or hybrid to accommodate different learning styles and schedules.
The coursework in these programs focuses on practical skills essential for human services, including management, program development, and direct service delivery.
Graduating from an accredited program enhances career opportunities and potential for advancement in the human services field, preparing graduates for roles in management, policy development, and direct service.

With the fastest online master’s human services degree programs, professionals can make a career leap quickly with an accelerated master’s degree. One of the fastest-growing careers in the country is a master’s degree in Human Services. This degree can significantly expand your options for human services careers.

Featured Programs

All the schools listed hold regional accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, some programs may be accredited by the Council for Standards of Human Service Education (CSHSE). Make sure you attend an accredited institution.

Tuition estimates come from the information reported by the school for current tuition charges. If you require financial assistance to pursue your advanced degree, you’ll want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify for financial aid, you could be eligible for loans, school assistantships, or scholarships. Schools routinely ask students to submit a FAFSA application as part of their admission process.

Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Online Human Services Master’s Programs

Best Health Degrees researched accredited schools offering online graduate degrees in Human Services for the best accelerated human services master’s. To rank the 10 Fastest Online Human Services Master’s Programs, Best Degrees editors found accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. Our initial pool ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We use data from IPEDS, Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. Purdue Global University

Purdue University Global is part of the renowned Purdue University system and is recognized as a leader in distance education. You can earn an online Master of Science in Human Services degree. This program will also allow you to sit for the Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) exam.

This program has two specialty areas, Family and Community Services and Organizational and Social Services. During the first year, students take core coursework. Some classes include Foundations of Human Services, Skills, and Practice in Human Services, History, Multiculturalism, Diversity in Human Services, and a Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project. A concentration in Organizational and Social Services requires three classes. These students take Organizational Nonprofit Management, Program Development & Administration, and Research, Grant Writing, & Funding. The Family and Community Services courses include Family Resilience Across the Life Span, Advocacy for Children & Families, and Developing Delivering Family Services.

To begin the admission steps, you’ll complete an application which will prompt contact from an Admissions Advisor who will walk you through the rest of the process. You do need a bachelor’s degree to apply for this graduate program.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $420/per credit hour

Fast Fact: #114 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

2. Oklahoma State University Tulsa

This Master’s in Applied Human Services from Oklahoma State University can be completed in just 18 months.

This accelerated master’s in human services program offers specialties in Gerontology, Non-profit Management, Issues in Family Science and Lifespan Development, Infant Mental Health, and Developmental Disabilities. Or, students can work with their advisor to create a specialty. The degree requires 33 credit hours. Among the topics you’ll study are Aging and Families, Community and Family, Parent Education, Research Methods and Statistics, and a Master’s Capstone. Depending on your specialization, you’ll take additional courses.

You’ll complete an application (and a $50 application fee), submit letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, a professional goals statement, and official academic transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $230/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks this university #48/#131 in its Best Big Colleges in America category

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

3. Regent University

A private, Virginia school, based on Christian teachings, Regent University has an online Master of Arts (MA) in Human Services program students can finish in 30 credit hours.

Required, core courses include classes in Helping Skills & Techniques, Foundations of Human Services, Professional Ethics in the Human Service Fields, Multicultural Awareness & Individual Diversity, as well as a Capstone Project and Field Experience. This degree offers 11 concentration areas in subjects of a variety of counseling disciplines. Some specializations are Marriage and Family, Grief, Trauma and Crisis, Biblical, Christian, and others. The curriculum calls for 12 credit hours in your chosen concentration.

As with others, this degree requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate courses, a graduate school admission application ($50 fee), academic transcripts, and a copy of a government-issued ID. You may be asked to participate in a Skype interview with the Admissions Committee.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $595/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks Regent University #49/308 in its Best Online Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

4. Saint Leo University

The online M.S. in Human Services in Administration from Saint Leo University will prepare you to develop or lead a new human services organization.

Some of the foundational courses you’ll take in this 36-credit hour program are Management & Leadership in Human Service Organizations, Working in Human Services Administration, Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services, Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services, Funding Sources for Human Services Organizations, and Graduate Project in Human Services Administration. You’ll also have a substantial catalog of electives from which to round out your program. Some of the topics included are aging issues, child welfare, human resources, grants, etc.

Saint Leo University has a simple admission process that begins with an application. You’ll need to provide academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, submit a recent resume, three letters of recommendation, and a written essay describing your professional goals. You need to submit your application at least 60 days prior to your start date.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $570/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Saint Leo University is ranked #4 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

5. Houston Baptist University

Here’s another online MA in Human Services degree that provides skills to work in the human services field. The program can be completed in 24 months.

Although not a licensure program, you’ll be able to choose from three concentrations: Human Sexuality, Professional Life Counseling, or Marriage and Family. There are core courses you’ll take, regardless of your specialty choice. Classes in the core curriculum are Theories and Techniques in Counseling, Introduction to Human Services Counseling, Human Growth and Development, Christian Integration Seminar, Crisis Response and Trauma Care, and Multicultural Counseling. The entire online program requires 30 credit hours for completion.

You’ll submit academic transcripts from the school that awarded your bachelor’s degree, GRE test scores, resume, and three letters of recommendation, for admission consideration.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $585/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks HBU #726/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

6. Warner Pacific University

This is a 39-credit hour M.A. in Human Services offered online that takes a holistic approach to the subject. The coursework in this accelerated human services master’s program focuses on preparing you to sit for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) exam.

This program concentrates on human systems, research methods, and statistics and examines human services theories and practices in “social change and advocacy.” You’ll also study how individuals interact with the community and society and the best ways to develop educational and prevention programs at human services agencies. Classes that look at at-risk populations, human sexuality, human lifespan, and more are also offered. You’re given the option between writing a thesis or completing a field practicum.

Admission requires you to have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or better, complete a Pacific Warner application, provide academic transcripts from colleges and universities, and two letters of recommendation (professional or academic). You may be asked to participate in an interview phone call.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $745/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Pacific Warner University in Portland, Oregon, is ranked #6 Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s program!

7. Walden University

You can choose from nine specialty areas with this online master’s in from Walden University.

Walden is based on the quarter system for this 48-credit-hour program. You’ll take foundation and core courses such as Foundation of Graduate Study in Human Service, Assessment and Motivational Interviewing, The Advanced Human Service Professional Practitioner in a Changing World, Cultural Humility and Diversity, and Applied Research and Evaluation Methods. Specialty areas include Community and Social Services, Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention, Criminal Justice, General Program, Gerontology, Family Studies and Interventions, Human Service Nonprofit Organizations, Military and Culture, and Mental Health.

Admission requirements will require you to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, complete an application, and official academic transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $214/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks Walden University #627/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about online master’s in human services!

8. Liberty University

While this 30-credit hour M.A. in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University won’t qualify for licensure, it will provide you with a solid knowledge of human behavior.

A review of the graduate catalog shows you’ll take classes in Introduction to Human Services Counseling, Integration of Spirituality and Counseling, Multicultural Issues in Human Services, Seminar in Human Services Counseling, and more. Courses are 100% online and the degree can be completed in 12 months. The website encourages you to contact the school for additional information on the program.

Liberty University has a simple admission process. It begins with an application and proceeds to request academic transcripts and apply for financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®).

Estimated Tuition Cost: $565/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Liberty University is ranked #6/308 in Niche’s Best Online Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

9. Springfield College

Springfield College offers an MS in Human Services hybrid program. Students can complete this online master’s degree in 16-24 months.

You’ll be able to choose from one of three concentrations in Organizational Management and Leadership, Community Counseling Psychology, or Mental Health Counseling. The Community Counseling Psychology Concentration covers subjects in alcohol and drug abuse counseling, general counseling skills, case management, child and family services, social change and economics, and more. Choosing the Mental Health Counseling focus will cover topics in counseling theories, counseling skills for marriage, family, and couples, and psychopathology. To complete this degree, you’ll also have internship experience.

To begin the admission process, you’ll be asked to provide an application, academic transcripts showing completion of your bachelor’s degree, a personal statement, and a current resume, as well as an interview with a staff or faculty member.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,360/per academic year

Fast Fact: Springfield College is rated #18 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report

10. Capella University

Capella University has an online human services master’s degree that gives you two specialization options.

The Leadership and Organization specialization has five core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course, and a capstone. The Social and Community Services has five core courses, three specialization courses, three elective courses, and a capstone. Depending on your specialty, coursework offered includes Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services, Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations, Leading Adaptive Organizational Systems in Human Services, Social Change, and Public Policy in Human Services.

Admission requirements include submission of an application and a $50 fee, proof of your bachelor’s degree, official academic transcripts, and a valid government-issued ID. GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $565/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Capella University is a for-profit institution founded in 1993

Interested: Learn more here about this online human services master’s degree!

What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Human Services Master’s?

We live in a fast-paced world. If you’re currently working in Human Services and are looking for ways to advance your career, a master’s degree is essential. That’s where online degree programs can be beneficial.

If you work full-time, you may not be able to take a leave of absence to attend a graduate program. But, an online degree program will help you continue to work, meet family obligations, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

There’s little to no difference in program accreditation, faculty, or studies between traditional and distance education degree programs. Online classes are typically shorter in length than traditional on-campus courses but offer a more intensive experience, in general. If the program requires an internship, schools will work with their online students to find convenient locations for that experience.

The faster you complete your degree online, the less you’ll pay in tuition. A majority of online programs offer out-of-state students the same tuition as in-state students, which can be substantial savings. Additionally, accredited, online programs qualify for federal student aid. In the case of graduate students, this will take the form of low-interest loans. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees advancing their education in their field.

The less time you spend getting your graduate degree, the faster you’ll experience career advancement. You can increase your salary and benefits and also job satisfaction.

What Do You Learn in a Master’s in Human Services?

Most programs consist of Core Courses, elective or focus coursework, and a final capstone course or capstone research project. Below are some of the topics and classes students may take in a master’s degree program.

Theoretical Foundations & History of Human Services Human Systems
Quantitative Research Methods
Information Management for Human Service Professionals
Social and Cultural Diversity and Diverse Populations
Human Services Delivery Systems / Human Services Systems
Interventions and Direct Delivery Human Services
Forensic Behavioral Health
Human Services Program Planning and Evaluation
Interpersonal Communications for Human Services
Human Services Delivery Skills
Social Services Administration
Human Development and Community Health
Family Services Administration

Will a Master’s in Human Services Help My Career?

In general, yes. An accelerated master’s will help human services professionals advance their careers. Human Services is a high-demand profession and an M.S. or M.A. in the field will help you stand apart from bachelor’s prepared applicants or employees. While you can enter the field with an undergraduate degree, an online master’s in human services will put you on track to advance in your field.

Advanced education will help you advance in the human services profession. More education qualifies individuals for roles in federal government policy development, management or supervision, program initiation and evaluation, education, grant writing, fiscal responsibilities, organizational development, and health services administration roles.

You can also advance your career in direct services. These include counseling in higher education, human services management, drug and alcohol abuse, social work, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and community or social service management.

How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Human Services?

As mentioned above, human services graduates with greater responsibilities can command a higher salary. There are several factors to consider when discussing how much you can make with a master’s degree in human services. That said, in general, master’s prepared individuals will earn more in salary than their bachelor’s prepared counterparts. Additionally, individuals in leadership positions also earn more.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, suggests Human Services is a career with a much faster than average job growth rate (17% between 2019-2029), offering a median salary of $67,150 per year (PayScale estimates a national average of $62,301) depending on where you live and work.

Job Outlook

The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Human Services field has a much faster than average job growth rate (17% between 2019-2029). Depending on where you live and work, careers in this area offer a median salary of $67,150 per year, according to the BLS (PayScale estimates a national average of $62,301).

When considering salary, you shouldn’t forget to add other benefits that are part of your overall compensation. Some employers will offer benefits packages that may include retirement benefits, paid sick and personal leave, employee tuition assistance, and other compensation.