The Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services 2020

The largest research institution in Alabama, UAB's roots date back to 1859. In an effort to expand its global reach and increase access for contemporary students, the school now offers online courses and degrees, including an online BS in community health and human services with a concentration in human services. In this program, students learn to promote and improve health services delivery.

Students who earn their human services bachelor's degree online take core, elective, and major courses. The 62-credit major covers professional ethics, case management, human development, and interviewing and intervention. Learners also complete work experience and service-learning opportunities. Graduates may qualify to sit for the human services practitioner exam issued by the Center for Credentialing & Education.

UAB delivers most online coursework asynchronously, but some classes may require online attendance at specific times. Courses last for seven weeks or entire semesters, and program start dates are available in the spring and fall. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate, and they must submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants receive credit on a case-by-case basis.

ODU has offered distance learning since the 1980s. Those early programs evolved into satellite delivery programs in 1994, live online programs in the early 2000s, and asynchronous programs in 2010. The school now offers more than 100 online programs. Its online BS in human services program teaches students concepts related to human growth and development, human services program evaluation, fundraising, and grant writing.

To earn their 120-credit human services bachelor's degree online, students need to complete at least 30 credits at ODU. In addition to general education and departmental requirements, the program features a 42-credit major Learners take courses in diversity issues in human services, human services methods, and psycho-educational groups. Students also complete an internship during their final semesters and can also complete a minor.

ODU delivers online coursework synchronously and asynchronously. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Transfer applicants receive transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. ODU may also require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Graduates of the program may qualify for the alcohol and drug counselor and substance abuse counselor certifications.

Western enrolls more than 16,000 students in over 175 programs. The school offers a variety of online courses — both semester-based and self-paced. Students can also earn their bachelor's degrees online. One of two degree completion options available, the school's online BA in human services caters to students with a passion for social and economic justice and the desire to help change the world.

Students who earn a human services bachelor's degree online need to complete a total of 180 quarter credits, though students take the majority of these prior to joining the program. The 76-credit major includes courses in applied research methods, social justice dynamics, and program planning. Learners complete 380 hours of field experiences in an internship spread over three quarters. Students can develop a human services specialty by choosing focused electives.

At Western, online classes often combine asynchronous and synchronous components, with start dates available in the fall and winter. Applicants to Western need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. To gain admission into this online major, applicants need to complete all general university requirements and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.

Established in 1948, Grace oversees six schools and colleges. Over the years, the school has broadened its programs and offerings to include online courses and more than 10 online degrees, including four at the bachelor's level. The online BS in human services track is a degree completion program that enables students to pursue helping and social service careers. This condensed program permits learners to complete their bachelor's degree in human services in an accelerated and flexible format.

Students interested in earning their human services bachelor's degree online must complete a total of 120 credits, 45 of which are taken at Grace. Learners complete courses in systems of social welfare, case management, and interpersonal communication. In their final semester, students complete a capstone seminar that allows them to apply their managerial skills within a practical environment. Online students at Grace can take classes in eight-week sessions throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Grace delivers most coursework asynchronously, although some classes may feature set schedules. Online learners benefit from open educational resources, eliminating textbooks and class material costs. Full-time students can finish the major within 16 months. Applicants need at least 60 undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Transfer students may earn additional credits based on experiential learning and standardized exams.

Founded in 1909 as a teacher's college, Lesley has developed into a school with nearly 7,000 students and a variety of programs. To better accommodate working professionals, Lesley oversees online courses and programs, including an online BS in human services. One of seven online programs, this degree prepares students to pursue careers as community advocates and healthcare professionals.

This online human services bachelor's degree requires 120 credits. The major includes 39 credits of coursework and 16 credits of experiential learning. All students take courses in lifespan development, practical ethics in human services, and social policy. They also complete two internships (450 hours in total). Enrollees have the choice of concentrating in one of the following areas:

• At-risk Individuals and Families
• At-risk Organizations and Communities

Lesley delivers online coursework asynchronously, and distance learners can choose from six annual start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Students can enroll part time or full time, and classes may run in eight-week sessions or full, 15-week semester sessions. Applicants without at least 60 undergraduate credits need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Transfer applicants with an associate degree need a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission and may receive up to 90 transfer credits.

Since its founding in 1920, IWU has developed 16 regional centers and 15 online programs for undergraduates, the first of which began in 1997. Students in the school's online BS in human services degree completion program are taught advocacy, management, and social service delivery skills from a biblical perspective.

In the 45-credit human services major, students complete courses in crisis intervention, advocacy in human services, and addiction counseling skills. Learners can complete the major within 20 months. Students progress through major coursework as part of a cohort, taking one class at a time. IWU delivers most online courses asynchronously, though some classes integrate synchronous sessions. In addition to online classes, learners can take on-campus evening classes.

To complete their human services bachelor's degree online, learners need to earn 120 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a minimum major GPA of 2.25. IWU requires applicants to possess at least 60 undergraduate credits. Applicants may earn up to 40 transfer credits through an assessed learning program, and transfer applicants can bring in up to 90 transfer credits in total.

Dedicated to instilling strong values and ethics in its students, SAGU offers more than 70 online programs. In its online BS in human services program, students learn how human service variables impact people, families, and communities.

Students who earn this 126-credit human services bachelor's degree online take general education, biblical studies, elective, and major courses. While many of the courses in the 39-credit major depend on each student's choices, all learners complete a practicum in the field. Students choose one of the following specializations:

• Counseling
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Criminal Justice

Online classes start every fall, spring, and summer. SAGU delivers most online coursework asynchronously. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or the GED equivalent). Applicants may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants receive transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning as a graduate school in 1964, NSU has since developed regional campuses and distance learning programs. The school now offers more than 50 online programs, including an online BS in human services administration, which teaches students communication, management, and counseling skills.

The curriculum of this online human services bachelor's degree features 120 credits of general education, elective, and major courses. In the core program, participants take courses in human services delivery systems, assessment skills, and public administration. Students also complete a supervised placement with an agency in their field of interest. Learners can then choose to complete various electives or focus their training into a specialization in one of the following areas:

• Nonprofit Management
• Advocacy/Case Management
• Health Administration
• Social Work
• Substance Abuse Studies

NSU delivers most online coursework asynchronously. Typically, the three annual semesters include two eight-week sessions each. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate, and they must submit their SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants receive transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.

Founded in 1891, CWU enrolls more than 12,000 students in over 135 majors. Through online programs, the school allows students from across the country to access a CWU education. One of more than 10 bachelor's degrees available through distance learning, the human services bachelor's degree covers the skills and training needed to work in care delivery and helping positions in government and nonprofit organizations.

The major requires 60-66 credits and includes core, practice area, and elective coursework. After developing a foundation in the core, students take focused classes in a practice area, such as social welfare, cooperative education, or social service casework. Electives allow students to focus their training in an area of their choice. Several courses also include practical service projects in which students work with nonprofit organizations.

CWU delivers some coursework synchronously and some coursework asynchronously. Program applicants need a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or the GED equivalent). Transfer applicants with more than 40 undergraduate credits need a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Since 1873, DU has provided its students with training that combines theory and practice. To accommodate working professionals, the school introduced evening courses at regional locations and online programs, including an online BS in human services. In this program, students acquire skills related to counseling, human development, and group dynamics.

This online human services bachelor's degree requires 124 credits, including general education, core, and major requirements. The 42-credit major includes courses in positive psychology, family therapy, and social gerontology. Students also complete courses in research, statistics, and a senior capstone. Some classes include practical components to provide experiential learning.

DU delivers all online coursework asynchronously, and distance learners can take up to five courses in a semester. Some online classes run in eight-week sessions, whereas others take up the full 16-week semester. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate and must submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants need to submit the same materials, as well as their undergraduate transcripts. DU awards transfer credits on an individual basis.

Since its founding in 1932, SNHU has offered its students flexible learning options. The school first introduced online programs in 1995. Today, SNHU houses more than 200 programs, including 150 at the undergraduate level. The online BA in human services program teaches learners the skills needed to assess social situations and environments, develop appropriate care and response strategies, and implement meaningful responses.

Students earning their 120-credit human services bachelor's degree online complete courses in general education, arts and sciences, electives, and the major. Major coursework covers public policy and advocacy, ethics in human services, and case management. The major also features a capstone course that allows students to apply their training in a practical environment. In place of a group of electives, learners can choose a concentration in one of the following disciplines:

• Child and Family Services
• Gerontology
• Substance Abuse

SNHU delivers online coursework asynchronously throughout eight-week sessions. Distance learners can start during any of the six annual sessions. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Transfer applicants with satisfactory grades may earn up to 90 credits based on prior coursework. Applicants with relevant work experience, industry licensure, and/or certifications may qualify for additional transfer credits.

A Baptist-affiliated school that was established in 1950, CBU now enrolls more than 11,000 students in over 160 programs. It also offers more than 40 degrees online. The school's online BA in human services track teaches learners how to help individuals and groups access important social services. Graduates can pursue positions related to community outreach, community case management, and social services.

To complete their human services bachelor's degree online, students need 124 credits of general education, elective, and major courses. The 42-credit major covers human social behavior, the legal implications of human services, and family violence and mandated reporting. The major also includes a human services capstone course, along with two optional practicum courses.

CBU delivers online coursework asynchronously through accelerated, eight-week sessions. New students may enroll every eight weeks. Full-time learners can complete the human services program's major curriculum in 16 months. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or the GED equivalent). CBU prefers applicants with at least 24 undergraduate credits. Transfer students may receive up to 100 transfer credits based on previous undergraduate coursework.

Founded in 1887, Troy delivers more than 70 online programs — including an online BS in human services — and has awarded more than 21,000 online degrees. Graduates of the school's human services program can help people, families, and communities gain access to healthcare, food, employment, and social services.

While earning their 120-credit human services bachelor's degree online, learners complete general education, elective, and major courses. The human services major includes 36 credits and covers human behavior in the social environment, diversity, and professional communication skills. The major also requires students to complete a 120-hour field practicum at a location of their choosing.

Troy delivers most online coursework asynchronously through condensed, nine-week sessions. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or the GED equivalent). They also need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants need at least 24 undergraduate credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Founded in 1911, ETSU has since grown into a university with 11 schools and colleges and more than 14,000 students. With the introduction of online programs, ETSU made its programs more accessible to working professionals. Through the online BS in human services program, graduates gain the skills necessary for a variety of social service careers. During the program, students develop and evaluate service and care programs and work to understand legal and ethical implications that impact the field.

This online human services bachelor's degree requires 120 credits. The 39-credit major curriculum includes courses in family development, child/family/community relations, and counseling theory and practice. Students also complete an internship and a practicum. Each learner can choose a minor; some minors, like early childhood development, may lead to additional certifications.

Online classes may feature asynchronous or synchronous delivery. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.3 (or the GED equivalent). They also need to submit SAT or ACT scores. In order to enroll in the practicum and graduate from the program, students need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Founded in 1901, DU currently enrolls more than 3,000 students annually. The school offers more than 75 programs, including over 50 at the undergraduate level. DU also offers a variety of online courses and programs. Its online BPS in human services prepares students for a variety of professions by instilling communication, case management, and leadership skills.

This 120-credit human services bachelor's track features requirements in general education, core proficiencies, electives, and the human services major. The 42-credit major curriculum covers social policy, human services administration, and statistics for social scientists. In place of electives, distance learners can create their own concentration, choosing from the following options:

• Labor Relations
• Sustainability Studies
• Disability Advocacy
• International Studies
• Training and Development

DU delivers most online coursework asynchronously through accelerated, eight-week sessions. Students can complete major requirements within 20 months. Applicants need at least 30 undergraduate credits for admission. Accepted students can also earn credit for relevant work and life experience.

Bay Path focuses on providing accessible academic programs to its roughly 3,000 students. The introduction of hybrid and online offerings has facilitated this mission. The school oversees an online BA in psychology program with a major in human services and rehabilitation. Students learn the skills required for careers in a variety of human services and support fields. The degree follows the Human Services Research Institute's professional standards.

Students who earn this 120-credit human services bachelor's degree online take courses in communicating for leadership, behavioral research methods, and addictions and interventions. The program also includes practical courses, like interviewing and counseling, leadership in practice, and a 120-hour practicum. Graduates may satisfy the requirements needed to sit for the human services practitioner exam issued by the Center for Credentialing & Education.

Bay Path delivers online coursework synchronously and asynchronously. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate. They also need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer applicants need to submit the same information, plus all undergraduate transcripts.

Founded in 1916, SJCNY currently enrolls more than 1,200 students. In addition to its flagship Brooklyn campus, the school operates a Long Island campus and offers 10 online programs. Graduates of the school's online BS in human services program can apply their training to careers that help individuals, groups, and communities.

Individuals who earn a 120-credit human services bachelor's degree online take coursework that covers counseling, human services delivery systems, and case management. The major also includes a capstone research course and two optional field experience courses.

SJCNY delivers online coursework asynchronously. All online students pay the same tuition, regardless of where they live. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (or the GED equivalent). Transfer applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.0 for admission and can bring in up to 90 transfer credits.

OCU seeks to provide its students with flexible study options. To that end, the university offers more than 20 online programs. The school's online BA in human services teaches students the intellectual and practical skills required for social advocacy and care delivery professions. The program also integrates a biblical perspective into its coursework.

Requiring 120 credits, students who earn this human services bachelor's degree online cover three main components: general education, electives, and the major. In the 45-credit major, students learn about cycles of addiction, managing social casework, and leadership and administration. The major component also includes a capstone course in which students apply their knowledge in a practical environment.

OCU distance learners take courses as part of a cohort, taking one course at a time. Classes remain small, allowing students to get assistance when needed. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously. Applicants need at least 50 undergraduate credits, along with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Columbia College is committed to providing an education for working professionals, and the school oversees several evening and online programs. Distance learners can access more than 10 degrees, including an online BA in human services in counseling. This degree completion program equips students with the skills needed to provide direct services, administer programs, and develop policies.

Online students complete the upper-level component of their degree track at Columbia College. Courses in the 33-credit major include psychological disorders, group process, professional ethics, and psychology of personality. Some courses feature clinical components. In addition to the major, online students can also complete upper-level general education components online.

Columbia College delivers online coursework asynchronously in five-week sessions. Distance learners receive textbooks at no additional cost. Applicants need an associate degree in human services and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Transfer applicants can bring in up to 90 credits.

Judson opened its doors in 1963. Since then, the school's student body has grown to more than 1,250 pupils. Students can pursue over 60 undergraduate programs, including several online courses and programs. Learners pursuing an online BA in human services gain the skills necessary to evaluate and analyze service systems. They also learn to improve systems for the betterment of individuals, families, and communities.

This online human services bachelor's degree features 120 credits. Students in the program complete a 46-credit major. Courses include nonprofit management, cultural competence, and advocacy and social justice. The program also includes several practical components, such as group practices, practice perspectives, human sciences field experiences, and an integrated learning capstone course.

Judson delivers online coursework asynchronously. Full-time students can finish major classes within two years. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (or the GED equivalent) and must submit SAT or ACT scores.

AU houses nine colleges and schools and offers nearly 40 majors, including several online degrees. Students pursuing an online bachelor's degree in human services learn to understand individuals and families and help them find the appropriate care and services. The program's learning objectives include developing knowledge related to social services, clients, and systems.

The 120-credit curriculum of this online human services bachelor's degree includes general education, elective, and major coursework. The 60-credit major includes courses in business communication, social welfare policies, and administration in human services. The major also requires students to complete a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Behavioral Health
• Healthcare and Human Services Management
• Gerontology

AU delivers online coursework asynchronously through seven-week terms. Students can complete major-related classes in 18 months. Students may choose a self-paced format or a more traditional term-based format. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED certificate, and they must submit their SAT or ACT scores.

Opening its doors in 1899, SMWC originally focused on empowering female students through education. The school first delved into distance education in the late 20th century. In 2005, SMWC expanded its student body to include men. Created for students with a passion to help people and communities, the online BS in human services program equips graduates with the skills needed to assess client needs and identify or establish services that meet those needs.

While earning their human services bachelor's degree online, distance learners must complete 120 credits. Within the 55-credit major, students complete courses in human service techniques, contemporary social problems, and racial and cultural minorities. They also take two human service practicum courses, along with courses in research methods and statistics.

SMWC delivers most online coursework asynchronously. The program offers multiple start dates each year. Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or the GED equivalent).