The Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Programs
Human Services Degree
Human services professionals include case management aides, correctional treatment specialists, and social service assistants. In these roles, professionals help clients access community programs and social services. The first step to one of these careers is to earn a human services bachelor’s degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a bachelor of human services online meets education requirements for several community and social service jobs, many of which offer strong job growth potential. For example, the BLS projects 9% job growth for social and human service assistants between 2022 and 2032.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Southern New Hampshire University enrolls distance learners in 84 programs. Undergraduate students can choose from 35 online bachelor's programs. Learners hoping to advance in the human services field can enroll in the college's bachelor's in human services program. The human services program supports learners from all walks of life through flexible study options.
Students in the human services program complete foundational and advanced coursework amounting to 120 credits. This curriculum consists of general education and advanced coursework. While enrolled, degree-seekers can customize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
The value of a bachelor's degree is clear. Many graduates increase their job opportunities and earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $43,300 six years after completing their degree. To learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities, prospective students should contact the human services department.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 106,762
Total Online Programs: 84
Online Bachelor's Programs: 35
Admission Rate: 88%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
- In-State$15,450
- Out-of-state$15,450
- In-State$19,467
- Out-of-state$19,467
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled184,099
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota offers many top-ranked bachelor's programs. The college boasts 16 fully online bachelor's degree programs. The BS in rehabilitation and human services program prepares remote learners for the demands of the human services field.
Students can modify their coursework to suit their interests and accommodate their schedule. The human services program curriculum equips students with industry-relevant knowledge. Enrollees can benefit from elective classes, minors, and other modifications.
Undergraduate students can expect to pay $14,371 in tuition. While at the college, enrollees can explore funding opportunities to apply toward their studies. The college reports that students receive an average of $5,686 in financial aid.
University of North Dakota at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 6,163
Total Online Programs: 67
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 81%
- In-State$9,237
- Out-of-state$13,856
- In-State$11,963
- Out-of-state$17,944
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled14,172
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 year
- Online
Ottawa University, a private, nonprofit, four-year school in Kansas, boasts a robust online learning community. Undergraduate students seeking flexible, remote study can choose from one of 23 online bachelor's degree programs. The bachelor's in human and social services is an attractive option for students seeking to advance in the human services field. The Human services program accommodates flexible study, so enrollees can learn at their own pace.
Students complete industry-relevant classes, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the human services field. The program curriculum prepares students for the demands of human services careers. While enrolled, students can customize the program by choosing electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The institution reports a median salary of $41,600 earned by graduates six years after completing their studies. Before applying, prospective students should connect with the human services department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
Ottawa University at a Glance:
Total Online Programs: 30
Online Bachelor's Programs: 23
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,682
- Out-of-state$11,682
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled957
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- Oshkosh, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Learners seeking competitive online study should consider the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The public school offers three online bachelor's degree programs from its main campus. Of these, the bachelor's in human services leadership stands out as a competitive option for students interested in the human services field.
The human services program balances rigor with flexibility, proving beneficial to working professionals, busy students, and other learners. Students can also customize the curriculum in consultation with an academic advisor. Enrollees can benefit from electives, minors, and other modifications to their studies.
Undergraduate students can expect to pay $13,955 in tuition. While at the college, enrollees can explore funding opportunities to apply toward their studies. The institution averages financial aid packages of $5,423 per enrollee.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,533
Total Online Programs: 9
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 76%
- In-State$6,806
- Out-of-state$14,719
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$18,154
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled13,761
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a private, nonprofit, four-year institution providing competitive study across 41 bachelor's degree programs. The college boasts 25 fully online bachelor's programs. Distance learners hoping to advance in the human services field will benefit from the college's BS in human services.
Human services students can maximize flexibility through modified coursework and the option to pursue part-time study. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to make these and other adjustments. Learners can benefit from elective classes, minors, and other modifications.
Undergraduate tuition at the institution is $29,950. The school's accreditation status allows students to access funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 347
Total Online Programs: 33
Online Bachelor's Programs: 25
Admission Rate: 67%
- In-State$31,990
- Out-of-state$31,990
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,227
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Southeastern University, a private, nonprofit, four-year institution, offers competitive bachelor's degree programs. Located in Lakeland, Florida, the college supports distance learning across seven remote bachelor's programs. Of these, the bachelor's in human services stands out as a competitive option for students interested in the human services field.
The online human services degree prioritizes flexibility. Students can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework to meet academic and career goals. Students can benefit from electives, minors, and other modifications to the curriculum.
The school reports undergraduate tuition as $25,620. Distance learners at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid programs and other forms of aid.
Southeastern University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,743
Total Online Programs: 18
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Admission Rate: 48%
- In-State$30,432
- Out-of-state$30,432
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled10,534
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
LeTourneau University, a private, nonprofit, four-year college, enables study across 35 online degree programs. Undergraduate students from across the globe can connect with LeTourneau University through one of its 19 fully online bachelor's degree programs. Learners looking for advanced, remote study relevant to the human services field can enroll in the school's online bachelor's in human services program. Students in the human services program can complete classes at their own pace, with the option for part-time enrollment.
During the human services program, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the human services field. These classes equip students with human services-specific and broad knowledge and skills. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $47,300 six years after completing their degree. Before applying, prospective students should connect with the human services department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
LeTourneau University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,884
Total Online Programs: 35
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 45%
- In-State$34,680
- Out-of-state$34,680
- In-State$16,875
- Out-of-state$16,875
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled3,389
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Troy University, a public, four-year institution, offers competitive bachelor's degree programs. Located in Alabama, the college supports distance learning across 19 remote bachelor's programs. Distance learners looking to earn an online human services degree can enroll in the BS in human services program.
Students in the human services program complete coursework pertinent to the field. Students can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework to meet their academic and career goals. Enrollees can explore other educational opportunities, such as minors and elective courses, to customize their studies.
Undergraduate students typically pay $15,600 in tuition. At the accredited institution, students can access external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. On average, degree-seekers are awarded $6,594 in financial aid.
Troy University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 9,242
Total Online Programs: 49
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 88%
- In-State$9,792
- Out-of-state$19,584
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled13,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Colorado State University Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 2 year
- Online
Students looking to earn a flexible college degree should consider Colorado State University Global Campus's online bachelor's degree in human services. Undergraduate students can choose from 15 online bachelor degree programs. Learners hoping to advance in the human services field can enroll in the college's bachelor's in human services. The human services program provides flexibility to learners from all walks of life through full- and part-time study options.
All enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies, amounting to 120 credits. This curriculum consists of general education and advanced coursework. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree, choose electives, and declare minors and concentrations.
The benefits of a bachelor's degree are varied, including increased job opportunities and higher earning potential. Prospective students can contact the human services program to learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities.
Colorado State University Global Campus at a Glance:
Total Online Programs: 39
Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Admission Rate: 99%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
- In-State$8,400
- Out-of-state$8,400
- In-State$9,000
- Out-of-state$9,000
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled9,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Riverside, California Baptist University offers many top-ranked bachelor's programs. Distance learners can choose from 24 fully online bachelor's degree programs. Learners in the BA in human services program are prepared for the demands of the human services field through rigorous study.
The adaptable curriculum enables flexible study. Majors work with academic advisors to select classes that match their interests and fit their schedule. Students can also choose elective classes or pursue a minor to further their learning.
At present, undergraduates pay $32,942 in tuition. Distance learners can pursue financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, to offset educational expenses.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 6,112
Total Online Programs: 39
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 78%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
- In-State$37,570
- Out-of-state$37,570
- In-State$14,184
- Out-of-state$14,184
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled11,254
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Bachelors in Human Services
2023
Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online human services degree programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school’s reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is a Bachelor’s in Human Services Degree?
A Human Services Bachelor’s degree online is a degree that teaches individuals to meet the needs of the clients and communities they serve. An online human services degree provides a strong foundation of knowledge in areas such as case management, advocacy, human services administration, minority issues, substance abuse, and family issues. The programs typically blend traditional coursework with internship and/or practicum experiences to give students a balance of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. Some of the programs include specializations.
What Is the Difference Between Human Services Degree and a Social Work Degree?
The difference between human services and social work is that human services professionals work at large-scale settings, while social workers work at small-scale settings. While related (and often working together), human services and social work differ in key ways. Each field helps people, but with different methods and goals. Social workers tend to help on an individual basis, at the “ground level,” meeting clients and addressing their needs. Social workers work directly with clients to implement social programs. They work directly with clients to help them gain access to services that address their specific problems. Also, some social workers serve as counselors.
Human services professionals tend to work on a larger scale, in community-based settings, they often coordinate services and help create programs to serve the needs of a specific population. They often have an administrative role which involves research, planning and supervision. Many human services professionals work in an administrative role to help individuals and communities gain access to basic needs.
Human services professionals working in institutional settings, community or residential care may provide direct services such as organizing an activity or leading a group.
Some human service professionals serve as advocates for people they serve, in public and political realms, influencing policy and funding to make vital resources more available.
Human Services Careers
With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, individuals can pursue careers in a variety of specialty fields and professional settings in the human services field. Human services professionals work in the public or the private sector in places such as:
- Addiction Care
- Family Services
- Food and Nutrition Agencies
- Health Services
- Immigrant Services
- Legal and Victims Assistance Organizations
- Mental Health Facilities
- Non-profit Organizations
- Private Agencies
- Public Safety and Disaster Relief Organizations
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Residential Care
- Senior Citizen Centers
- Social Advocacy
- State and Federal Justice Systems
- Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
- Women’s Shelters
- Youth Development Organizations
- Youth Services
The human services sector basically has two types of jobs: Employees who work directly with clients and employees who provide administrative support for an organization providing human services.
Many human services workers with a bachelor’s degree spend a lot of time managing client cases. Some of them also provide clinical support. Additional professional certifications can aid in pursuing specific career paths.
Potential jobs include:
- Adult Day Care Worker
- Agency Volunteer Coordinator
- Case Worker
- Case Manager
- Child Advocate
- Client Advocate
- Community Action Worker
- Community Organizer
- Community Outreach Worker
- Counselor
- Executive Director
- Family Support Worker
- Foster Care Case Manager
- Gerontology Specialist
- Group Home Attendant
- Juvenile Court Liaison
- Mental Health Worker
- Parole or Probation Officer
- Rehabilitation Case Manager
- Substance Abuse Worker
- Wellness Specialist
- Youth Treatment Specialist
Human Services Job Outlook
The job outlook for human services professionals remains high, with a steady need across many fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, community and social service occupations enjoy a job growth outlook of 8% from 2022-2032, much faster than most occupations.
