In the online Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences program at Jacksonville State University (JSU), students can choose between the child development or human sciences concentration. These programs include courses on child development, family life studies, and other topics related to family and consumer sciences. Students must complete a total of 120 credits, which
Best Online Bachelor's in Human Services Degrees
Accredited online human services degree programs are offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate levels. Online human services degree programs train students to serve the public in a variety of capacities including alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, family and marriage therapy, social work, and school counseling. Aspiring undergraduate students looking to tailor their search may want to focus on the schools on our best colleges rankings list, which highlights top schools, based on tuition rates and alumni salaries reported by PayScale.
Prospective students should consider the accreditation of their online degree programs. Depending on their career plans, accreditation may be a requirement. Counseling, social work, and other clinically focused programs require state licensure so students should consult their state board for relevant accreditation requirements.
Online Bachelor's in Human Services with the Highest Return on Investment

We've analyzed salary and debt data to determine the top-ranked online bachelor's degrees in human services based on return on investment (ROI). We calculated ROIs based on median 10-year alumni earnings after paying off student debt in order to help prospective students determine whether the expense of an online program is likely to be worth the cost. All 24 programs ranked below feature ROIs above the nationwide average of $295,600 (which includes on-campus and online degrees). For example, Jacksonville University earned the top spot with an ROI of $459,700, more than $160,000 above the U.S. average.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jacksonville State University | $11,310 | $48,432 | $31,250 | $459,700 | |
Elizabethtown College | $17,760 | $40,896 | $26,262 | $388,300 | |
SUNY Empire State College | $10,943 | $38,702 | $25,250 | $367,200 | |
Pacific Oaks College | $25,650 | $37,503 | $25,000 | $355,000 | |
Granite State College | $10,950 | $36,312 | $17,630 | $351,900 | |
Fisher College | $14,400 | $35,701 | $21,797 | $340,400 | |
Central Michigan University | $13,020 | $36,062 | $26,185 | $338,500 | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | $34,847 | $17,836 | $336,500 | |
Wayland Baptist University | $13,206 | $33,993 | $14,583 | $331,800 | |
Texas Tech University | $21,030 | $34,888 | $23,250 | $330,200 | |
Quincy University | $11,400 | $35,290 | $27,000 | $329,700 | |
Southeastern University | $12,090 | $35,594 | $30,333 | $328,700 | |
University of Arizona | $15,000 | $33,586 | $18,750 | $322,400 | |
National Louis University | $18,000 | $33,324 | $22,295 | $315,700 | |
Stephen F. Austin State University | $29,032 | $34,793 | $35,500 | $314,000 | |
Western Washington University | $12,240 | $32,869 | $20,832 | $312,400 | |
Central Washington University | $15,034 | $32,291 | $17,081 | $311,500 | |
Mercer University | $14,550 | $34,633 | $36,652 | $310,900 | |
Judson University | $16,950 | $33,138 | $24,500 | $310,600 | |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $10,800 | $33,077 | $24,000 | $310,600 | |
Upper Iowa University | $14,640 | $33,535 | $28,240 | $310,100 | |
Colorado State University Global | $10,500 | $32,569 | $26,240 | $302,600 | |
Bluefield College | $10,950 | $31,890 | $20,833 | $302,400 | |
Geneva College | $12,450 | $32,213 | $25,000 | $300,500 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Human Services Rankings Details
#1
Jacksonville State University
- 10-Year ROI: $459,700
- Median Salary: $48,432
- Annual Tuition: $11,310
- Median Debt: $31,250
#2
Elizabethtown College
- 10-Year ROI: $388,300
- Median Salary: $40,896
- Annual Tuition: $17,760
- Median Debt: $26,262
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at Elizabethtown College, students can opt for the B.S. in human services with a specialization in behavioral and addictions counseling, or they can pursue a general human services degree with a minor in an area such as business administration, criminal justice, or health care administration. This program requires 125 credits
#3
SUNY Empire State College
- 10-Year ROI: $367,200
- Median Salary: $38,702
- Annual Tuition: $10,943
- Median Debt: $25,250
SUNY Empire State College offers an online Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Professional Studies in Community and Human Services with six different concentrations: children and family services, criminal justice services, disability services, health and human services, and substance abuse services. Students can also create an interdisciplinary concentration that
#4
Pacific Oaks College
- 10-Year ROI: $355,000
- Median Salary: $37,503
- Annual Tuition: $25,650
- Median Debt: $25,000
At Pacific Oaks College, the online Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students for entry-level positions in the social work field. In this program, students learn about policy change, program implementation, case management, care coordination, and discharge social work, and they gain skills to empower communities and promote their wellbeing. The program requires 39 credits
#5
Granite State College
- 10-Year ROI: $351,900
- Median Salary: $36,312
- Annual Tuition: $10,950
- Median Debt: $17,630
At Granite State College, online students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies - Health and Human Services, or a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in addiction studies, adult court advocacy, child court advocacy, counseling foundations, education advocacy, or family studies. Courses in these four-year
#6
Fisher College
- 10-Year ROI: $340,400
- Median Salary: $35,701
- Annual Tuition: $14,400
- Median Debt: $21,797
At Fisher College, the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in the human services field. Students can choose a concentration in early intervention or early childhood education and early intervention. This degree provides graduates with the education they need to pursue careers as caseworkers,
#7
Central Michigan University
- 10-Year ROI: $338,500
- Median Salary: $36,062
- Annual Tuition: $13,020
- Median Debt: $26,185
Central Michigan University (CSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Community Development with a concentration in community services. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the public sector and learn skills in effective communication, leadership, research, fiscal management, policymaking, strategic planning, and more. The degree requires a total of 120 credits in
#8
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $336,500
- Median Salary: $34,847
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Median Debt: $17,836
At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the online Bachelor of Science in Criminology degree with a concentration in criminal justice lets students study the science and psychology behind criminal conduct. In this program, students take courses on cultural awareness, communication skills, and discretion in criminal justice. The 120-credit program can take four years of full-time
#9
Wayland Baptist University
- 10-Year ROI: $331,800
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $13,206
- Median Debt: $14,583
To earn an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services at Wayland Baptist University, students must complete a total of 124 credits, which includes 36 credits in the major. The school uses eight-week sessions so that students can finish courses faster. This setup typically allows students to complete 30+ hours of coursework in the school's five annual terms. This program
#10
Texas Tech University
- 10-Year ROI: $330,200
- Median Salary: $34,888
- Annual Tuition: $21,030
- Median Debt: $23,250
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at Texas Tech University, students must earn a total of 120 credits. To complete this degree, students must choose three minors requiring 18 credits each, and two must be in the College of Human Sciences. Potential options include addictive disorders and recovery, family and consumer sciences, interior design, nutrition
#11
Quincy University
- 10-Year ROI: $329,700
- Median Salary: $35,290
- Annual Tuition: $11,400
- Median Debt: $27,000
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree-completion program at Quincy University (QU), students study topics such as human development, counseling theory, group dynamics, and other courses designed to prepare them for a career in the human services field. The school uses eight-week sessions. Most students take two classes in every session, and the accelerated pace
#12
Southeastern University
- 10-Year ROI: $328,700
- Median Salary: $35,594
- Annual Tuition: $12,090
- Median Debt: $30,333
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at Southeastern University, students learn how to apply Christian principles to a career in human services. This program prepares graduates for diverse jobs such as child advocates, community health workers, care coordinators, and case managers. The degree requires 121 credits and takes about 48 months to complete on average.
#13
University of Arizona
- 10-Year ROI: $322,400
- Median Salary: $33,586
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Debt: $18,750
In the online Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services degree-completion program at the University of Arizona, students take courses on resilience and humility, as well as the foundations of human services and research methods. They must complete a required internship experience. Completion time varies based on the student’s number of transfer credits. This degree prepares
#14
National Louis University
- 10-Year ROI: $315,700
- Median Salary: $33,324
- Annual Tuition: $18,000
- Median Debt: $22,295
In the online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program at National Louis University, students learn about the dynamics of families and communities as they prepare for careers in organizations that provide support services for people and communities in need. Available concentrations include aging studies, entrepreneurship, human resources management, leadership, leadership foundations,
#15
Stephen F. Austin State University
- 10-Year ROI: $314,000
- Median Salary: $34,793
- Annual Tuition: $29,032
- Median Debt: $35,500
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at Stephen F. Austin State University, students learn how to observe and interview patients, carry out treatment plans, and work with people in the midst of crisis. The program includes courses on counseling, social advocacy, grant writing, substance abuse, and community collaboration, and students must also complete a
#16
Western Washington University
- 10-Year ROI: $312,400
- Median Salary: $32,869
- Annual Tuition: $12,240
- Median Debt: $20,832
At Western Washington University (WWU), the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services is a 180-credit program that prepares students for diverse careers in the human services field. In this program, students take courses on social justice and equity, global policy, interventions, applied research methods, conflict resolution, and similar topics, and they also must complete 260 hours of
#17
Central Washington University
- 10-Year ROI: $311,500
- Median Salary: $32,291
- Annual Tuition: $15,034
- Median Debt: $17,081
Central Washington University’s (CWU) online Bachelor of Science in Social Services program prepares students for a career in the human services field in settings such as job placement agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, food delivery programs, abuse prevention programs, and foster care agencies. To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credits with at least 66
#18
Mercer University
- 10-Year ROI: $310,900
- Median Salary: $34,633
- Annual Tuition: $14,550
- Median Debt: $36,652
At Mercer University, the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program offers concentrations in family services, gerontology services, mental health services, social services, and substance abuse services. With the human services degree, graduates can pursue careers in case management, social work, or other human services fields. Courses cover topics such as interpersonal
#19 (tie)
Judson University
- 10-Year ROI: $310,600
- Median Salary: $33,138
- Annual Tuition: $16,950
- Median Debt: $24,500
The online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services degree program at Judson University focuses on faith and critical thinking skills to prepare students to serve human services clients in a Christian-based way. To earn this degree, students take courses such as foundations in human services, social justice, managing nonprofits, legal and ethical issues, and faith-based issues. This program
#19 (tie)
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- 10-Year ROI: $310,600
- Median Salary: $33,077
- Annual Tuition: $10,800
- Median Debt: $24,000
In the online Bachelor of Science in Human Services Leadership program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, students learn about conflict resolution, grant writing, resource allocation, human behavior, intervention strategies, professional development, project planning, and social issues. They can also complete a professional internship. This four-year degree program welcomes
#21
Upper Iowa University
- 10-Year ROI: $310,100
- Median Salary: $33,535
- Annual Tuition: $14,640
- Median Debt: $28,240
At Upper Iowa University (UIU), the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program includes courses on methods in human services, mental health, social work, and healthcare economics. Students must also complete a capstone project that can involve an internship. This degree program takes varying amounts of time, depending on the student's transfer credits and number of courses taken.
#22
Colorado State University Global
- 10-Year ROI: $302,600
- Median Salary: $32,569
- Annual Tuition: $10,500
- Median Debt: $26,240
The online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program at Colorado State University (CSU) Global helps students gain the knowledge they need for a career in human services. As they work toward this 120-credit degree, students learn about human development, intervention methods, case management, and human services administration. They can also opt to specialize in organizational
#23
Bluefield College
- 10-Year ROI: $302,400
- Median Salary: $31,890
- Annual Tuition: $10,950
- Median Debt: $20,833
At Bluefield College, the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services program is rooted in the Christian faith and heart-centered principles. This degree requires 120 credits, including 49 general education credits, 32 minor or elective hours, and 48 core hours in courses such as human development across the lifespan, theories of personality, family dynamics, human
#24
Geneva College
- 10-Year ROI: $300,500
- Median Salary: $32,213
- Annual Tuition: $12,450
- Median Debt: $25,000
At Geneva College, students can earn an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Aging Services or an online Bachelor of Professional Studies in Child and Family Services in a Christ-centered academic environment. These programs focus on the physical and social aspects of aging and the challenges of working with children and families in human services settings. Courses include
Online Human Services Degree Overview & Career Information
Undergraduate certificate and associate degrees in human services can prepare graduates for administrative roles and assistant clinical work in areas like social work or alcohol and substance abuse counseling. While coursework varies by degree, common classes in these programs include counseling theory and techniques, interviewing, legal and ethical issues, psychopathology, and multicultural issues.
Online bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as social work, counseling, and family and marriage therapy prepare students to work on cases for clients or patients, usually under the direction of a professional with graduate-level credentials or a state license. Other degrees in public administration areas such as emergency management and homeland security cover topics like management, finance, and human resources, as they apply to public service organizations.
An online master’s degree in human services can prepare students to conduct clinical work with patients to help them overcome life challenges or find the public services they need. Students learn about topics like human behavior, case management, and the structure of the welfare system. Master’s programs in public administration usually cover topics like human services management, non-profit management, or public policy and administration.
Students can earn online doctoral degrees in human services specifically or in closely related fields like psychology, public health, marriage and family therapy or social work. These programs can prepare graduates to diagnose and treat individuals with mental illnesses, conduct research or teach at the college level, or work in executive roles at public service institutions.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Human Services
The bachelor’s degree in human services prepares graduates to work in direct contact with clients or in administrative positions in service-oriented organizations. These programs contain a core of humanities and science courses, as well as the human services theory and skills-based classes.
Program Requirements
Applicants to an online bachelor's degree program will need a high school diploma or GED. They will need to submit transcripts from high school and from any previous college-level coursework. Some schools will also require SAT or ACT scores. Online bachelor's degrees in human services take about four years to complete. Students can expect to take roughly 120 semester credit hours of coursework.
Curriculum
The online human services bachelor’s curriculum provides a well-rounded introduction to the skills of the helping professions. Students learn the skills for effecting change at the individual, group, and community level. Core classes explore interpersonal communication, human services methods, and assisting in diverse communities. Other courses focus on the skills of counseling, client interviewing, and intervention. Many programs also train students in the administrative aspects of human services organizations, such as fundraising and program development.
Many human services bachelor’s programs include the opportunity to specialize in a particular aspect of the helping professions, such as child and family services, substance abuse, emergency management, or health and human services management. Most programs require an internship or practicum in a local human services agency.
Individuals with an online human service bachelor’s degree can go on to become social workers, case managers, substance abuse counselors, career counselors, and human services specialists in non-profits, public agencies, and the private sector. Besides direct-contact positions, the bachelor’s degree can also lead to work as a general administrator, program director, or supervisor in a human services agency after some years of professional experience.
Accreditation for Online Human Services Degrees
Accreditation is an evaluation process that schools and individual degree programs may choose to participate in to demonstrate to the public that they meet established standards of excellence. Programmatic accreditation is granted by trade-specific accrediting bodies, and institutional accreditation is granted by regional or national accrediting bodies. Students who choose to enroll in an accredited degree program can feel confident that they are receiving a high-quality education that will be worth their time and monetary investment. Attending an accredited program will benefit students who plan to apply for federal financial aid or transfer credits to another school, as accreditation is a requirement for both of these things.
Certification and licensing requirements for many careers in the human services field often include a degree from an accredited program. The Council on Social Work Education is an important accrediting body for social work programs, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits counseling-related degree programs. In areas such as public administration, programmatic accreditation may not be required, but it can be useful for pinpointing quality programs. Specialized accreditation for programs is awarded by agencies such as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
While the US Department of Education does not perform any accreditation services of its own, it does formally recognize several independent accrediting agencies. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation is another reliable authority that offers a list of recognized agencies and accredited schools and programs. For more information about accreditation, please visit OnlineU's accreditation hub.
Certifications for Human Services Professionals
Because human service professionals contribute to the well-being and safety of clients who are often in a vulnerable state, some positions require certification or licensure. It's always best to verify any legal requirements necessary for your profession in your particular state, but clinical social work and counseling are two human service careers that do typically require certification or a license.
While nonclinical or direct-contact social workers aren't usually required to have a license, all US states require that clinical social workers obtain registration or licensure of some sort. Clinical social workers typically need a two-year Master of Social Work degree from an accredited institution and at least two years of supervised work experience before they can be eligible to take the licensing exam. Once they have a license, social workers must complete continuing education hours to keep their skills and their certification current. Please visit our Complete Guide to an Online Social Work Degree for further details about certification and licensure for social workers.
Another common career path for human services graduates is professional counseling. All US states require counselors who provide direct patient care to obtain some sort of certification or license to practice. Licensed counselors must usually complete a two-year master's degree program, two years of supervised clinical experience, and an exam. They must also complete continuing education hours to maintain their license. Optional professional certification provides counselors with additional credentials in general counseling or in a counseling specialization such as school counseling, mental health counseling, addictions counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. Please visit our Complete Guide to Online Counseling Degrees for more information about certification and licensing requirements for counselors.
Online Public Administration Degrees
Online degree programs in public administration equip students with the skills and expertise that allow them to effectively tackle issues associated with economic development, social justice, and sustainability. If you have a keen interest in the diverse issues that inform the public agenda and are committed to upholding social justice, working in public administration will give you many opportunities to make a difference. Numerous career opportunities are available for public administration graduates in government, non-profit organizations, and in the private sector. Graduates can take up leadership and management roles at various levels in advocacy, consultancy, project implementation, research, or policy making.
Bachelor’s programs focus on administrative management, community dynamics, disaster recovery, fiscal budgeting, government structure, politics, and public policy. The coursework gives students sharp insights into social issues and teaches them how to effect change through government systems. Most bachelor’s programs require students to complete a capstone course.
Master’s programs can enhance students' leadership potential and provide them with a unique set of analytical and management tools that can be applied across a broad range of sectors. Core areas in master’s programs include governmental fiscal decision making, human resources in public and non-profit sectors, management information systems, organizational behavior, public organization and management, and research methods. Programs also offer students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as criminal justice, emergency management, government administration, healthcare management and policy, and policy analysis. A capstone project is a typical requirement of master’s programs.
Doctoral programs are ideal for those looking to engage in sophisticated research. These programs allow students to develop their understanding of the foundations of public administration and other key areas in the field, such as methodology, organizational theory, program and policy evaluation, public sector financial analysis, and strategic management. Programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in a specific area and complete a dissertation project. Graduates can find leadership positions in consultancy firms or think tanks, or take up teaching positions in universities.
Online Public Safety Management Degrees
Public safety management degree programs help students develop the skill set necessary for a broad range of careers, such as law enforcement, community organizing, homeland security, disaster preparedness, and crime prevention social work. Graduates will have an understanding of what it takes to keep the public safe, the improvements that can be made, and the measures that are taken every day to maintain public safety. Those who are seeking careers in public safety management must have a strong interest in helping people and an understanding of how communities (and even nations) are organized. An interest in politics is also beneficial for students of public safety management.
The degree level a person chooses in public safety management will have a significant impact on what career choices they have after graduating. An associate degree is best for those careers that don't technically require a college education, but where a college education may prove valuable. For example, a police officer with an associate degree in public safety management may qualify for promotions to sheriff or squad leader. Some may become instructors or trainers within the police force. Other careers for these graduates include head of security and corrections officer.
A bachelor's degree provides similar opportunities, but those who earn bachelor's degrees in public safety management may also qualify for careers with the government. As undergraduates, students will study police science, fire science, homeland security, terrorism, criminal justice, and criminology. Programs may have specialization options or certain emphases.
Public safety management graduates with a master's or doctoral degree hold top jobs with large-scale police forces -- particularly those in major cities -- or with government agencies like the National Guard or National Security Council. Those who want to lead police departments, work for the CIA, or become top military professionals are most likely to benefit from graduate degree programs. Public safety management graduate students often complete theses or dissertations based on their own experiences in the field and their own research. After earning a doctorate in public safety management, some graduates may choose to become professors rather than agency directors.
Career Paths for Human Service Graduates
Employment opportunities for individuals in the human services industry are varied. There are many determining factors, such as education, level of experience, and scope of practice. However, all positions have one aspect in common: they each focus on enhancing life conditions for others. Your career may involve working with children and families, elderly people, former prison inmates, homeless people, immigrants, individuals suffering from mental illnesses or other disabilities, persons with addictions, or veterans.
Some of the career specializations available for human services professionals include addictions counselor, case work aide, clinical social work aide, family services assistant, human services worker, or social work assistant. Below, we've highlighted three common professional roles in the human services field:
Life Skills Counselor
Also known as life skills coaches, these individuals advise children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly on how to improve their lifestyle. They mostly work with underprivileged groups in a wide array of circumstances and settings. They provide a host of educational classes, help build self-esteem, support anger management, and assist clients in developing goals for their future. They also closely monitor the growth of their clients and make assessments that help determine their personal needs. Life skills counselors are likely to find employment in community centers and schools, or some of them have their own private practices. Most employers require professionals in this arena to have a master’s degree in human services or another career-related field. Certification is not necessary, but it confirms an individual’s competency level.
Group Home Manager
Workers in this sector oversee the daily operations of group homes, facilities that provide 24-hour care to juvenile delinquents, disabled citizens or ex-convicts. They are involved in planning budget expenses, initiating programs and services, and coordinating schedules. They also are responsible for hiring, training, and terminating group home staff. Group home managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in human services or another career-related field.
Gerontology Aide
Entry-level positions in this field are open to high school graduates, as most employers are willing to offer on-the-job training. Individuals care for elderly citizens who are not able to be self-reliant. They bathe, feed, and administer medication to their clients. They also provide physical therapy and oversee social activities. Nursing homes, adult day cares and hospitals are the most common sites for gerontology aides. They may be required to have a driver’s license and undergo a background check. Certification and degree programs are essential to career advancement.
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