2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees

An online human services degree delves into human behavior and social systems, equipping you with the skills needed for a career in social work, counseling, or community service. These programs often cover topics such as ethics, case management, and intervention strategies, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. 

An online bachelor's degree in human services prepares students to work directly with clients, families, and whole communities to identify their needs and help connect people with local resources and aid. 

These degrees usually emphasize increasing access to resources for all community members and promoting equity and social justice through services. Students taking this degree will learn about human behavior and relationships, why people need services and how to provide them, how to assess what those needs are, and diversity and ethics in human services.

A human services degree is similar to a degree in social work, but there are some key differences. Human services degrees usually don't lead to licensure and often focus on preparing students for a wide range of careers rather than just social work. 

Some programs offer specializations, such as child and family services, substance abuse, emergency management, counseling, or health and human services management. Many programs also train students in the administrative side of human services, such as fundraising and program development. 

Bachelor's degrees in human services usually require 120 credits and are designed to take four years to complete. Students will take required classes in the social sciences and human services, electives based on personal interests, and general education courses in math, science, English, and other areas of study. Most programs require an internship or practicum in a local human services agency.

You may also want to explore our ranking of the most affordable online bachelor's in human services degrees.

After finishing a bachelor's degree in human services, students can continue on to graduate school or enter the workforce. Continuing education with a master's or doctoral degree can help students get specific jobs, especially those that require a master's degree for licensure, like becoming a clinical social worker or counselor. Students who want to enter the workforce might pursue jobs in social services, education, healthcare, or public administration.

Further Education

Students might go on to graduate school to complete research, gain leadership skills, or pursue a specialization within human services. While a bachelor's degree is enough to enter the field, earning a master's or doctorate will qualify students for advanced positions in management and leadership and may open the door to licensure, depending on what they study.

• A master's in human services can open the door to careers in the nonprofit sector, program management, or other upper-level positions that don't require professional licensure. Students may pursue specializations in areas such as organizational leadership, military families, criminal justice, or addiction and recovery. Those who are interested in licensure may also opt for master's programs in social work or a master's in counseling, which focus on working directly with clients in a more clinical setting.
• A doctoral degree in human services might give students the opportunity to focus on organizational management within human services for leadership roles. Doctoral programs can also lead to jobs in academia, higher education, and research.

Careers in Human Services

Bachelor's graduates in human services usually work in social services, often for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Most often, these professionals are necessary to help facilitate community services, and graduates might work either in administration or directly with community members.

However, these programs also lead to careers in grant writing, fundraising, event planning, marketing, and public outreach. A background in human services can also be beneficial for careers in law, public policy, and advocacy.

One of the most important considerations for an online degree is accreditation, which signals whether or not a college is legitimate. If a school is accredited, it means it is continuously reviewed by outside groups to make sure it meets academic standards. It also means you can use federal financial aid to pay for your degree there if you qualify.

Online students should also consider their learning style and what they need to succeed in college. Online schools offer different class and program styles to meet the unique needs of online learners.

Some students might want asynchronous classes, where they can watch recorded lectures and review class material on their own time. Others might need the structure of regular virtual meetings via Zoom and other platforms.

Finally, students should consider if a degree in human services is right for them. Working in human services can be extremely rewarding for those who are committed to helping others. However, it can also be a stressful and emotionally draining sector due to the high volume of people in need and a lack of available resources.

Students should do some research into the pros and cons of working in human services and potential career pathways before enrolling.

Human services play a critical role in society by helping those in need. They provide essentials like food and shelter, aid victims of natural disasters or fires, support military veterans and their families, help formerly incarcerated people re-enter society, treat those with addictions or mental health issues, and support victims of domestic violence. These services improve the quality of life in communities and ensure equal access to resources regardless of race, class, gender, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, or ability to pay.

Earning your degree in human services can lead to a successful career that helps others and changes society for the better. Human services is a versatile degree that can be applied in any industry that works with people, especially those in need. Professionals in the industry have a lot of potential for further education and career advancement. While the work can be taxing, the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives could mean a fulfilling career for those who are passionate about helping others.

Yes, you can get a human services degree online. Today there are a wide variety to choose from. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours and take four years to finish when enrolled full time. There are also master's degrees and doctorates in human services available online.

While there are job opportunities in human services that don't require a degree, professionals in the industry will usually need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for higher positions and salaries. There are jobs in human services available for every education level, but many upper positions will require a bachelor's or master's degree.

Social work is just one of many different types of services that fall under the human services umbrella. Social work is usually focused on case management and working directly with families and individuals to improve their lives and connect them with resources. Human services includes social work services alongside other social assistance programs like food banks, homeless shelters, and disaster relief.