2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees
Our list of the best online human services degree programs highlights accredited schools ranked by the number of human services bachelor's graduates, helping you quickly identify colleges with established online student communities and strong support for human services students.
Key Takeaways:
- Brigham Young University - Idaho ranks #1 for the most successful program, with 565 graduates from its online bachelor’s in family and human services.
- Southern New Hampshire University Online leads the nation in virtual scale with 154,000+ online learners at the undergraduate level.
- Western Washington University ranks #1 for recommendation rate at 98%.
See our methodology to learn how we measure program success and what constitutes the "best." Following our rankings, we interviewed Chrissie Steyn, LCPC, who offers practical advice for thriving in online human services programs.
2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University - Idaho | 565 | $5,370 | $24,381 | 84% | |
| Lindsey Wilson University | 138 | $9,180 | $36,474 | 95% | |
| Purdue Global | 123 | $11,130 | $41,816 | 75% | |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | 106 | $6,556 | N/A | N/A | |
| Western Washington University | 94 | $27,853 | $49,357 | 97% | |
| Colorado State University Global | 82 | $11,250 | $44,167 | N/A | |
| Monroe University | 78 | $42,300 | N/A | 95% | |
| National Louis University | 56 | $11,880 | $47,984 | 85% | |
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | 56 | $16,445 | $54,480 | 81% | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 50 | $9,900 | N/A | 69% | |
| Upper Iowa University | 44 | $15,150 | $44,527 | 61% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 41 | $24,780 | N/A | 93% | |
| University of the Cumberlands | 41 | $9,875 | $38,951 | 73% | |
| Fisher College | 33 | $12,600 | $45,881 | N/A | |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies | 29 | $11,370 | N/A | 60% |
2026 Best Online Human Services Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 565
- Annual Tuition: $5,370
- Median Salary: $24,381
- Recommendation: 84%
Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Human Services
Why we like them: Ranked #1, BYU - Idaho has 565 graduates from its family and human services bachelor's program from last year. We think this gives you immediate proof of scale, employer visibility, and alumni networking strength. We also like how the program is structured around three stackable, career-aligned certificates — Family Relations, Family Services, and Family Theory and Research.
- Graduates: 138
- Annual Tuition: $9,180
- Median Salary: $36,474
- Recommendation: 95%
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Counseling
Why we like them: LWU's 4.26 out of 5 overall review rating from surveyed students is a sign of high quality and trustworthiness. LWU's human services and counseling program highlights how its instructors actively work across specialized areas, including intimate partner violence, play therapy, neurofeedback, acculturation support, community case management, and substance abuse counseling.
- Graduates: 123
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Salary: $41,816
- Recommendation: 75%
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: PG's human services bachelor's program aligns with industry expectations through membership in the Council for Standards in Human Service Education and coursework that makes you eligible to sit for the HS-BCP exam after meeting post-degree experience requirements.
- Graduates: 106
- Annual Tuition: $6,556
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: FSCJ differentiates its online B.S. in Human Services with a required field internship, guaranteeing supervised practice. As part of this program, you can accelerate progress via credit for prior learning that articulates relevant certifications, workforce training, or prior coursework.
- Graduates: 94
- Annual Tuition: $27,853
- Median Salary: $49,357
- Recommendation: 97%
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
Why we like them: WWU has the highest recommendation rate on our list of 98%. At WWU, you move through a true degree-completion pathway purpose-built for Washington learners, with internship requirements. There's a focus on access for the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula and other underserved regions.
- Graduates: 82
- Annual Tuition: $11,250
- Median Salary: $44,167
- Recommendation: N/A
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: CSU Global's human services degree prepares students for frontline roles in the field, including case management, intervention planning, crisis response, and community program coordination. We like that it's intentionally aligned with community-based human services job functions rather than being just purely academic. Additionally, there's accelerated pacing options.
- Graduates: 78
- Annual Tuition: $42,300
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: Monroe's human services program is an unusually practice-intensive online pathway with a supervised practicum plus two full semesters of field experience. This yields hundreds of pre-graduation training hours that you complete with structured placement support. This way, you can finish in less than three years without sacrificing depth.
- Graduates: 56
- Annual Tuition: $11,880
- Median Salary: $47,984
- Recommendation: 85%
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
Why we like them: NLU builds at least 300 hours of fieldwork into the major through a three-course sequence, so you apply theory continuously rather than in a single capstone placement. There's an optional Entrepreneurship concentration, which equips you to launch or scale a service-focused venture or nonprofit, an uncommon angle in this field. You can also choose a Psychology pathway.
- Graduates: 56
- Annual Tuition: $16,445
- Median Salary: $54,480
- Recommendation: 81%
Bachelor of Science in Human Services Leadership
Why we like them: We believe outcomes matter, and graduates of the human services leadership degree from UW - Oshkosh report the highest median earnings on our list of $54,480, just four years after graduating. That places UW - Oshkosh in roughly the top 20% of comparable programs for pay, so you can enter the field with competitive earning power.
- Graduates: 50
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 69%
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
Why we like them: SNHU has three specialized concentrations to choose from, including Child and Family Services, Gerontology, or Substance Abuse. Each pairs with a required capstone project. This can help students develop applied expertise in a specific human services population or practice area.
- Graduates: 44
- Annual Tuition: $15,150
- Median Salary: $44,527
- Recommendation: 61%
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: UIU has a Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services-approved pathway to the Social Work Training Certificate, letting you pursue the SWTC alongside the B.S. so you can enter supervised social work roles faster. Also, uniquely, UIU organizes an Ireland experience every two years so you can potentially add cross-cultural practice to your résumé.
- Graduates: 41
- Annual Tuition: $24,780
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 93%
Bachelor of Science in Community Health
Why we like them: ASU’s online community health degree has a different angle due to its public-health systems orientation. In other words, this program isn’t framed as general human services. It’s specifically designed to train students to work on population-level health initiatives, not just individual case support.
- Graduates: 41
- Annual Tuition: $9,875
- Median Salary: $38,951
- Recommendation: 73%
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Human Services
Why we like them: The most distinctive feature of Cumberlands’ human services program is its explicitly Christian, servant-leadership framing of the curriculum. It teaches the foundational topics of human services topics but through a Christian worldview that emphasizes compassion, humility, and service as core professional identity traits.
- Graduates: 33
- Annual Tuition: $12,600
- Median Salary: $45,881
- Recommendation: N/A
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: Fisher stands out for offering a human services degree that includes a specialization option, Early Intervention, which is a niche, workforce-aligned area with solid job demand. Fisher is one of the few that allows students to specialize specifically in supporting infants, young children, and families, including developmental assessment and family-centered care.
- Graduates: 29
- Annual Tuition: $11,370
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 60%
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Why we like them: Perhaps the most unique aspect of UNH CPS’s human services degree online is its Wellness and Prevention option that's structured around prevention-focused practice. So, rather than solely focused on intervention/recovery or case management, this program prepares students to work on the prevention and wellness side of human services.
Therapist Chrissie Steyn Explains How To Thrive in Online Human Services Programs
What skills do employers most value in human services graduates?
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"The ability to quickly connect and develop rapport with people seeking professional counseling services.
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Openness to unlearn some of what they’ve been taught as theory in school to adapt to the unique client in front of them. It’s the skill of attunement and discernment. We want students who understand the heart of educational recommendations (outside of clear ethics) and can adapt them with nuance to each client. Another way to say it is that a student can work from a list of values instead of rigid, black-and-white processes or theories.
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Internal motivation to exhaust available resources before enlisting a peer or supervisor for help with administrative tasks or questions."
What specializations are in highest demand?
"Increasingly our practice is being sought out for Internal Family Systems therapy. We exclusively hire interns and staff who are committed to the values of this model while integrating it later with other models as they progress in proficiency of IFS.
A few years ago we were educating our clients on this type of therapy. Now, we get inquiries and referrals from other therapists specifically looking for an IFS therapist. The modality is gaining notoriety with some public figures like Gabby Bernstein, Glennon Doyle of the 'We can do hard things' podcast and even Huberman labs. It is also connecting with fans of the Inside Out movies.
We do not see kids nor many teens at our practice but we are aware that the demand is very high."
What challenges do you think online students will face in this field?
"None. I think an online degree these days is extremely compatible with this field."
How can online learners build meaningful field experience and professional networks while studying remotely?
"They can and must engage in a practicum or internship to practice their skills but this could also be online today due to the prevalence of group practices offering telehealth services either exclusively or in a hybrid format. Students should note that many programs, whether online or not, do require that any telehealth be conducted in a space where the supervisor is physically present."
EXPERT TIP
"Get an inexpensive CACREP degree online because a lot of what you really need to learn starts in the field during internship and after graduation."
FAQs About An Online Human Services Degree
What Is a Bachelor's in Human Services Degree?
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.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Human Services Degree?
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.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing an Online Human Services Degree?
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.
Why Is Human Services Important?
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.
Can I Get a Human Services Degree Online?
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.
Do You Need a Degree to Work in Human Services?
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.
What's the Difference Between Human Services and Social Work?
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.
Student Reviews of Online Human Services Programs
I was able to complete a BS degree from CSU. The school provided me this opportunity with the schedule and guidance that I needed. The school low rates matched our cities tuition reimbursement program. This was critical, because almost every other program was very costly and would have required out of pocket expenses. I was provided concepts that helped me learn to understand difficult processes. CSU also provided the needed writing guidance. The completion of a BS would have been much more complicated... Read More
Review Date: 1/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school, just like the people from 5-6 years ago said, doesn't have great service when it comes to being admitted. First off, I've never been to a school that has sessions. That was new. It totally messed me up in terms of getting my pell grant and such. Now I'm waiting a month to get that...smh. The people are nice and all, but the communication is really bad. For me, I have had made about 20 phone calls about my "missing" transcript(had to pay a second time), when my pell grant is coming, why... Read More
Review Date: 3/27/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have nothing but great things for this school. I highly recommend it to everyone and anyone. If you need that boost or degree to move up to the next level , Well here it is. The only down side I would say is that its costly for a single Adult amongst everything else in this world. Yet I know it will be all worth it at the end. By going here I was able to move up in my employment as well as other job opportunities due to relating my school work into my work life and implement it. Julia the advisor... Read More
Review Date: 2/3/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UMA Is a great school to pursuing a great Career. My advisor walked me through my first weeks. I was able to Maintain my GPA of 4.0, with the resources UMA provide.You have a team of educators who are there when you need them. Great school for Mother’s and father’s who May think going back to school is a challenge. I would recommend UMA TO EVERYONE.
Review Date: 3/8/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great experience! I never thought I'd graduate. They make everything easy and enjoyable. All the professors are lovely and understanding. All representatives at the school are amazing. I recommend to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review Date: 3/6/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Im currently a sophomore doing BYUI online and all my instructors have been great. The online program is easy to use. I feel that the Marriage and Family Studies is great program that definitely prepares you for graduate school or a career after graduating. It is also very interesting and fun program that is really teaches deep stuff but is easy to learn with the way they have designed their courses. I definitely recommend BYUI online and the Marriage and Family Studies program.
Review Date: 8/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I really liked attending this school! The process was so easy, the material is very helpful and most of the professors are awesome at helping if you need anything. Two things that could needs worked on is advisors and some teachers need to be more clear on expectations.
Review Date: 3/16/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Grace Christian university is an excellent school. I applied myself 100 percent, and received 100 percent value for my time, money, and commitment. The professors were attentive and provided timely relevant feedback, and all my courses were relevant to my degree. Some of my major courses included criminal justice, general psychology, lifespan psychology, sociology, human services, conflict management, marriage and family, abnormal psychology, survival psychology, counseling, and research statistics.... Read More
Review Date: 10/19/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I enjoy that the advisors wholeheartedly care for you. They inquire communication about failed assignments, missed coursework, and your overall performance as a UMA student. I have really enjoyed my time so far. The new course room is so helpful. It enables me to acknowledge what I have completed, as well as what I have to complete for the week.
Review Date: 8/28/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Extremely pleased with Purdue University Global. From inquiring information to registration, courses and professors, career advisers, and IT, the experience has been magnificent. I have learned so much. I sharpened the skills I had and learned new skills. The courses and the professors are great. They explained for you to understand that the materials and classwork were easy to follow. Above all, PUG cares for its students' success. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I learned. Above all,... Read More
Review Date: 6/22/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The overall professors are great in this program. The issue boils down to their financial aid department. All I have to conclude about this is never take their word for handling your loans. During my last term this school all of a sudden came up with finding issues and discrepancies with in my credits due to my specialization program. They knew this the whole 3 years. Come final term they stick an (UNEXPECTED BALANCE) on me that was supposed to be covered under a school loan program that I signed... Read More
Review Date: 5/3/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Oh My God!!!!!! The Financial Aid Department is a joke! It's such a hassle to deal with them. So far I've lost 2 semester trying to solve every financial aid inconvenience that it's presented to me every single time I think I'm done. All of these because of miscommunication withing the Financial Aid department staff and perhaps because many of them don't know what they are doing. One person says something and then another person contradicts the other one and it's just a pain in the @$$. I am so ready... Read More
Review Date: 11/1/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The majority of instructors provide a wealth of knowledge and are accessibile for further discussion. A challenge in truly preparing students for the field of practice is providing a realistic understanding of the Economics of Human Services. Economics is the FOUNDATION of all existing business models--both for profit and nonprofit, yet no preparation is provided for students entering the field of Human Services. Library access should be expanded as more recent articles were often behind paywalls... Read More
Review Date: 7/9/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
SEU has been amazing from day 1! Advisors and Professors are always available, they touch base consistently, send encouraging emails periodically, answer questions timely and always willing to go above and beyond to help their students do their best! There was only one professor out of the 16 that Ive had so far who was difficult in his grading scale but all other professors were fair, honest, gave great feedback, and worked with you if you were dealing with urgent family matters. They really do... Read More
Review Date: 11/18/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
From day one I have encountered all positiveness from Post University. I receive the help I need when I need it. My adviser is awesome. She always calls to check in on me, leaves voicemail's or emails me. This is a great school. I know each experience is different but I am just glad mine has been a great one. I even had my husband enroll. I love the flexibility this school give. I definitely would recommend this school to those really wanting to go somewhere in life. By the way I have never had an... Read More
Review Date: 4/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm currently a student at post. I am so unhappy. I have great grades and positive experiences with teachers. My problem is with the financial aid department and academic advising. I've been at post for three years and in that time have had 4 different advisors for academics and more than I can count for financial aid. I now somehow owe the school money because an advisor told me that I was fine and it wouldn't affect my financial aid to take time off for maternity. Well that messed everything up.... Read More
Review Date: 8/31/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I found this school because of my husband. I had heard they take a lot of transfer credits...I had a ton. They took quite a few. Classes are only around $800 each and so worth it. I highly recommend this school. Courses were only 8 weeks. That was a bog plus. Instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of interaction and quick responses when you need help.
Review Date: 3/23/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I just graduated from Post with my BS in August. My experience with the professors was incredible, knowledgeable. I felt coming straight from a community college with my AA that the school was the real deal. The classes were engaging, expectations for the workload, and criteria were on point. Overall when I left, I knew I was prepared to jumpstart and utilize my new founded education as I could comprehend and keep up with colleagues and spaces from the Universities throughout the state of California.... Read More
Review Date: 10/24/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
For online schooling you have to be disciplined to get the work done on your own, so yo must delegate your time accordingly. Some classes are implemented close to when assignments are due so you when readings/subjects are finally explained to you if you lack understanding of it you will only have a day to complete assignments or some may be late. There is tutoring available if it happens to fit in your schedule. I am primarily a visual learner and was able to successfully acquire my BS degree so... Read More
Review Date: 9/14/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been attending SNHU online for over a year now and I love it. I am learning a lot and the courses are very good quality. I recommended SNHU online to my daughter and she is now attending as well to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Most adults today have to work and SNHU online is a great option to finish your education. The school is also very affordable. I would highly recommend SNHU.
Review Date: 8/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes