2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Human Services
An online master’s in human services is designed for students who want to give back. From early childhood to financial counseling, students can choose several career paths with one of the best online master’s in human services. The typical curriculum for this online degree covers the basics of human services, with topics like health promotion, adolescence, and leadership. Some examples of courses commonly offered in an online master’s in human services include Transcultural Leadership, Health Informatics, and Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood. Several specializations are also common, such as leadership, early childhood services, and financial planning. Prospective students can expect to complete a capstone project. Graduates from an online master’s in human services may go on to pursue careers like case workers, crisis support workers, and family court advocates.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for some inspiration.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | Oshkosh (WI) | $4,633 | |
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown (OH) | $5,577 | |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro (AR) | $5,958 | |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa (AL) | $6,600 | |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston (IL) | $6,753 | |
| Chadron State College | Chadron (NE) | $6,840 | |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings (SD) | $8,468 | |
| Washburn University | Topeka (KS) | $8,505 | |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University | Waxahachie (TX) | $8,910 | |
| Houston Christian University | Houston (TX) | $9,275 |
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh (WI) At the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (UWOSH), a public institution, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Human Services Leadership requiring 30 credit hours. This program is also offered as a Graduate Advanced Certificate. Full-time students can complete this program within two years. UWOSH facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the software platform Canvas. This master's program in human services teaches students to become leaders in the field on a global scale. Sample courses are Global Issues in Local Communities, Transcultural Leadership, and Social Marketing in Human Services. Students also have the option to complete a thesis seminar. Potential career options include human services directors, outreach specialists, and substance abuse counselors.
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Youngstown State University Youngstown (OH) Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Health and Human Services. Requiring 37 credit hours, this program offers four tracks: (1) Administration for Health and Human Services, (2) Health Informatics, (3) Health Promotion, and (4) Physical Education. It can take students 2-3 years to finish this degree with a full class load. At YSU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This human services graduate program combines health care and business administration coursework. The program’s courses are Planning and Fiscal Management, Health Informatics, and Community Health Practice. A thesis, internship, and seminar are required to graduate. Alums may pursue careers like social workers, emergency services managers, and school counselors.
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Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR) Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Early Childhood Services totaling 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to take core teacher education courses alongside specialized learning courses. This program can last as few as 12 months. A-State uses the learning management system Blackboard to deliver courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats. A master’s in early childhood services can help students develop skills to become well-rounded educators. The program’s courses are Developmental Perspectives, Sources and Models of Early Childhood Curriculum, and Documenting Young Children’s Learning and Development. Students must complete research and practicums to graduate. Potential careers include child life specialists, childcare directors, and preschool teachers.
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University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (AL) The University of Alabama (UA) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Consumer Sciences - Family Financial Planning and Counseling equaling 30 credit hours. The program makes students eligible to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. Full-time students generally spend at least two years completing this graduate degree program. At UA, online students complete coursework on Blackboard, and these classes are delivered asynchronously and synchronously. This program concerns family and consumer sciences, a field of study emphasizing relationships among people, including the various factors that play into those relationships, such as behavior and social development. Example courses are Psychology of Money, Personal Estate Planning, and Family and Consumer Law. Students can complete a capstone, practicum, or portfolio before graduation. This program is designed for those who desire to become financial counselors or advisors.
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Eastern Illinois University Charleston (IL) At Eastern Illinois University (EIU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Human Services totaling 33 credit hours. Graduate assistantships are available to students living near campus. Future students can expect to spend approximately two years completing this program. Online students at EIU complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. This degree is an applied graduate program focused on children, adults, and the community. The program’s courses are Current Issues and Trends in Human Services, Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood, and Leadership and Administration in Human Services Programming. Students must complete a capstone project in order to graduate. Alumni may go on to enter careers like case workers, court support workers, and rehabilitation counselors.
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