The best social services and human services degree programs (bachelor’s degrees) offer affordable and flexible options for learning. Students with a degree in human services want to help others. These degrees are different from those that focus on social work because they help shape the minds of students interested in social justice, equity, diversity, and health.
Our editors first ranked Best Human & Social Services Degree Programs in September 2021. This ranking was updated in April 2024.
A bachelor’s degree in human services is the first step toward making a difference for the greater good. One unique thing about this program is that it can be tailored to specific career paths. Human services degree programs often include internships and concentrations geared toward unique career specializations. To get started on a career in human services, you need this kind of degree.
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How We Ranked the Best Human Services Degree Programs
For the Social Work Degree Center’s ranking of the best campus-based human services bachelor’s degrees, editors put the spotlight on accredited, trustworthy institutions recognized for quality. We ranked programs by data from IPEDS and Niche, including tuition cost, student reviews, and graduate salary.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Acceptance Rate (%) | Undergraduate Tuition (in-state) |
| #1 | NYC College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | 82% | $7,332 |
| #2 | Wingate University | Wingate, NC | 86% | $40,196 |
| #3 | Quincy University | Quincy, IL | 62% | $35,740 |
| #4 | Saint Mary of the Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 78% | $33,490 |
| #5 | Bay Path University | Longmeadow, MA | 76% | $37,227 |
| #6 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 52% | $63,061 |
| #7 | Fisher College | Boston, MA | 74% | $35,013 |
| #8 | George Washington University | Washington, DC | 49% | $64,990 |
| #9 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | 65% | $29,778 |
| #10 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | 79% | $51,716 |
1. NYC College of Technology
| ✔︎ Program: BS in Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,087 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
The NYC College of Technology offers the Human Services, BS. This four-year bachelor’s degree program assists students in acquiring a strong foundation in human service education. Upon graduation, students gain understanding of the historical elements of human services, applying their knowledge of individuals and groups in real-life settings. Students learn to analyze individual situations and form a plan of action for improvement. You also learn to work as a part of a community environment to better the lives of citizens.
Students get qualified for entry-level human service positions as well as higher-ranked positions. Because this is considered one of the best human service degree programs, students also get qualified to pursue graduate-level studies in this field.
Pros
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- 82% acceptance rate
- Career-readiness and internship preparation
- Diverse selection of human service core courses and electives
- Small class sizes
Cons
- 2 semesters (200 hours) of internship required
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
2. Wingate University
| ✔︎ Program: BS/BA in Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,510 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
NIDIA ANGELES, ’20
“Being a Human Services major at Wingate was one of the best decisions of my life. The courses I took allowed me to gain a bigger understanding about the issues people with different socioeconomic status face, and why it’s important to help reduce/eliminate those issues. While at Wingate, I discovered my passion for serving the community through an internship that allowed me to explore human services further. My professors became my mentors and are the reason I learned how much I love doing what I do now.”
From the Charles A. Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, Wingate University.
The Human Services, BS/BA at Wingate University is a program for students who are looking to start a stable, well-paying career that also contributes to the community. This program brings together both psychology and sociology to develop the necessary skills needed for a successful human service worker.
In this program, students develop their communication, cultural understanding, and leadership. To better succeed in the field, they complete an in-field practicum. This 100-hour practicum will focus on one of the following internship experiences:
- Autism support services
- Community shelters
- Domestic violence facilities
- School counseling centers
Wingate prides itself on making big educational goals a reality within small classroom settings. The small classroom sizes help students and teachers better connect to focus on educational objectives.
Pros
- 86% acceptance rate
- Dedicated faculty advisor
- Human services research opportunities with faculty
- Small classroom settings (15:1 student-faculty ratio)
- Specialized field experiences
Cons
- 100-hour practicum required
- Higher tuition than some public universities
3. Quincy University
| ✔︎ Program: BS in Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,147 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
When you enter the Human Services, BS program at Quincy University, you immediately know you are in a different kind of school. At Quincy there is an intentional focus on service.
Because service is an essential part of the human services field, this program provides students with a deep understanding of why we serve one another and the deep impacts and consequences there are in our communities because of this service or because of a lack of this service. This program focuses on a combination of counseling theories as well as the study of different dynamics, such as:
- Family
- Group
- Individual
Students learn how these elements work together to create our society as a whole and the important part that human services play in this dynamic. Students also learn the intricacies of case management, research methods, psychological testing, needs assessment, and more. These elements combine to make this one of the best human services degree programs.
Pros
- Active internship opportunities
- Deep, intentional focus on service
- Franciscan tradition of service
- Help with practicum placements
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio (small class sizes)
Cons
- Higher tuition than some other human services schools
- Overall graduation rate of 50%
4. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
| ✔︎ Program: BS in Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 815 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
Students who pursue a Human Services, BS at Saint Mary of the Woods College can secure both a dependable career and salary while also making a difference in their community and the world as a whole. This program is for students with a passion to help others in their communities.
The degree prepares students for a career in human services and helps them to move on to graduate studies in this field. Students can also complete this program online if you need greater flexibility in your educational plans.
Pros
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio
- Dedicated academic and career advisors
- Flat-rate tuition
- Liberal arts focus alongside major requirements
- Online options for courses and major
Cons
- Limited number of research opportunities
- Small student body population (1,147 students)
5. Bay Path University
| ✔︎ Program: BA in Health & Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,315 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
The Health & Human Services BA provided at Bay Path University is for students who wish to make a difference in the lives of those around them. It is an interdisciplinary degree program that exposes students to different career paths available in health and human services.
Courses help provide students with a background in physical and mental health so that you can understand how both of these work together to affect the quality of life in individuals. Students also study ethics in-depth for a better understanding of our ethical obligations to one another and the consequences of ignoring these obligations.
Bay Path University prides itself on pushing the boundaries of education so that the individual needs of each student are always met.
Pros
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio
- Access to internship opportunities and job-shadowing possibilities
- Preparation for graduate school (pre-occupational therapy programs)
- NECHE-accredited program
- Service learning projects and professional certifications
Cons
- 47% overall graduation rate
- Limited access to undergraduate research opportunities
6. Syracuse University
| ✔︎ Program: BS in Education – Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,421 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
The BS in Education – Human Services program at Syracuse University is designed to prepare students for an exciting and fulfilling career in human services. This innovative major draws upon many areas of study to give students a well-rounded understanding of how individuals, families, and society work together to create a quality of life.
There are five focus areas for this interdisciplinary degree, including:
- Cultural Foundations of American Schooling: Schooling and Diversity
- Education, Technology, and Media
- Physical Activity: Sport, Coaching, and Recreation
- Post-Secondary and Human Services Fields
- Pre-Teaching: The Study of Teaching, Learning, and Inclusion
Syracuse University boasts 22,000 students from all over the world. With over 300 clubs and activities to get involved in, this campus provides a rich, well-rounded experience in beautiful Syracuse, NY.
Pros
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- 5 focus areas to choose from
- 98% of School of Education graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months
- Large research institution with opportunities for undergrads
- Master’s degree fast tracks
Cons
- More selective than some other schools (52% acceptance rate)
7. Fisher College
| ✔︎ Program: BS in Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,312 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
The Human Services, BS at Fisher College is an interdisciplinary course of study. This program prepares students to analyze the social and developmental needs of individuals and families. Students also understand how these dynamics work together to create problems or solutions within our communities.
Upon completion of this program, students can enter human services occupations where they can assist at-risk populations with improving their lives through community services and initiatives. This school offers many different delivery models so that students can enjoy the best flexibility in their educational goals. On-campus, students enjoy a rich cultural experience as they interact with students from all over the globe and enjoy the many activities Boston has to offer.
Pros
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio
- Diverse array of courses and electives
- Human services career track
- Online options and an accelerated pathway
Cons
- Overall graduation rate of 26%
8. George Washington University
| ✔︎ Program: BA in Human Services and Social Justice ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,482 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
The BA in Human Services and Social Justice offered at George Washington University not only prepares students for a fulfilling careering in human services, but it also provides you with the knowledge needed to fulfill an important role in our communities today. This program combines both a human services focus as well as a social justice focus. The reason for this is that social justice is the heart and foundation of human services programs.
Students in this program get immersed in a wide range of topics including, criminology, ethnic relations, and social change. There is also a component in human service instruction. Graduates will be qualified to hold many different types of human services occupations and leadership roles.
George Washington University has been the training ground for many of our most influential leaders in this country. Today, located in the heart of our nation’s capital, it is dedicated to the instruction of tomorrow’s leaders and changers. This school offers both an excellent academic program as well as an exciting backdrop for your college career.
Pros
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Multidisciplinary perspectives
- Opportunities to work alongside community partners
- Prestige and notoriety
- Undergraduate research opportunities
Cons
- More expensive tuition than other schools
- Selective admissions (49% acceptance rate)
9. Siena Heights University
| ✔︎ Program: BA in Community and Human Services ✔︎ Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,702 ✔︎ Credits to Graduate: 120 |
“Siena prepared me very well. Siena Heights has been very influential in my life. The spirit of what the Adrian Dominicans represent, I try to live each day.”
Terry Beurer ’80
From Siena Heights Community and Human Services Department.
Director of Field Operations
Michigan Department of Human Services
The Community and Human Services, BA from Siena Heights University, is one of the best human services degree program available. This program not only prepares students for strong career success but also instills the importance of contributing substance to the community as a whole.
This program is based on outcomes such as the development of an interdisciplinary approach to:
- Community work
- Research methods
- Skills to access and evaluate clients
The policies, procedures, and federal codes which govern the helping services are constantly changing, so this is why it is imperative that students in the human service field get prepared to meet these challenges. Upon completion of this program, students can get qualified for certification in human service work.
Pros
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- Blended, on campus format
- Career-ready curriculum
- Diverse selection of interdisciplinary courses
- Only 10 total classes to earn this degree
Cons
- Capstone project required
- More selective than some schools (65% acceptance rate)
10. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago’s BS in Human Services degree program is a 45-credit-hour multidisciplinary program that draws courses from five Loyola departments. These focus areas include:
- Criminal justice
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Social work
Students learn how these disciplines work together to create the social landscape in which we live. Students also learn how community service works and the human services field helps individuals, groups, and families to overcome challenges and develop a quality life.
Loyola operates from a foundation of Jesuit Catholic mission and service, which is also foundational to the human services field. Students get the opportunity to participate in many hands-on learning experiences by participating within the many human service organizations located nearby to campus.
Pros
- 3 different concentrations (child and family services, gerontology, and mental health)
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio
- Double major options
- Fieldwork experiences
- Service-learning courses and projects
Cons
- Higher tuition than some other human services programs
More Top Human and Social Services Degree Programs to Consider
It was impossible to include all human services degree programs (or social services degrees) on our list of 10 schools. But here are more accredited and reputable colleges and universities to consider that offer related programs.
- Fort Hays State University
- Granite State College
- Northeastern University
- Post University
- Rowan University
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- SUNY Empire State College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Delaware
- University of Scranton
- University of South Carolina, Beaufort
- University of Oregon
- University of the Cumberlands
- Washburn University
- Western Washington University
Frequently Asked Questions
Coursework for the BA in Human Services is similar to that of a BS degree, though you might find more required classes on abnormal psychology and ethics. But potential employers treat each degree the same. They don’t have a preference as long as your BA or BS degree is accredited.
With about 281,600 job openings projected each year in community and social services occupations (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), getting a degree in human services is worth it. On average, employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
If you have a strong desire to help others and want a career where servitude is upheld, human services is a good major. Students seek a human services degree because they want to make a difference in people’s lives. Most students don’t major in human services for the money, but because they want to help improve systems and advocate for others.
You won’t make six figures working in human services, but you can earn a stable income. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average pay for community and social service occupations as $49,380/year. Social and human service assistants make $38,520/year, on average.
Some students report that while a degree in human services isn’t easy, it is worth it. Why? It covers a wide range of subjects, which allow you to take your knowledge into various career paths. While your passion and drive for the field can make your studies more interesting, courses in ethics and psychology can be difficult.
A bachelor’s in human and social services degree takes full-time students four years to complete. Most programs require 120 credits, which means students take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Some accelerated and online programs take between 3-3.5 years.
Human services meet the needs of others to improve quality of life, but the field is broad and has more than one meaning. Because of its wide range of services, degree programs and majors offer specializations that allow students to focus on an area of human services. These include child welfare services, elderly and aging services, and victim advocacy to name a few.
The Department of Human Services is a state-based agency that works to promote stronger families and communities. These agencies help with food deficiencies through their SNAP or food stamp programs, provide senior care and assistance, offer foster care and adoption services, investigate claims of child and elder abuse, work with Medicaid, and more. Students with social service degrees can find work with the DHS.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a federal agency put in place to provide essential human services for all Americans and protect their health. This agency is responsible for the Food and Drug Administration that regulates food and pharmaceuticals. And the Department is also responsible for administering the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This Department hires students with degrees in human and social services.
