Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Contributing Editor
The best online Human Services Master’s degrees offer a flexible way for students to earn a degree to increase their earning potential. A human services online master’s degree offers many benefits for program graduates.
The best online Human Services Masters degrees offer a flexible way for students to earn a degree to increase their earning potential. A human services online master’s degree offers many benefits for program graduates.
Use these page jumps to navigate the page!
- 10 Best Online Master’s Degree Human Services Programs
- How Do I Choose an Online Human Services Master’s Program?
- What Should I Look For in an Online Master’s in Human Services Program?
- Will a Master’s in Human Services Help My Career?
- What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Human Services?
- How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Human Services?
- Can You Make Good Money with a Human Services Degree?
Like any advanced degree pursuit, an online master’s degree in human services presents exclusive opportunities for those who complete these types of programs. In addition to a master’s degree in human services online affording many opportunities, it also can result in considerable earnings.
These are a few reasons students consider earning a human services master’s degree online. A master’s human services online also provide human services professionals with flexible scheduling and other class options. In addition, some online master’s degree in human services programs offer self-paced and on-demand classes.
Earning a master’s degree in human services online might also be easier due to the convenience and comfort of remote learning. A human services master’s degree online also presents other benefits such as fewer class-related expenses versus traditional schooling options and the ability to balance life and school better.
How We Ranked the Best Online Master’s in Human Services
For prospective online human services graduate students, Social Work Degree Center editors have compiled a ranking of accredited, reputable schools offering an online Master’s in Human Services degree specialization. In addition, programs are ranked by cost, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Purdue University Global
MS in Human Services
Purdue University Global offers an MS in Human Services that ranks among the best online master’s in human service programs available, with multiple start dates each year.
Students enrolled in Purdue University’s online baccalaureate degree must finish a minimum of 45 credit units over ten-week terms.
Purdue University Global‘s graduate degree meets the academic requirements of the HS – BCP examination and requires an internship based on two tracks:
- Organizational/Social Services
- Family/Community Service
Highlight: Purdue University Global operates mostly online but has four academic facilities in Florida and Illinois.
2. Arizona State University
MS in Family and Human Development
Arizona State University offers an MS in Family and Human Development that requires human service master’s degree candidates to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits units to graduate.
The ASU online Master of Human Service program includes classes in:
- Social Statistics
- Parenting
- Diversity & Society
- Theoretical Issues in Child Development
- Leadership & Social Justice
- Marriage & Family Relationships
- Human Services Delivery Systems
- plus a capstone project, among others
Highlight: The school’s alumni include Nobel Laureates, Guggenheim, Academy of Engineering, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Fellowes, among others.
3. The University of Oklahoma
MA in Human and Health Services Administration
The University of Oklahoma offers an MA in Human and Health Services Administration that ranks among Oklahoma’s most innovative and best online Master’s in Human Service programs.
The total credit hours required to complete this accelerated University of Oklahoma graduate degree in human services is 33. Classes for this Human Service degree include:
- Cultural, Social & Diversity Issues
- Geriatric Issues
- Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
- Human Services Research
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Cross-cultural Health Issues, plus a related internship, to name a few.
Highlight: The University of Oklahoma offers more than 400 programs (at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels) from its multiple campuses and online.
4. Oklahoma State University – Tulsa
MS in Human Development and Family Science
Oklahoma State University Tulsa offers an online MS in Human Development and Family Science with an academic emphasis in Applied Human Services.
This program is offered in an accelerated form and delivered entirely online. Additionally, OSUT’s flexible and best online Master’s in Human Service program explores the topic through interdisciplinary coursework.
Specialization for the Oklahoma State University‘s graduate degree in human services includes:
- Infant Mental Health
- Developmental Disabilities
- Gerontology
- Nonprofit Management
The total coursework for this Oklahoma State University graduate degree in human services is 33 graduate units.
Highlight: Oklahoma State University’s first female president (and the university’s third elected president) in 2019.
5. Kansas State University
Master of Family and Community Services
Kansas State University offers a Master of Family and Community Services program that is among the most innovative and best online Master’s in Human Service programs in the state of Kansas and beyond.
Classes for this graduate degree from Kansas State University include:
- Lifespan Development
- Residence in Families
- Family Resource Management
- Foundations and Principles of Family and Community Services
- and Crises Across the Lifespan, to name a few
The capstone concluding project will be a practicum in family/community services or a field study in family economics.
Highlight: Kansas State University has nine colleges and schools to serve students each year.
6. University of Nebraska Lincoln
MS in Human and Family Services Administration
The University of Nebraska Lincoln offers an MS in Human and Family Services Administration that is among Nebraska’s most affordable online programs.
Classes for this graduate human service degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln include:
- Family Professionals as Consumers of Research,
- Theories of Human Development and Family Relations,
- special topics in Family and Cultural Diversity, and
- Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, to name a few
Highlight: The University of Nebraska is home to the ‘Nebraska Method,’ an ecological study regarding grassland ecology.
7. CUNY School of Professional Studies
MS in Disability Services in Higher Education
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an MS in Disability Services in Higher Education that is among the best online Master’s in Human Service programs.
Classes for this graduate degree in human services require the completion of 30 semester units that include:
- Neurodiverse Students in College
- Legal Aspect of Disability Service
- Assistive Technology in Higher Education
- plus a capstone course, among others
Highlight: The City University of NY’s School of Professional Studies is home to the JFK Jr. Institute of Worker Education, designed to develop human service initiatives.
8. The University of Arizona
MA in Human Services
The University of Arizona offers an MA in Human Services that is among the best online masters in human service programs available.
UA‘s graduate degree in human services includes coursework in human services delivery skills, group theories, and human systems. Additionally, students learn an overview of human services and complete an integrative project for human services. Specialization courses include:
- Gerontology
- Criminal Justice Organizations
- Mental Health Compliance Issues
- Victimology Theory and Research
Highlight: The Arizona Wildcats represent the university in the NCAA’s Pac-12 conference, winning various national titles.
9. California State University, Northridge
MS in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services
California State University, Northridge offers an MS in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services that ranks among the nation’s best online masters in human service programs according to onlinemasters.com.
Students enrolled in CSUN‘s graduate human services degree must finish a minimum of 30 semester credits. However, 70% of the credits students must complete in residence at California State University.
Class examples include Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan, Medical Conditions Affecting the Quality of Life, and a directed comprehension study project, to name a few. There are several steps to take if you would like to become a social worker in California after graduation.
Highlight: Cal State University is one of the nation’s most diverse higher education institutions.
10. Bryan College
MA in Human Services and Lifespan Development
Bryan College offers an MA in Human Services and Lifespan Development that explores the many integrated social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of health.
The school’s online Master’s in Human Service program prepares students for rewarding careers as Caseworkers, Family Advocates, Human Services Counselors, and non-licensed Counselors.
Students need 30 graduate credits to complete the Bryan College program. However, they can meet all of the credits online. Classes for this human services degree from Bryan College include:
- Group Dynamics
- Multicultural Awareness in Human Services
- Adult Development and Aging
- Christianity & Counseling
Highlight: The college’s campus is within walking distance of Downtown Dayton, on a hilltop covering more than 100 acres.
How Do I Choose an Online Human Services Master’s Program?
One of the most important steps in earning an online human services master’s degree is choosing the right program. When choosing the right school or program for earning an online master’s degree, there are several considerations.
One of the first and most important considerations is verifying the accreditation. A Master’s in Human Services online accredited program ensures that both the school and human services program are valid and approved. Graduates of these accredited programs also, in turn, offer employers the reassurance they are skilled, trained, and qualified for the job.
What Should I Look For in an Online Master’s in Human Services Program?
Along with verifying that the program is accredited, it is important to evaluate human services program options, such as the aforementioned self-paced classes or online evening classes. Once students have narrowed the list down to the preferred accredited master’s degrees in human services programs, it is then a matter of choosing which human services master’s degree program best suits your schedule and life.
It is also important to look into tuition costs for many human services master’s online human services programs, as they can vary greatly from program to program.
Yes, choosing a human services program can take some work, but choosing and graduating from the right program will be good for your future and your career. That also looks like more than simply monetary benefits.
Will a Master’s in Human Services Help My Career?
Of course! One of the greatest benefits of earning a master’s degree is how it can benefit your career in the human services profession. A Master’s in Human Services career options include roles that are both managerial and administrative, in addition to specialized and supervisory positions.
What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Human Services?
Careers with a Master’s in Human Services cover many fields and countless job titles within human services agency systems. Moreover, human services counseling jobs are a popular choice for graduates. A few of the Master’s of Human Services careers are listed below:
- Human Services Agency Director
- Drug and Alcohol Human Services Program Manager
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Human Services College Professor
- Student Affairs Administrator
- Community Service Managers
So, these positions are just a few of the roles and career opportunities awaiting graduates of online human services master’s programs. Employment positions come with responsibility, status, and in many cases, excellent benefits packages.
But, these are also jobs that make a difference, providing a sense of job satisfaction and career meaning. And these careers also offer considerable earning potential, which can’t be discounted either.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Human Services?
Several factors can influence a master’s in human services salary. These include the position itself, the region or location of the job, and the type of employer. These considerations are part of determining salary. So, is a master’s in human services systems worth it?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree in human services salary for a position such as a Genetic Counselor offers a median wage of $89,990 per year. However, based on data from the same source, a human services salary with a master’s degree credential will earn a median wage of $74,240 per year for a community service manager position.
Can You Make Good Money with a Human Services Degree?
Yes, but those aforementioned factors will impact each position. For example, is the job in an area with a high cost of living, or a metropolitan area such as Los Angeles or New York? Is the employer private, public, or government-funded, or perhaps a non-profit?
These are also a few factors that will influence earnings for those with a human service master’s degree. So, yes, the consensus says earning an online master’s in human services is worth it. However, how much that means in dollars and cents will depend on a few variables.
Related Careers and Programs Which Also Help Others:
Sources:
BLS.gov (Genetic Counselors)
BLS.gov (Social and Community Managers)
IPEDS
Niche
