The best online Human Services Master’s degrees offer a flexible way for students to earn a degree that will help increase earning potential. A human services online master’s degree offers benefits for program graduates. Benefits include self-paced courses, little to no travel costs, and flat-rate tuition. But finding the best program takes research.
Social Work Degree Center located the top online master’s programs in human services. This article will help guide you in your search for accessible and accredited online human services programs.
Our editors first ranked best online Human Services Master’s degrees programs in April 2023. This ranking was updated March 2024.
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.
| Rank | College Name | Location | Tuition |
| #1 | Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN | $9,547 |
| #2 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | $12,376 |
| #3 | University of Oklahoma | Norman, OK | $8,903 |
| #4 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK | $5,611 |
| #5 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | $10,808 |
| #6 | University of Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | $6,318 |
| #7 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | New York, NY | $9,930 |
| #8 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | $12,718 |
| #9 | California State University | Northridge, CA | $7,176 |
| #10 | Bryan College | Dayton, TN | $9,630 |
1. Purdue University Global
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. The 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
The program requires completion of 9 courses and takes about 1.5 years. This program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and upholds their curriculum standards.
Pros
- Accelerated completion time (1.5 years)
- Certification preparation
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Multiple start dates per year
- Two available concentrations
Cons
- 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
2. Arizona State University
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:
- Diversity & Society
- Theoretical Issues in Child Development
- Leadership & Social Justice
- Marriage & Family Relationships
- Human Services Delivery Systems
Pros
- 10 classes total
- Diverse selection of courses
- Focus on diversity and social justice
- Large alumni network of Nobel Laureates and Fulbright Scholars
- Preparation for certification
Cons
- Capstone project requirement
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
3. The University of Oklahoma
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 program consists of 33 total credit hours.
Classes for this Human Service degree include:
- Cultural, Social & Diversity Issues
- Geriatric Issues
- Human Services Research
- Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
Students also complete a related internship, which provides experience needed for jobs after graduation. The school assists with internship placement.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Diverse selection of courses and electives
- High graduation rate
- Internship opportunities and access to jobs
Cons
- Minimum 3.0 GPA needed for graduation
- Rigorous courses and curriculum
4. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University offers an online MS in Human Development and Family Science with an academic emphasis in Applied Human Services. This accelerated program offers online courses throughout its entirety.
Coursework consists of 33 credits, which include both general classes and electives. Students explore topics in aging sciences, early childhood education, and infant mental health. There is also a thesis or non-thesis component required for graduation.
Pros
- 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Diverse selection of course topics and electives
- Non-thesis option
- No prerequisite courses
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
5. Kansas State University
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 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 is a practicum in family/community services or a field study in family economics.
Pros
- 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 100% online with no campus visits
- Diverse electives
- Field study opportunity
Cons
- Capstone project requirement
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
6. University of Nebraska Lincoln
The University of Nebraska Lincoln offers an MS in Human and Family Services Administration that is among Nebraska’s most affordable online programs for in-state students.
Classes for this graduate human service degree include:
- Family Professionals as Consumers of Research
- Theories of Human Development and Family Relations
- Special topics in Family and Cultural Diversity
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Career-focused capstone projects
- Community internship opportunities
- Emphasis on business skills
- Faculty advising and mentorship
Cons
- Large university with over 23,000 students
- Out-of-state tuition costs for non-residents
7. CUNY School of Professional Studies
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 in the state of New York.
Classes for this graduate degree in human services require the completion of 30 semester units that include courses such as:
- Neurodiverse Students in College
- Legal Aspect of Disability Service
- Assistive Technology in Higher Education
Students must also complete a capstone project that can help prepare for careers following graduation. Students gain philosophical knowledge as well as job-related skills.
Pros
- Human Services Advanced Scholarship opportunity
- Small class sizes
- Summer sessions available
- Wide range of courses and electives
Cons
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
8. The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers an MA in Human Services. The program allows students to take one courses at a time. Each course runs for six weeks, which means the program moves along at an accelerated pace.
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
Pros
- 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Career-focused curriculum
- Diverse courses and specialization options
- Fast-paced, accelerated six-week courses
- Preparation for doctoral programs
Cons
- Higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- Limited transfer credit policy (up to 9 credits)
9. California State University, Northridge
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. Students enrolled in CSUN’s graduate human services degree must finish a minimum of 30 semester credits. However, 70% of the credits must be completed in residence at California State University.
Classes include Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan, Medical Conditions Affecting the Quality of Life, and a directed comprehension study project.
Pros
- Access to industry events
- Cohort format
- Distinguished faculty and mentorship opportunities
- One-on-one technical support
- Work-friendly scheduling
Cons
- Higher tuition for out-of-state residents
- Residence requirement
10. Bryan College
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 credits to complete this program. However, you can earn all credits online. Classes for this human services degree include:
- Group Dynamics
- Multicultural Awareness in Human Services
- Adult Development and Aging
- Christianity & Counseling
Pros
- 100% online with no campus visits required
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Accelerated courses (8-week format)
- Flat-rate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
Cons
- All courses taught from a Christian worldview
- Small student population (1,656 students)
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing the right human services master’s program, there are several considerations. You should first consider accreditation. A Master’s in Human Services online accredited program ensures that both the school and human services program uphold the highest academic standards. Accreditation helps employers know they’re hiring skilled, trained, and qualified individuals for the job.
For students interested in a career in human services, it is worth getting a master’s degree. A graduate degree can open doors to more advanced roles. The degree can also qualify you for higher pay.
It can! One of the greatest benefits of earning a master’s degree is how it can benefit your career. Getting a Master’s in Human Services can open doors to managerial and administrative positions. It can also lead you toward specialized and supervisory positions.
Most master’s in human services degrees take two years to get online. Accelerated programs take less time because courses run faster. Some six-week and eight-week course programs can take one year or 18 months for the human services degree. But the average time is two years.
It depends on the role you take, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a master’s degree in human services salary for a position such as a Genetic Counselor pays $89,990/year. You can make about $74,000/year in a community service manager position.
There are many careers you can pursue with a master’s in human services. Some of the job titles you can get include:
• Community Service Manager
• Drug and Alcohol Human Services Program Manager
• Human Services Agency Director
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Human Services College Professor
• Student Affairs Administrator
It depends on the school and program, but the average cost for a master’s in human services ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 per year. You can find colleges that offer lower tuition for in-state students.
Related Articles:
- Best Associate Degree in Human Services
- Best Human and Social Services Degree Programs
- Best Master’s in Human Services Degrees
Sources:
BLS.gov (Genetic Counselors)
BLS.gov (Social and Community Managers)
IPEDS
Niche
