Online Masters Degree in Human Services Programs

A masters degree in human services online program is a good choice if you are interested in pursuing a human services management position in social service, education, government, public safety, health care or in a non-governmental organization.

With a masters degree in human services, you can also work directly with at-risk populations, individuals or administer services in facilities that take care of the aging population. If you want to make a difference and help these individuals, online human services master degree programs can give you the skills and background you need.

You can earn a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) in Human Services degree at the graduate level. Since human services is a discpline that combines counseling, social work, healthcare and psychology with management, students pursuing a master degree in human services can specialize in social work and community services, human services administration, counseling studies, health care administration, gerontology, management of nonprofit agencies among other social services specializations.

Colleges offering Online Masters Degree in Human Services Programs

University of Phoenix

Online Master Degrees in Human Services Programs

MS in Counseling - Community Counseling
MS in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling

Capella University

Masters in Human Services Online Programs

Masters in Human Services - General
Masters in Human Services - Gerontology
Masters in Human Services - Management of Nonprofit Agencies

Liberty University

Masters Degree in Human Services Online Programs

Masters in Human Services - Marriage and Family
Masters in Human Services - Business Management
Masters in Human Services - Christian Ministries
Masters in Human Services - Executive Leadership
Masters in Human Services - Health and Wellness

Post University

Graduate Online Degrees in Human Services (Master's Programs)

MS Degree in Human Services
MS Human Services Degree - Clinical Counseling
MS Human Services Degree - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
MS Human Services Degree - Program Administration

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Masters Human Services Degrees - Education & Training

A masters degree in human services education may provide a broad general skill set (general human services degree program) or may be specialized in areas such as non-profit management, gerontology or social and community services. Depending on the specialization you choose, coursework may include how to handle case management, the proper referral procedures among organizations and government programs, and how to identify and assist at-risk individuals and populations. Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, group dynamics and basic problem skills are essential courses if you expect to deal with some unusual, high-stress situations. Depending on the program, you may also learn about developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and ethics and legal issues.

An online graduate degree in human services may also equip learners with skills on how to examine and shape the development of human service policies and programs that play an important role in caring for vulnerable and at-risk populations. You'll learn to review human service social policy issues, such as privatization of welfare, the impact of immigration, trends in mental health care and often-debated topics of education.

Depending on the specialization within the online human services degree, and state of employment, human services employees may be required to get specific state licenses in addition to a campus or online human services degree program.

Master Degree in Human Services vs. a Master Degree in Social Work

An online master's degree in human services and a master's degree in social work are disciplines that lead graduates to careers in social services, and may include some shared core curriculum classes.

The primary difference is that an online human services degree provides curriculum and skills pertaining to a broad range of service careers, whereas a social work degree typically focuses on only one area or concentration. If you plan to become a social worker, you will find a master's degree in social work (MSW) more helpful. If you prefer a more general approach to your education, online human services master degree programs might be a better choice for you.

Career Options and Salary with a Masters Degree in Human Services

Completion of a campus or an online graduate degree in human services may provide you work in:

Developing employee assistance programs;
Facilitating community involvement;
Exploring organizational behavior and leadership issues;
Creating and managing organizations that provide aid to at-risk populations.

Because human services degrees provide a more general focus, they prepare graduates for a wide range of career options, including:

Social work;
Case management;
Counseling;
Gerontology;
Community support and outreach;
Mental healthcare.

Most of these careers fall under the "social work" umbrella, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that as of 2008, the median income for social workers was $39,530. Mental health and substance abuse social workers reported a median income of $38,200 in 2009. Social work and human services managers who have increased responsibility and plan and oversee programs reported a median income of $56,600 in 2009.