Overview

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is a large, private, Evangelical Christian university. Established in the 1970s, the University takes a faith-based approach to education, emphasizing a commitment to biblical truth. Their School of Behavioral Sciences exists to promote an integrated understanding of science, practice, and faith.

Program Features

Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Human Services Counselling which does not lead to national certification. This is an ideal program for those working in fields like education, pastoral ministry, or healthcare with a need to apply psychological insights within their job settings. The program offers several options for specialization, including:

• Addictions and Recovery
• Criminal Justice
• Christian Ministry

Notables

Liberty University’s MA in Human Services Counselling is a 30-credit program which is comprised of 18 credits of required courses and 12 credits of electives from other disciplines. Students also have an opportunity to complete a Pastoral Counseling Internship which offers students supervised pastoral counseling experience in an approved setting. The program is offered in both residential and online formats.

Overview

The youngest member of the world-class University of Illinois, the University of Illinois Springfield is a top-ranking regional university (#64 in the Midwest, according to U.S. News and World Report). The university’s Department of Human Services provides outstanding professional education programs that prepare students for work and study in the field.

Program Features

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Department of Human Services offers a Master of Arts in Human Services for those with undergraduate education in the area. This multidisciplinary program prepares students to excel as Human Service professionals in multiple roles and settings. The core curriculum is based on essential skills and concepts, while four concentrations allow students to tailor the degree to their own career goals. The concentrations are:

• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• Child and Family Studies
• Gerontology
• Social Services Administration

Notables

The University of Illinois Springfield’s MA in Human Services is a 44-credit program which includes 24 credits of core coursework and 20 credits in the concentration area. An internship in a human services environment forms an essential part of the degree program. And for those interested in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration, it is accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association.

Overview

Bellevue University has been offering affordable graduate degrees since 1966. Their Master of Arts in Human Services program is actually entirely online. The program is designed for both aspiring human service professionals and those who are already practicing.

Program Features

Bellevue’s program is not designed for those seeking a professional licensure, but the program has several established student outcomes:

• Assess funding strategies
• Assess how effective a program is
• Strengthen management and leadership abilities
• Become experts in human engagement

Notables

Because this program is entirely online, it’s probably the most flexible option on the list. The university is still relatively small, even though it’s online. Bellevue graduates around 9,000 students annually.

Overview

Located in Lakeland, FL, Southeastern University is a private, Christian liberal arts university that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination. The fast-growing university has a mission to help students discover their calling through Christian mentorship and solid academic programs. And the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences prepares students to make important contributions in their community and around the world.

Program Features

Southeastern University’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Human Services that integrates the principles of the human services profession with biblically-informed values. This non-clinical program provides a detailed understanding of the field, as well as administrative and leadership skills that equip students to elevate and improve the lives of the people they serve. Specializations include:

• Administration
• Children and Family
• Christian Ministries

Notables

Southeastern University’s MA in Human Services is a 36-credit program comprised of 24 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of specialization courses. Students can choose to study on a part-time or full-time basis. The degree takes four semesters of full-time study to complete, and courses are available both online and on-campus. This program does not prepare students for state licensure as a clinical professional.

Overview

A member of the extensive, for-profit Argosy University system, Argosy University, San Diego is a regionally accredited institution. Recently acquired by the Dream Center Foundation, the school focuses on providing quality and accessible education in programs that span health and behavioral sciences to business, education, and digital arts.

Program Features

Argosy University, San Diego offers a Master of Science in Human Services which prepares students to work in a variety of human services organizations. Designed for those already working in the field, the curriculum provides advanced education in relevant academic theory. Students develop an understanding of the needs of diverse populations – as well as the systems essential to operating human service programs. Courses include:

• Theory and Scope of Human Services
• Life Course and Human Development
• Human Behavior in Context

Notables

Argosy University, San Diego’s MS in Human Services is a 36-credit program that is comprised of 12 required courses. This program is excellent training for those wishing to work in mental health centers, guidance centers, mental hospitals, alcohol and drug treatment centers, and correctional institutions. However, this is a non-clinical program that does not lead to state or national licensure.

Overview

Headquartered in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Global is a recent addition to the renowned Purdue University System. A result of Purdue University’s 2018 acquisition of the for-profit Kaplan University, Purdue University Global is an adult-focused, public university with programs offered online and on campuses throughout seven states.

Program Features

Purdue University Global offers a Master of Science in Human Services designed for a wide range of professionals working in the field of Human Services. Designed to propel students into positions of leadership in their diverse professional settings, the curriculum provides a comprehensive education in both theory and practice. Two degree concentrations are available:

• Family and community services
• Organizational and social services

Notables

Purdue Global’s MS in Human Services is a 45-credit program comprised of 30 core credits and 15 elective credits. There are multiple start-dates for the program, and it is offered on Rockville, Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin campuses – as well as entirely online. The program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education and adheres to their curriculum standards (though it is not officially accredited by the agency).

Overview

Located in Minnesota’s capital city, University of Northwestern-St.Paul is a private Christian university. Ranking at #47 among regional universities in the Midwest according to U.S. News and World Report, their high-quality academic programs are grounded in a Christian worldview. While focusing primarily on undergraduate education, Northwestern also offers robust graduate programs in a number of areas, including Human Services.

Program Features

University of Northwestern-St.Paul offers a Master of Arts in Human Services that prepares students for leadership in human services professions or for further graduate study. Students use research to help understand people and their needs. And with small class sizes which allow for faculty-student interaction, Northwestern’s program provides a unique perspective on how faith and human services intersect. Some classes include:

• Theories of Human Development
• Worldview, Leadership, and Human Services
• Multicultural/Diversity Issues in Human Services

Notables

Northwestern’s MA in Human Services is a non-licensure, 36-credit program comprised of 12 required courses and the option to complete a concentration in Family Studies. The program takes between 18-22 months to complete on a full-time or part-time basis, and Northwestern students can choose to take the program on campus in St. Paul or fully online.

Overview

Located in the town of New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private, adult-centered, research university. The university offers more than 150 career-oriented degree and certificate programs in person (on its main campus and educational centers throughout the state) and online. And the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers rigorous programs that prepare students to thrive in the field of social services.

Program Features

Wilmington University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a Master of Science in Administration of Human Services for new and experienced human services professionals. Designed for working students, the program core is anchored in the disciplines of research, theory, and ethics balanced with real-world professional practice. Electives provide a great deal of room for students to tailor the degree to their own needs. Courses include:

• Survey of Human Services
• Administration of Human Service Organizations
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Service Administration

Notables

Wilmington University’s MS in Administration of Human Services is a 33-credit program comprised of six required courses and five electives. One of the essential components of the program is a 120-hour guided practicum or capstone master’s project, depending on students’ history and career goals. Course times are flexible, and are offered in varying formats that fit a variety of working students’ needs. Working intensively, it’s possible to complete the program in 12 months.

Overview

Located in the small city of Winona, MN, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, Catholic university that ranks among the top 50 regional universities in the Midwest according to U.S. News and World Report. With a primary focus on undergraduate education, Saint Mary’s also offers 60 graduate and professional programs in Winona as well as on campuses in the Twin Cities and elsewhere in the region.

Program Features

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration. Designed for both new and experienced professionals, this program provides new perspectives on how to lead and advance organizations in the complex fields of healthcare, long-term care, and human services. Students learn from instructors who are practitioners with experience in both the classroom and in their respective fields. Courses include:

• Health Informatics and Application
• Human Resources in the Health and Human Services Sectors
• Financial Practices in the Health and Human Services Sectors

Notables

Saint Mary’s MA in Health and Human Services Administration is a 36-credit program comprised of 11 required courses and a Capstone project. The program is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and those wanting to qualify for a licensure will have additional courses to complete. This program takes about two years to complete and is offered at Saint Mary’s Twin Cities and Rochester locations as well as online.

Overview

Located in Brooklyn, New York, St. Joseph’s College New York is a private, Catholic liberal arts university that ranks among the top 75 regional universities in the North according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition to traditional four-year programs, the University offers several graduate programs that help working adults develop skills for outstanding, ethical professional performance.

Program Features

St. Joseph’s College New York offers a Master of Science in Human Services Leadership designed for working human service professionals. The program provides a a groundbreaking, research-based leadership-development curriculum which covers the financial, legal, regulatory, political, social and historical aspects of the human services industry. Students gain the leadership skills necessary to be a respected professional in the industry. Courses include:

• Leading in Mission Driven Environments
• Leadership Ethics and the Law of Human Services
• Theory and Design of Culturally Responsive Organizations

Notables

St. Joseph’s MS in Human Services Leadership is a 30-credit program comprised of ten required courses. St. Joseph’s offers three start-dates for the program in fall, spring, and summer – and most students take five semesters to complete the degree. The program is intended for working students, so most courses take place on Saturdays as well as on weekday evenings.