Best Online Master's In Human Services Degrees

Overview

Northeastern University, a private university headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts with campuses all over North America, seeks to educate students through experiential learning. Northeastern prioritizes entrepreneurship and ability to innovate among its students. Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Human Services program that can be completed entirely online.

Program Features

The online Master of Science in Human Services program is offered by the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern and includes work-based applications and a capstone service-learning project. Requires curriculum courses include:

• Human Service Management and Development
• Research and Evaluation in Human Services
• Policy Issues in Human Services

Students may also choose to pursue one of three concentrations, including Global Studies, Leadership, or Organizational Communication. This program provides great flexibility as well– full-time students can complete the degree in 2 years, while part-time students typically take 3 years to complete the degree.

Notables

Students will quickly learn how to facilitate community involvement, engage diverse stakeholders in strategic partnerships, and build communities. You’ll review social policy issues, such as trends in mental health care, the impact of immigration, and the ongoing debates over education and reproductive rights. Graduates of this program will be well prepared for rewarding careers with nonprofit organizations, government, or nongovernmental organizations.

Overview

With over 125 master’s programs, Liberty University is the premier destination for online learning. In fact, Liberty University’s online programs ranked in the Top 10 of more than 2,100 online colleges and universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Coupled with the strong Christian teaching method and a 24/7 support staff, Liberty students are given every opportunity to set themselves up for success in their chosen career.

Program Features

Liberty University’s Masters of Arts in Human Services Counseling is an entirely online program that equips future human service counseling workers to offer services in areas such as leadership, families, addictions and recovery. Featured courses include:

• Biological Aspects of Addiction & Recovery
• Corporate Responsibility
• Counseling Adolescents & Their Families

Students must complete a total of 30 hours to receive their degree. All students must also select a cognate from a list of over ten. Cognates include: Addictions & Recovery, Business, Christian Ministries, Criminal Justice, Crisis Response & Trauma, Executive Leadership, and more.

Notables

Liberty University has been ranked as having one of the Best Master’s in Counseling, as well as ranking among the top online colleges. With a combination of wins like that, it’s hard not to see why Liberty is a great choice. Prospective students should note that this program does not lead directly to state licensure as a professional counselor.

Overview

This private university based in Waterbury, Connecticut was founded in 1890 and now has a total enrollment of over 3,900 students. Post University is known for their flexible programs and thriving online community. In fact, for most degrees, students can take courses entirely online or through a hybrid on-campus and online format. The university’s Master of Science in Human Services degree is offered entirely online for your convenience!

Program Features

Looking to develop knowledge in the areas of prevention, remediation, psycho-education, diagnosis, assessment, and intervention? Post University has the program for you! Courses may include:

• Biology of Addiction
• Family Systems Theory
• Theories of Criminal Behavior and Psychopathology
• Financial Management of Non-Profit Organizations

Students can also choose from one of the four concentrations, including: Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, and Non-Profit Management.

Notables

Each course at Post is taught by a professional faculty member, who brings years of expertise and leadership in this field to the virtual classroom. All students in this program will not only gain real field experience, but each will be expected to complete a capstone experience as well. This capstone will demonstrate your conceptual mastery of the field of professional practice.

Overview

Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, this university opened in 1966 and now offers a virtual college that remains one of the strongest in the country. Students can learn with an online curriculum taught by highly-trained faculty who have real-world experience in the Human Services field. Looking to earn a flexible Master of Arts in Human Services Degree? Bellevue may just be the university for you!

Program Features

The MA in Human Services degree through Bellevue is designed for those already employed in the field or for those who are planning to jumpstart a career in the human services profession. Students can choose to pursue this degree either completely online or on-campus. Either way, students will integrate hands-on and applied learning with theory. Courses may include:

• Ethics for Human Services
• Community Engagement
• Sustainable Funding
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Leadership Theories and Research

All students must complete 36 credit hours and a capstone course to earn their degree.

Notables

While Bellevue’s Human Services degree program has earned recognition for its affordability, the program does not lead directly to licensure. While those who already hold a job in the field or want to move into administrative roles will still benefit from the program, students hoping to enter the counseling field should look elsewhere.

Overview

Founded in 1912, Saint Mary’s is a private university based in the city of Winona, Minnesota. U.S News & World Report named Saint’ Mary’s one of the “Best Regional Universities, Midwest” and “Best Value” schools in 2017. Now, students looking for a quality degree that offers flexibility can obtain a Master’s in Health and Human Services through this university– completely online!

Program Features

The online Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration degree from Saint Mary’s is a 40-credit program, which can be completed in as little as 26 months. Your courses may include:

• Health Informatics and Application
• Finance for Health Services Administrators
• Aging, Illness, and the Continuum of Care
• Strategic Health and Human Services Leadership

All students are expected to complete a capstone course, as well as a practical experience course. There’s even a fully online practical experience course called, “Health Sector Leadership Initiative and Analysis – Self Study with Faculty Support.”

Notables

Looking for licensure? You’re in luck! The M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration program is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators as meeting education requirements to prepare students to take the Minnesota Nursing Home Administrators licensing exam in the state of Minnesota. From a different state? You can find out more on the school’s website.

Overview

With over 30 bachelor’s degrees, 20 master’s degrees, 1 doctoral program, and over 1600 online majors, the University of Illinois at Springfield is a hub of academic pursuit. In fact, US News & World Report’s 2018 edition of Best Colleges ranked this university as one of the best Regional Universities in the Midwest. Now, students can obtain an M.A. degree in Human Services entirely online.

Program Features

Looking to dive into the world of human services? If you’re a newbie, this may not be the program for you. That’s because this master’s degree caters to those who have an undergraduate education in human services. Students may choose from the following concentrations:

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

However, if you’re looking to earn this degree 100% online, only the Social Service Administration concentration is offered completely online. The other concentrations are offered in a blended online/on-campus format, so be sure to keep that in mind! Students can also look into obtaining a Joint Degree Option – Human Services/Public Health (HMS/MPH).

Notables

Within some concentrations, students will be able to obtain proper certification and will be prepared to practice with the competency and confidence needed to succeed in this field. Full-time students typically complete all requirements within two years, while part-time students can usually complete the program within 3-4 years.

Overview

Founded in 1964, this private research university is located in Broward County, Florida and has a total enrollment of over 25,000 students! NSU has more than 150 associate’s, bachelor’s,

master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs for students to choose from. Now, through their Department of Justice and Human Services, students can earn a Master of Human Services in Child Protection– entirely online!

Program Features

Students in this program will complete the 33 credit hours, including core courses, a specialty track, and variety of electives. The core curriculum is comprised of six courses and the rest of your courses will be determined by your concentration. Students can choose from one of the following ten concentrations:

• Psychological Foundations in Child Advocacy
• Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
• Conflict and Crisis Management for the Child Protective Caseworker
• Legal Perspectives of Child Protective Services
• Advocating for the Child as a Behavior Analyst
• Advocating for the Special Needs Child’s Education
• Family Systems and Support
• Administration for Child Protective Services
• Public Health and Child Protection
• Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations

Online students will use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information, as well as for interaction with faculty and fellow students.

Notables

US News & World Report’s 2018 edition of Best Colleges ranked Nova Southeastern University as one of the best National Colleges in the United States. The school’s most popular majors include Health Professions, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Psychology.

Overview

Founded in the late 1890s, Concordia University is a liberal arts university located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With over 75 majors and nearly 50 minors offered, this university prepares students for success across a number of industries. In fact, Concordia now offers an online Master of Arts in Human Services with an Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health. Learn more about their unique program below!

Program Features

The 36-credit hour program is offered entirely online and focuses on the direct relationship between behavioral health, criminal justice, and legal systems. Required courses include:

• Family Violence, PTSD & Trauma
• Psychopathology in Human Services
• Cultural Awareness and Understanding for the Human Service Professional
• Forensic Behavioral Health Law for the Human Service Professional

All students are required to complete a 40-60 page integrative paper as part of their research and capstone as well. Don’t worry about the daunting page count– after everything you’ve learned, you’ll have plenty to write about!

Notables

Each course in this program is 7 weeks and most students can complete their degree requirements in less than 2 years. Once finished, graduates will have enhanced communication skills, problem-solving strategies, and credible courtroom testimony skills to bring to the workforce. Plus, 95% of CSP grads receive job offers within one year of graduation!

Overview

Located in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University is a private Christian liberal arts university with over 4,500 students. In fact, student enrollment has increased by more than 50% in the past few years due to the university’s extensive offerings. Now, you can earn a Master of Arts in Human Services degree entirely online through Southeastern University!

Program Features

This non-clinical program prepares students to serve others in a variety of human services settings. Students must complete a total of 36 credit hours. In addition to core requirements, students can choose from a variety of specializations, including:

• Administrative
• Gerontology
• Children and Family
• Emergency Management
• Ministry

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions and a degree may be completed in as little as 12 months time.

Notables

Southeastern University offers the flexibility and tools that students need to succeed. With both a theoretical and experience-based understanding of the human services profession, graduates of this program can expect a long and rewarding career.

Overview

Founded in 1889, Western Carolina University is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. With over 110 areas of study for undergraduates and more than 60 graduate programs, Western Carolina is a hub for research and growth. WCU’s online Master of Science in Human Resources is one of many esteemed programs within the College of Education and Allied Professions.

Program Features

The MS in HR curriculum consists of 7 required courses and 5 elective courses. You can choose from a variety of popular electives including, but not limited to, the following:

• Organization Development
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Talent Management
• Compensation & Benefits
• Legal Issues in Human Resources
• Leadership in Human Resources

HR degree candidates are not required to write a thesis or complete a capstone as part of this program.

Notables

WCU was ranked #16 out of 50 for the Best Online Master’s in Human Resources Degrees. Students can typically complete the online Master of Science in Human Resources in three years or less.