Finding the Right Human Services Program & Exploring Careers
Professionals working in human services help people with challenges, such as substance abuse and learning disabilities. Earning a human services degree online can be the first step towards a master’s degree and a rewarding career of helping people and improving systems that help others. Studying online allows you the freedom to schedule classes around existing obligations, like work and family. This page is designed to help you find an online program that works for you, it contains advice as well as rankings of the best options for an online bachelor’s degree in human services.
How Much Can You Make in a Human Services Career?
An online human services degree can help you start a career in a variety of fields. Five possible careers have been provided in the table below. This table describes the position, median yearly income, and the expected growth rate for these positions. While your degree will not guarantee you a specific career or salary, there are many variables that impact the job market. Having a degree opens up many options that are otherwise unavailable.
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Social or Human Service Assistant
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $33,120
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026:16%Job Description
Professionals in these entry-level positions assist social workers and other human service professionals in their work. They might help clients find benefits or assist with research as determined by their supervisors. They often work in nonprofit organizations, state or local governments, or at for-profit companies. Most work full time, and occasionally nights or weekends.
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Social or Community Service Manager
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $64,100
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026:18%Job Description
These professionals coordinate and supervise organizations, such as nonprofits, social services, and other organizations which work closely with individual clients. They manage work by professionals in their field, and usually have some work experience themselves.
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Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $51,410
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026:6%
Job Description
These professionals work with incarcerated or recently released persons. They might work within a prison to help prisoners adapt to incarceration or prepare for release. They also might work with prisoners who have been released under probation or otherwise need to maintain contact with the correctional system.
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Health Educator or Community Health Worker
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $45,360
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026:16%Job Description
These professionals help community members improve their health and general wellness through educational programs. They might work in hospitals, for nonprofits, or the government, and may teach classes or plan and implement programs within communities. These positions often require the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, especially in education.
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Compensation, Benefits, or Job Analysis Specialist
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $62,680
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026:9%Job Description
These professionals evaluate and manage compensation, benefits, or job classifications within their organization. This career shares much with human resources, and success within this career requires some human resource knowledge, as well as on-the-job experience. Entry-level positions may be difficult to find, and may require degree specialization.
Where you work can have as big of an impact on your salary as your job field. Population density, cost of living, and the median income of other jobs can influence your salary. Earning your human services bachelor’s degree online means you can work and study anywhere in the country. The information below answers questions about courses and online instruction.
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Alabama
Median Annual Salary: $26,770
Number Currently Employed: 1,660
Projected Job Growth: +11.1 percent
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Alaska
Median Annual Salary: $37,710
Number Currently Employed: 770
Projected Job Growth: +11 percent
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Arizona
Median Annual Salary: $32,820
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Arkansas
Median Annual Salary: $29,590
Number Currently Employed: 3,810
Projected Job Growth: +22.6 percent
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California
Median Annual Salary: $44,090
Number Currently Employed: 41,800
Projected Job Growth: +16 percent
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Colorado
Median Annual Salary: $35,200
Number Currently Employed: 2,540
Projected Job Growth: +28.5 percent
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District of Columbia (DC)
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 2,150
Projected Job Growth: +17.6 percent
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Connecticut
Median Annual Salary: $40,810
Number Currently Employed: 8,120
Projected Job Growth: +10 percent
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Delaware
Median Annual Salary: $34,360
Number Currently Employed: 510
Projected Job Growth: +11.2 percent
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Florida
Median Annual Salary: $34,270
Number Currently Employed: 12,090
Projected Job Growth: +16.5 percent
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Georgia
Median Annual Salary: $29,370
Number Currently Employed: 7,770
Projected Job Growth: +18.2 percent
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Hawaii
Median Annual Salary: $35,180
Number Currently Employed: 1,820
Projected Job Growth: +13 percent
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Idaho
Median Annual Salary: $33,000
Number Currently Employed: 2,850
Projected Job Growth: +14.6 percent
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Illinois
Median Annual Salary: $33,540
Number Currently Employed: 13,020
Projected Job Growth: +6.6 percent
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Indiana
Median Annual Salary: $30,220
Number Currently Employed: 6,600
Projected Job Growth: +18.7 percent
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Iowa
Median Annual Salary: $34,740
Number Currently Employed: 5,040
Projected Job Growth: +17.6 percent
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Kansas
Median Annual Salary: $33,100
Number Currently Employed: 4,410
Projected Job Growth: +9.9 percent
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Kentucky
Median Annual Salary: $29,630
Number Currently Employed: 4,540
Projected Job Growth: +19 percent
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Lousiana
Median Annual Salary: $29,990
Number Currently Employed: 3,550
Projected Job Growth: +10.9 percent
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Maine
Median Annual Salary: $34,750
Number Currently Employed: 3,160
Projected Job Growth: +0 percent
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Maryland
Median Annual Salary: $35,080
Number Currently Employed: 6,700
Projected Job Growth: +9.6 percent
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Massachusuetts
Median Annual Salary: $35,520
Number Currently Employed: 15,580
Projected Job Growth: +10.7 percent
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Michigan
Median Annual Salary: $29,820
Number Currently Employed: 10,980
Projected Job Growth: +16.6 percent
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Minnesota
Median Annual Salary: $36,300
Number Currently Employed: 14,950
Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent
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Mississippi
Median Annual Salary: $28,410
Number Currently Employed: 2,490
Projected Job Growth: +9.5 percent
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Missouri
Median Annual Salary: $28,120
Number Currently Employed: 8,930
Projected Job Growth: +15.8 percent
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Montana
Median Annual Salary: $29,570
Number Currently Employed: 1,270
Projected Job Growth: +16.3 percent
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Nebraska
Median Annual Salary: $26,520
Number Currently Employed: 4,360
Projected Job Growth: +17.3 percent
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Nevada
Median Annual Salary: $35,520
Number Currently Employed: 1,660
Projected Job Growth: +15.1 percent
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New Hampsire
Median Annual Salary: $31,910
Number Currently Employed: 2,090
Projected Job Growth: +17.8 percent
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New Jersey
Median Annual Salary: $35,990
Number Currently Employed: 27,320
Projected Job Growth: +17.7 percent
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New Mexico
Median Annual Salary: $33,370
Number Currently Employed: 2,370
Projected Job Growth: +12.1 percent
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New York
Median Annual Salary: $36,320
Number Currently Employed: 37,090
Projected Job Growth: +21.9 percent
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North Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $29,600
Number Currently Employed: 7,720
Projected Job Growth: +21 percent
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North Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $35,430
Number Currently Employed: 1,530
Projected Job Growth: +22.9 percent
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Ohio
Median Annual Salary: $33,640
Number Currently Employed: 16,290
Projected Job Growth: +13.2 percent
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Oklahoma
Median Annual Salary: $28,390
Number Currently Employed: 2,320
Projected Job Growth: +11 percent
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Oregon
Median Annual Salary: $37,000
Number Currently Employed: 6,150
Projected Job Growth: +15 percent
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Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary: $34,420
Number Currently Employed: 21,350
Projected Job Growth: +9 percent
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Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary: $34,490
Number Currently Employed: 2,500
Projected Job Growth: +7.3 percent
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South Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $30,860
Number Currently Employed: 6,130
Projected Job Growth: +13.7 percent
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South Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $25,380
Number Currently Employed: 940
Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent
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Tennessee
Median Annual Salary: $32,600
Number Currently Employed: 2,560
Projected Job Growth: +17 percent
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Texas
Median Annual Salary: $34,330
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Utah
Median Annual Salary: $27,710
Number Currently Employed: 5,950
Projected Job Growth: +32.8 percent
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Vermont
Median Annual Salary: $35,460
Number Currently Employed: 2,560
Projected Job Growth: +10.4 percent
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Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $32,240
Number Currently Employed: 6,840
Projected Job Growth: +20.6 percent
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Washington
Median Annual Salary: $40,040
Number Currently Employed: 7,300
Projected Job Growth: +14.9 percent
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West Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $30,920
Number Currently Employed: 3,350
Projected Job Growth: +13.1 percent
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Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary: $35,300
Number Currently Employed: 13,700
Projected Job Growth: +12.6 percent
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Wyoming
Median Annual Salary: $34,460
Number Currently Employed: 880
Projected Job Growth: +7.1 percent
What Courses Can be Taken for an Online Human Services Degree?
Earning your human services bachelor’s degree online means you will be engaging in the same material as on-campus students. Every school and program offers different courses, but many tend to share similarities. We’ve listed five sample courses that you might see in your program curriculum, though details may vary from one program to the next.
Delivery of Human Services
This course addresses the skills, knowledge, and ethical practices required to effectively deliver services to clients within a multidisciplinary field. Students discuss leadership, organizational structure, and social policies.
Substance Abuse
In this course learners discuss the causes and effects of substance abuse, including internal and external factors which can lead to, and perpetuate, abuse.
Social Welfare Policy
This course addresses social, economic, and political factors which impact the operation of social and human services. The course may focus on the national, state, or local level.
Assessment and Planning
In this course students study the process of assessing the problems and needs of clients, as well as determining how to proceed with assistance.
Research Methodologies
This course addresses the methods used by social scientists to conduct research. This class generally requires students to complete a research project in order to pass the class.
How to Choose the Best Online Human Services Program
When choosing a program, there are a number of questions you should ask. Does the school have a good reputation for teaching human services? Who is teaching the courses, and do their methods or interests mesh with your own? Does the school offer specializations or courses that will further your career goals? This section includes some common questions and answers about online human services degrees.
How long will it take to earn my degree?
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete with full-time enrollment. You can reduce this time by taking more classes each term or summer courses. Some online programs are also accelerated, meaning they fit more classes into each term to finish the program faster.
How should I choose my courses?
Aside from required courses, you should have some choice in the classes you take to complete your degree. A specialization might offer less room for electives. Choose courses that seem interesting to you or match a specific career path. Faculty and peers should be able to help you choose courses as well.
Will I have to choose a concentration?
A concentration depends on the program. Since human services can be a broad degree, you may be required or encouraged to choose a concentration. Some programs offer a set of choices, while others are more flexible. You should consider possible concentrations while choosing a school, but keep an open mind as you might discover something more interesting during your studies.
Are internships required for a bachelor’s in human services?
Internships, practicums, and other hands-on experiences are common for a bachelor’s degree, but whether or not they are required varies by program. If an internship is required for an online program, you should be able to find an option near you to fulfill the requirement regardless of location.
Will there be a capstone or other large project?
Most likely, yes. You will likely be required to complete multiple projects, such as research papers, during the course of the degree, since it is important that students learn to apply what they’ve learned. Details will vary, but you should expect to have a final course where you create a piece of unique research.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Human Services Programs
College is expensive, but luckily there are a number of scholarships out there to help pay for your bachelor’s degree in human services. We’ve included five below, to give you an idea of available options and where to start looking. Scholarships are often aimed at very specific populations, such as women, people of color, or people with disabilities, and some are geared towards specific fields or degrees.
These scholarships offer $3,000 to students who are training to work with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. While you have to be an active member of a Lutheran church to qualify, the specific program of study isn’t important. You must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA to qualify. The scholarship is open to freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at any accredited university. These scholarships are awarded to ten students each year.
Offered by the National Organization for Human Services and open to their members, this scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing a program with human services in the title. The application requires two letters of reference, a 3.2 GPA at minimum, a resume, transcripts, and a 500-word essay. One scholarship is awarded each year, and the winner can be studying at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level.
This scholarship awards up to $10,000 a year to students pursuing a degree in human services who are active in human rights activism and intend to pursue a career in human rights within the United States. Applicants must show financial need and provide letters of recommendation and a 1,000-word personal statement. The scholarship is open to students who are entering college or already enrolled in a program.
The American Association on Health and Disability offers this scholarship to students with disabilities who are studying human services with the intention of working to support people with disabilities in the future. Multiple awards totalling up to $1,000 are granted each year. Applicants must submit a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and documentation of disability. Preference is given to students with a history of community service.
The New Jersey DHS awards five scholarships each year to students who are planning to work with blind or visually impaired people, and who are blind or visually impaired themselves. If you are a resident of New Jersey and qualify for help from the commission, you can apply for one of these scholarships for any school in the country, which is ideal for New Jersey residents who want to study online.