Online Master’s in Human
Services

The Master’s in Human Services online degree helps students learn the techniques and skills needed to work in public resources, policy-based programs, and social services. This program is offered in both online, on-campus, and hybrid modes (offering both online and offline classes). The curriculum focuses on theories, specific research, and techniques to help a diverse population of families, children, older adults, and so on. Many institutions also include residency, internship, or practicum where students can participate in different fieldwork experiences before completing their degrees. An online human services degree could take up to two years and range between 30 and 46 credits; the duration could differ from online vs in-person classes.  While the on-campus program can be completed in a shorter time, the online program could be completed part-time and with asynchronous coursework. This program’s instruction is offered through synchronous and asynchronous learning. In addition to the core coursework, the program offers concentrations in fields like child and family studies, gerontology, counseling, and social service administration. After completing this degree, students can be employed in various professions like human services manager, social program developer, etc.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

An online master’s in human services requires 30 to 46 credits, but this requirement could differ from institution to institution or program to program, depending on the curriculum and other factors. Students must select different electives, thesis options, and concentrations. Some human services master programs also require the students to complete a capstone project and internships in the field before completing the program. Most colleges will have a similar selection of standard human services courses, such as:

Overview of Human Services
This course provides a foundational understanding of the field. Covering key concepts, ethical considerations, and diverse service models, it prepares students for advanced studies by offering a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted nature of human services practice.

Cultural Diversity and Individual Differences
This course explores the significance of diversity in service provision. Addressing cultural nuances, identity, and individual differences, it equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for culturally competent and inclusive practice in the dynamic human services field.

Nonprofit Management in Human Services
This course explores principles of effective leadership and strategic planning specific to nonprofit organizations. Focusing on financial sustainability, program development, and ethical practices, it equips students with skills essential for successful human services nonprofit sector management.

Decision Making for Human Services Organization
This course emphasizes critical decision-making skills essential for effective leadership in human services. It covers strategic planning, resource allocation, and ethical considerations, providing students with the expertise needed to navigate complex organizational challenges within the human services sector.

Professional Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Law
This course explores ethical principles, legal considerations, and professional standards crucial for practitioners. It equips students with the knowledge to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and legal frameworks, ensuring ethical and lawful practice in human services.

Some of the other common courses in a Master’s in Human Services program may include:

• Life Span Developments
• Theories of Behavior in Human Services
• Developing Team Collaboration in Human Services 
• Human Services Delivery Processes and Skills
• Research Design and Methods
• Professional Communication in Human Services
• Group Theories and Human Systems
• Program Development and Evaluation in Human Services
• Integrative Project for Human Services
• Management and Leadership in Human Services
• Public Policy in Human Services

Along with these courses, students might be required to complete a thesis, capstone, or end-of-the-year comprehensive exam, depending on the college’s specific requirements. Based on the college’s location, students must also complete certain hours of on-field internship. 

On graduating from human services master programs, students will be efficient enough to take up roles and responsibilities in different dimensions of human services. Some of the skills they would have acquired are the ability to: 

• analyze the ethical standards required in human services as a professional;
• advocate on behalf of those individuals who need an understanding of the function, methods, and roles that human services play;
• analyze high-quality information and data to interpret and evaluate the findings and deliver appropriate human services to those who need them the most;
• demonstrate high adaptability to the field and understand the history and impact that present and past policies have had on human services;
• implement and identify efficient strategies that can be incorporated theoretically and with a philosophical bent in mind to reflect the values that the profession of human services represents; 
• evaluate and recognize the values, expectations, and strategies of self-care available in this field;
• understand the needs of individuals and analyze the scope human services would have on the population;
• demonstrate a level of knowledge across all specializations and hold essential positions in the administration field of human services;
• effectively communicate knowledge and expertise through visual public and written presentations; and
• effectively design, implement, and evaluate the diverse programs in human services.

Online Master’s in Human Services Degree Types

There are many online master’s in human services degrees available across different regions in the United States, the two most prominent being the Master of Science or MS in Human Services Online and the Master of Arts or MA in Human Services Online. These degrees vary in curriculum and requirements.

Specializations in Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

Selecting a master’s program specialization is crucial as it will allow students to gain expertise in a specific area within the human services domain. The curriculum of the specializations is oriented towards a particular area of study that the graduate student is interested in. Human services specializations help prospective graduates gain better industry recognition, higher salaries, and career prospects. There are numerous human services specializations, which include, but are not limited to:

Area of Specialization	Description
Marriage and Family	This specialization focuses on equipping students with expertise in addressing the unique dynamics of relationships. It explores counseling techniques, intervention strategies, and family-centered approaches to prepare professionals for supporting the well-being of individuals within the context of marital and familial relationships.
Human Services Nonprofit Administration	This specialization emphasizes skills for effective leadership and management in nonprofit organizations. It covers strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, preparing professionals to navigate the distinct challenges of administering human services within the nonprofit sector.
Family Studies and Interventions	This specialization focuses on understanding and enhancing family dynamics. Students explore evidence-based interventions, counseling techniques, and strategies to support families in diverse contexts. This specialization equips professionals to address challenges and promote the well-being of individuals within family systems.
Social and Community Services	This specialization centers on community-driven solutions. It covers social advocacy, community development, and program planning to empower professionals with the skills needed for effective collaboration, engagement, and leadership in diverse social settings, contributing to positive societal change.
Family and Community Services	This specialization focuses on the overall well-being of families and communities through various human services they would require. Students learn about helping diverse populations like disabled older adults or other underrepresented populations.
Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention	In this specialization, students examine strategies and theories to respond to the initial needs of individuals and communities in an emergency and how to assist victims after the initial response.

Some examples of other specializations include:

• Organizational and Social Services
• Military Families and Culture
• Studies in Aging
• Professional Life Coaching
• Addictions Counseling

Timeline for graduating from Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

The duration of the master of human services program online could range from 16 to 24 months. This timeline would differ depending on the number of credits the program requires, mode of program delivery, full-time or part-time student status, electives, concentration, coursework, and synchronous or asynchronous learning. Typically, the program ranges between 30 and 46 credits, which full-time students could complete in about two years or less, and part-time students in 3 to 4 years.

When applying for graduate programs, students must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and submit their scores as part of the admissions process. However, some institutions have eliminated the GRE requirement for their degrees. When a master’s program has no GRE requirements, it allows consideration of applicants from diverse fields. Many students also appreciate avoiding the GRE, as it can be a demanding and stressful component of the application process. Some universities that offer master’s in human services with no GRE programs are Bellevue University³, University of North Georgia⁴, and Capella University⁵.

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

Accreditation is a quality assurance process for institutions. Doing a master’s degree from an accredited institute is very important as it could verify the authenticity of the degree, the quality of teaching, the institution’s reputation, transferability of credits, employability, and so on. Employers prefer candidates from accredited universities as they meet a set quality of education standard and professionalism. There are predominantly two types of accreditation in the United States – Regional and National Accreditation. Colleges are commonly accredited by regional accrediting bodies, which are:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Some colleges may also provide accredited master’s in human services. These program-accredited degrees are usually accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education⁶, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation⁷ or CHEA. Programmatic accreditation assures a high-quality human service education through a peer-based accreditation process and evidence-based standards. 
To understand more about accreditation, students can go through the Accreditation Guide.