The Best Online Master’s in Human Services Programs

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma provides students with the fundamentals of human services with its exceptional master's degree program. Students learn the theoretical foundations, current industry issues and ethical difficulties of health care all while earning their degrees online.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Professional and Continuing Studies
Program Name: Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 5 years
Program start dates: June 11, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall : July 15; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1
GPA: 3.0

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a leader in distance education, providing a completely online master's in human and family services administration program. Students complete online coursework and gain all the necessary support to achieve academic success in a virtual learning environment.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education and Human Sciences
Program Name: MS in Child, Youth and Family Studies
Available concentrations: Human and Family Services Administration
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36-51 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a master's in human services counseling program with several specializations to enhance their degrees. This program combines best industry practices with specialized coursework to give students the skills for career advancement in their particular area of interest.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling
Available concentrations: Addictions & Recovery, Business, Christian Ministries, Criminal Justice, Crisis Response & Trauma, Executive Leadership, Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy, and the Future, Dobson Center Marriage & Family Studies, Dobson Center Parenting & Child/Adolescent, Health & Wellness, Life Coaching, Marriage & Family, Military Resilience
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: February 11, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.0

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is an established institute of higher education and offers a renowned master's in human services program. This program is accredited by the CACREP, offers 24/7 technical support and tutoring, features a highly regarded faculty and has a 98 percent pass rate.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's in Human Services
Accrediting body: CACREP

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 39 credits
Field Education Requirements: 3 hours of field experience

Program LengthProgram Length: 1-2 years
Program start dates: Fall 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5

Northeastern University

Northeastern University provides the coursework to develop leaders in the master's in human services program. Students learn directly from industry-leading faculty members and a leadership-focused curriculum to advance their careers to upper-levels positions after college.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Human Services
Available concentrations: Global Studies, Leadership, Organizational Communication
Accrediting body: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 45 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Spring I: April 8, 2019; Spring II: May 20, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring I: March 29, 2019; Spring II: March 10, 2019

Regent University

Regent University offers a very accessible master's degree program in human services for students who want to gain the skills for career advancement. With no GRE required, graduate students receive a high-quality, distance-learning education without the need to prepare for and take the exam for admission.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Psychology & Counseling
Program Name: M.A. in Human Services
Available concentrations: Addictions Counseling, Biblical Counseling, Christian Counseling, Conflict & Mediation Ministry, Criminal Justice & Ministry, Grief Counseling, Human Services Counseling, Human Services for Student Affairs, Life Coaching, Marriage & Family Ministry, Trauma & Crisis Counseling
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: March 18, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: March 6, 2019
GPA: 3.0

California State University - Northridge

CSU Northridge offers a collaborative master's in human services program in a cohort format. Students progress together as a group and take part in interactive projects and discussions with their peers and faculty members.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Tseng College
Program Name: Master of Science in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services
Accrediting body: WASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: November 14
GPA: 2.5

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers a flexible master's degree program in human services, giving students the freedom to complete the coursework online at their own pace. Students can work on their schedule and take advantage of part-time classes to continue working while earning their degrees.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Program Name: Master Of Human Services In Child Protection
Accrediting body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: August; Winter: January; Summer: May

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University accommodates students from anywhere in the world, offering asynchronous classes to full- and part-time distance learners. Students in the human services master's program can also complete their practicum or internship experiences closer to home for greater convenience.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Available concentrations: Addictions Counseling, Career Development, Human Services Management
Accrediting body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: May 15, 2019; Fall: August 1, 2019

Wilmington University

Wilmington University blends a rigorous curriculum with extensive practical application to provide the necessary skills that professionals need to excel in the field of human services. This master's program is designed for working professionals and gives them plenty of hands-on experience to enhance their current positions or to help them gain higher positions within their respective organizations.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Administration of Human Services
Accrediting body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Field Education Requirements: 120 hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 1 year
Program start dates: Spring II: March 11, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Students need guidance to achieve academic success, and Saint Mary's University delivers with exceptional instruction from expert faculty members. The faculty members in the master's in human services program excel academically and professionally, providing students with the knowledge to succeed in their own careers after college.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Health and Human
Program Name: M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration
Accrediting body: MN BENHA

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75

Concordia University - St. Paul

Graduate students who want to advance their careers in the field of human services should consider Concordia University-St. Paul. Around 95 percent of graduates receive job offers within their first year after graduation, and 44 percent of those graduates earn more than the national average.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Available concentrations: Forensic Behavioral Health
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Bellevue University

Bellevue University's students in the master's in human services program learn "by doing" and gain the knowledge to advance their careers. Students have opportunities for hands-on practical application through internships, fieldwork experiences and independent projects to increase their skills and expertise in the field.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or Master's degree from a regionally accredited college
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

St. Joseph's College of New York

St. Joseph's College of New York designed its master's in human services program for professionals who want to gain the necessary knowledge for career advancement. This program matches the students' interests with courses that prepare them for roles as case managers, program directors, outreach workers and more.

Program OverviewProgram Name: M.S. in Human Services Leadership
Accrediting body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 25; Spring: June 25; Summer: September 25
GPA: 3.0

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago offers a generalist master's degree program in human services, providing broad-based knowledge for professionals who want to pursue careers in mental health centers, family service agencies and more. Graduates emerge with the skills to increase their employment opportunities for career advancement after college.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degre
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 24 months
Program start dates: May 6, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: May 1, 2019
GPA: 2.85

University of Northwestern - St. Paul

The University of Northwestern offers students a personalized education thanks to a small class ratio in the master's in human services program. With around 14 students per class, students receive a more individualized educational experience and greater one-on-one support from faculty members.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Graduate, Online & Adult Learning
Program Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock Christian University offers students a path to a master's degree in human services with focused studies that match their personal and professional goals. With focuses in nonprofit leadership and family life education, students can hone their skills in a specific human services field that suits their interests.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science Human Services
Available concentrations: Non-Profit Leadership, Family Life Educator
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield offers one of the best curricula of any human services programs in the country. It's a comprehensive look into human services and covers everything from ethics and professional development to critical perspectives in human services, providing graduates with the necessary skills to increase their employment opportunities.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education and Human Services
Program Name: M.A. in Human Services
Available concentrations: Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Child and Family Studies, Gerontology, Social Service Administration
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 44 credits
Field Education Requirements: 100 hours; 500 hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 15; Spring: September 15
GPA: 3.0

Southeastern University

Southeastern University offers an accelerated path to a master's degree in human services for full-time students. In only four semesters, graduate students will emerge with the skills and credentials to advance their careers in the field.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Available concentrations: Administration, Children & Family Services, Christian Ministries
Accrediting body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Southwestern Assemblies of God University's master's in human services counseling program is designed for professionals who want to pursue careers as caseworkers, intake specialists and more. Students take courses in counseling methods, behavioral sciences, crisis intervention and others to gain the skills for career advancement upon graduation.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Field Education Requirements: 150 hours

Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Albertus Magnus College

Transfer students who want to earn a master's degree in human services should consider Albertus Magnus College. Students can transfer up to six graduate hours into this program, reducing their overall completion time to graduation.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Human Services
Accrediting body: New England Commission of Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 39 credits

Program Length
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.8

Amridge University

Amridge University offers advanced studies for professionals who want to gain the skills for career advancement in the human services field. Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in counseling groups and individuals and can apply them in churches, private practices and other settings.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Education and Human Services
Program Name: Master of Science in Human Services
Accrediting body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 4 semesters
Program start dates: February 18, 2019

Admission Requirements

Argosy University

Argosy University designed its master's in human services program for working professionals who wish to advance or to change their careers. Students have numerous opportunities to put theory into practice and will develop a better understanding of the needs of diverse populations.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Counseling Psychology and Social Sciences
Program Name: Master's in Human Services
Accrediting body: WASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 5 years
Program start dates: Summer: May 9, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.7
Work Experience: 1 year of work/voluntary experience

Capella University

Students in Capella's master's in human services program build leadership skills through real-world challenges. These challenges occur as on-the-job simulations, providing practical applications to put their knowledge and skills to the test.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Counseling and Human Services
Program Name: MS in Human Services
Available concentrations: Leadership and Organizational Management, Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, Social and Community Services
Accrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 48 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: March 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Ashford University

Ashford University's master's in human services program offers outstanding 24/7 technical support for students who prefer to take online courses. Students can receive help with questions, technical issues and more to prevent interruptions in their educational learning.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Available specializations: Mental Health Administration, Nonprofit Management, Standard Human Services. Note, a specialiation consists of 9 credits.
Accrediting body: WSCUC-accredited

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 70 weeks

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.0

Post University

Post University offers several counseling tracks in the master's in human services program. These tracks, such as forensic mental health counseling, provide students with options to choose a concentration that enhances their degree and improves their skills to advance in their particular human services field of interest.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services
Available concentrations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Non-Profit Management, Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Accrediting body: New England Commission of Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 37 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: March 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 1 year of experience