15 Best Online Masters in Human Services
Updated October 22, 2021 | Staff Writers
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Are you committed to professionally helping others in your community? Start your graduate work with one of our 15 Best Online Masters in Human Services for 2019.
The field of Human Services is rapidly growing, and the number of available jobs is expected to increase 16 percent over the next six years, according to the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning a degree in Human Services allows individuals to work in a wide variety of settings, such as human resources, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, social services, and hospitals. Students pursuing graduate school might consider which online universities provide fieldwork or internship experiences in addition to specializations within the Human Services industry.
The following list breaks down Best College Reviews’ 15 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Human Services for 2019.
Council for Standards in Human Services Education and the National Organization for Human Services. Courses offered within the 48-quarter credit program and provided over four academic quarters. Capella’s online MS also provides specializations in Leadership and Organizational Management, Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, and Social and Community Services. Additionally, students can develop their leadership ability in the classroom and through Capella’s RiverBend City, which allows students to engage and learn through computerized simulations of real-life experiences.
Tuition: $14,250
#14 WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
CULLOWHEE, NC
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN RESOURCES
Visit Website
Score: 83.69
At Western Carolina University, students can receive their Master of Science in Human 
Resources, building their professional experience through a hands-on program entirely online. The curriculum was formulated based on the knowledge areas and competencies of the Academy for Human Resource Development, the Human Resource Certification Institute, the Association for Talent Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, and others. Students become knowledgeable of relational, strategic, operational, and socially responsible HR leadership. WCU’s HR Consulting Initiative gives students access to real pro bono HR consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations.
Tuition: $6,897 / $17,290
#13 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
MASTER OF HUMAN SERVICES IN CHILD PROTECTION
Visit Website
Score: 84.19
Combining experiential training with curriculum-based best practices, Nova Southeastern 
University’s Master of Human Services in Child Protection provides its students with competency-based academics so that they’re prepared to succeed professionally. NSU students are required to complete 33 credits for their MHSCP. Students must also complete at least one concentration such as Psychology Foundations in Child Advocacy, Family Systems, and Support, and Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations. The MHSCP is typically finished within two years. NSU provides foundational courses involving child protective law, family diversity, conflict resolution, child development, and assessment and case planning.
Tuition: $29,930
#12 SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
LAKELAND, FL
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 84.22
Students who wish to finish their graduate studies in a year should consider Southeastern
University’s Master of Arts. Southeastern requires students to earn 36 credits with classes offered in eight-week sessions per course. In this non-clinical program, core requirements include Contemporary and Historical Issues in Human Services, Program Planning and Evaluations, Human Services and the Community, and Multicultural Issues in Human Services. In addition to these classes, students complete specializations like gerontology, child and family, administrative, emergency management, and ministry. There are also two field experiences, giving students hands-on knowledge and foundations for success as professionals.
Tuition: $25,360
#11 SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MASTER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 85.40
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota allows students interested in the combination of 
social and health services the opportunity to complete a Master of Health and Human Services. Students typically complete the 36 credit degree within two years. Saint Mary’s nursing home practicum courses allow students to prepare for licensure as a long term care administrator in the state of Minnesota. Students who choose to pursue this licensure should also know that the program has been accredited by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. To top it all off, SMUM provides every student with an iPad.
Tuition: $33,560
#10 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, AZ
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Visit Website
Score: 86.27
Arizona State University allows students to grow their experience and education in human and 
social services by offering a Master of Science in Family and Human Development. The degree is completable within 30 credit hours, which is broken down into ten classes. Each course takes seven and half weeks, allowing for degree completion in 15 to 18 months. No thesis is required for completion, although there is a capstone experience, and the courses themselves revolve around a practitioner-oriented approach. U.S. News & World Report have ranked ASU as the #1 Most Innovative School.
Tuition: $9,594
#9 LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
LUBBOCK, TX
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score; 87.12
With Lubbock Christian University, students who are looking for a curriculum with its 
foundation in Christian faith and values can complete their Master of Science in Human Services. In this program, students have the option to complete a specialization in either non-profit leadership or family life educator. The former of these is best for those who want to work at a nonprofit and is leadership-oriented. The latter prepares students to become Certified Family Life Educators, centering around a preventative approach to family services. The program in total is composed of 36 credit hours worth of classes. Courses include Human Service Theory and Practice, Crisis Intervention, Ethics in the Helping Professions, Human Sexuality, and Family Resource Management.
Tuition: $21,794
#8 WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
NEW CASTLE, DE
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 88.66
New Castle, Delaware is home to Wilmington University’s Master of Science in Administration
of Human Services. This program, which has a curriculum formulated by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education, combines academics, practical experience, moral and ethical standards, and technology to holistically educate its students. While the degree is completable within 12 months, the average Wilmington student graduates between 18 and 24 months. The 33-credit program culminates in either a field experience or master’s project. Courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Service Administration, Contemporary Issues in Administration of Human Services, Social Policy, Advocacy, and Human Services, and Leadership through Films.
Tuition: $10,940
#7 REGENT UNIVERSITY
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 89.45
At Regent University, students can complete their Master of Arts in Human Services. Courses 
are offered in eight-week sessions, and 30 credits are required for completion. Regeant students typically graduate within two years. Students are not required to take the GRE for admission. Regent also offers numerous specialization options, including Addictions Counseling, Biblical Counseling, Conflict and Mediation Ministry, Marriage and Family Ministry, and Trauma and Crisis Counseling, among others. Each specialization offers a variety of course options, including Behavioral Science Foundations, Grief and Bereavement, and Multicultural Awareness and Individual Diversity.
Tuition: $17,288
#6 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - ST. PAUL, MN
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES WITH FORENSIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Visit Website
Score: 89.83
Created in partnership with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies, 
Concordia University at St. Paul in Minnesota allows students to further their interest in behavioral health through its Master of Arts in Human Services with a concentration in Forensic Behavioral Health. The course of study requires 36 credit hours worth of classes, each of which is seven weeks. The degree focuses on the intersection of behavioral health, criminal justice, and the legal system, with an eye toward social services. Important to note is the fact that 95 percent of Concordia’s graduates obtain job offers within one year of graduation.
Tuition: $21,750
#5 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BOSTON, MA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 91.97
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Human Services ensures students have at least 
one form of experiential learning during the time it takes them to complete the curriculum. Speaking of, typically students take two to three years to finish their degree, depending on whether or not they pursue the full-time option or the part-time option. With concentrations in leadership, organizational communication, and global studies, students are exposed to a wide variety of aspects of the human services field. They also have the option to do a capstone service-learning project as part of the near-46 credit curriculum.
Tuition: $49,497
#4 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD, IL
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 93.41
The University of Illinois Springfield provides online students with a Master of Arts in Human
Services. U of I’s MA provides concentrations in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Child and Family Studies, Gerontology, and Social Services Administration. The Alcoholism and Substance Abuse concentration sessions are accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association. Students can also complete a four-credit internship, although those who are already professionals in the field can apply to have the requirement waived. In total, the degree requires 44 credit hours-worth of coursework.
Tuition: $11,413
#3 POST UNIVERSITY
WATERBURY, CT
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING AND HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 94.60
Post University offers a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services that provides
students with the necessary experience and credentials to work in settings ranging from mental health facilities, corrections establishments, halfway houses, child and family services centers, and geriatric facilities. Students begin their professional development with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Non-Profit Management, and Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Courses include Human Development through the Lifecycle, Psychopathology of Addiction, Group Therapy, Forensic Assessment and Counseling, and Organizational Behavior.
Tuition: $16,610
#2 BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
BELLEVUE, NE
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 99.40
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bellevue University’s Master of Arts in Human
Services brings together leadership, ethics, and management in its 36 credit hours curriculum. All students have the opportunity for experiential learning through an internship, fieldwork, or an independent project. The internship requires 200 hours while the project requires students to put together goals, timelines, and outcomes. Both ensure that students can build their professional experience before finishing the program requirements, as the degree prepares students to take on administrative and leadership roles in the human services field. Courses include Social and Cultural Diversity, Career Development, Community Engagement, and Sustainable Funding.
Tuition: $7,752
#1 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELING
Visit Website
Score: 100.00
At the top of our list is Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling. 
Typically, this degree is completed in one and a half years through 30 credit hours of coursework. Each course is eight weeks in length. Students with previous educational experience can transfer up to half of their past degree. In addition, Liberty offers many benefits for those who are serving in or have served in the military. Students can also choose from many specializations, including Addiction and Recovery, Christian Ministries, Crisis Response and Trauma, and Executive Leadership.
Tuition: $21,310
The field of Human Services is rapidly growing, and the number of available jobs is expected to increase 16 percent over the next six years, according to the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning a degree in Human Services allows individuals to work in a wide variety of settings, such as human resources, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, social services, and hospitals. Students pursuing graduate school might consider which online universities provide fieldwork or internship experiences in addition to specializations within the Human Services industry.
The following list breaks down Best College Reviews’ 15 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Human Services for 2019.
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Online Master's in Human Services Degrees, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees: 25% – Student Satisfaction 30% – Earning Potential 15% – Retention Data 20% – Affordability 10% – Acceptance Rates For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page. #15 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY MINNEAPOLIS, MN MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES Visit Website Score: 82.56 Capella University offers a Master of Science in Human Services with a curriculum based on the Council for Standards in Human Services Education and the National Organization for Human Services. Courses offered within the 48-quarter credit program and provided over four academic quarters. Capella’s online MS also provides specializations in Leadership and Organizational Management, Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, and Social and Community Services. Additionally, students can develop their leadership ability in the classroom and through Capella’s RiverBend City, which allows students to engage and learn through computerized simulations of real-life experiences.
Tuition: $14,250
#14 WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
CULLOWHEE, NC
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN RESOURCES
Visit Website
Score: 83.69
At Western Carolina University, students can receive their Master of Science in Human Resources, building their professional experience through a hands-on program entirely online. The curriculum was formulated based on the knowledge areas and competencies of the Academy for Human Resource Development, the Human Resource Certification Institute, the Association for Talent Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, and others. Students become knowledgeable of relational, strategic, operational, and socially responsible HR leadership. WCU’s HR Consulting Initiative gives students access to real pro bono HR consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations.
Tuition: $6,897 / $17,290
#13 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
MASTER OF HUMAN SERVICES IN CHILD PROTECTION
Visit Website
Score: 84.19
Combining experiential training with curriculum-based best practices, Nova Southeastern University’s Master of Human Services in Child Protection provides its students with competency-based academics so that they’re prepared to succeed professionally. NSU students are required to complete 33 credits for their MHSCP. Students must also complete at least one concentration such as Psychology Foundations in Child Advocacy, Family Systems, and Support, and Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations. The MHSCP is typically finished within two years. NSU provides foundational courses involving child protective law, family diversity, conflict resolution, child development, and assessment and case planning.
Tuition: $29,930
#12 SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
LAKELAND, FL
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 84.22
Students who wish to finish their graduate studies in a year should consider Southeastern University’s Master of Arts. Southeastern requires students to earn 36 credits with classes offered in eight-week sessions per course. In this non-clinical program, core requirements include Contemporary and Historical Issues in Human Services, Program Planning and Evaluations, Human Services and the Community, and Multicultural Issues in Human Services. In addition to these classes, students complete specializations like gerontology, child and family, administrative, emergency management, and ministry. There are also two field experiences, giving students hands-on knowledge and foundations for success as professionals.
Tuition: $25,360
#11 SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MASTER OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 85.40
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota allows students interested in the combination of social and health services the opportunity to complete a Master of Health and Human Services. Students typically complete the 36 credit degree within two years. Saint Mary’s nursing home practicum courses allow students to prepare for licensure as a long term care administrator in the state of Minnesota. Students who choose to pursue this licensure should also know that the program has been accredited by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. To top it all off, SMUM provides every student with an iPad.
Tuition: $33,560
#10 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, AZ
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Visit Website
Score: 86.27
Arizona State University allows students to grow their experience and education in human and social services by offering a Master of Science in Family and Human Development. The degree is completable within 30 credit hours, which is broken down into ten classes. Each course takes seven and half weeks, allowing for degree completion in 15 to 18 months. No thesis is required for completion, although there is a capstone experience, and the courses themselves revolve around a practitioner-oriented approach. U.S. News & World Report have ranked ASU as the #1 Most Innovative School.
Tuition: $9,594
#9 LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
LUBBOCK, TX
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score; 87.12
With Lubbock Christian University, students who are looking for a curriculum with its foundation in Christian faith and values can complete their Master of Science in Human Services. In this program, students have the option to complete a specialization in either non-profit leadership or family life educator. The former of these is best for those who want to work at a nonprofit and is leadership-oriented. The latter prepares students to become Certified Family Life Educators, centering around a preventative approach to family services. The program in total is composed of 36 credit hours worth of classes. Courses include Human Service Theory and Practice, Crisis Intervention, Ethics in the Helping Professions, Human Sexuality, and Family Resource Management.
Tuition: $21,794
#8 WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
NEW CASTLE, DE
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 88.66
New Castle, Delaware is home to Wilmington University’s Master of Science in Administration of Human Services. This program, which has a curriculum formulated by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education, combines academics, practical experience, moral and ethical standards, and technology to holistically educate its students. While the degree is completable within 12 months, the average Wilmington student graduates between 18 and 24 months. The 33-credit program culminates in either a field experience or master’s project. Courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Service Administration, Contemporary Issues in Administration of Human Services, Social Policy, Advocacy, and Human Services, and Leadership through Films.
Tuition: $10,940
#7 REGENT UNIVERSITY
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 89.45
At Regent University, students can complete their Master of Arts in Human Services. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions, and 30 credits are required for completion. Regeant students typically graduate within two years. Students are not required to take the GRE for admission. Regent also offers numerous specialization options, including Addictions Counseling, Biblical Counseling, Conflict and Mediation Ministry, Marriage and Family Ministry, and Trauma and Crisis Counseling, among others. Each specialization offers a variety of course options, including Behavioral Science Foundations, Grief and Bereavement, and Multicultural Awareness and Individual Diversity.
Tuition: $17,288
#6 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - ST. PAUL, MN
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES WITH FORENSIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Visit Website
Score: 89.83
Created in partnership with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies, Concordia University at St. Paul in Minnesota allows students to further their interest in behavioral health through its Master of Arts in Human Services with a concentration in Forensic Behavioral Health. The course of study requires 36 credit hours worth of classes, each of which is seven weeks. The degree focuses on the intersection of behavioral health, criminal justice, and the legal system, with an eye toward social services. Important to note is the fact that 95 percent of Concordia’s graduates obtain job offers within one year of graduation.
Tuition: $21,750
#5 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BOSTON, MA
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 91.97
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Human Services ensures students have at least one form of experiential learning during the time it takes them to complete the curriculum. Speaking of, typically students take two to three years to finish their degree, depending on whether or not they pursue the full-time option or the part-time option. With concentrations in leadership, organizational communication, and global studies, students are exposed to a wide variety of aspects of the human services field. They also have the option to do a capstone service-learning project as part of the near-46 credit curriculum.
Tuition: $49,497
#4 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
SPRINGFIELD, IL
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 93.41
The University of Illinois Springfield provides online students with a Master of Arts in Human Services. U of I’s MA provides concentrations in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Child and Family Studies, Gerontology, and Social Services Administration. The Alcoholism and Substance Abuse concentration sessions are accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association. Students can also complete a four-credit internship, although those who are already professionals in the field can apply to have the requirement waived. In total, the degree requires 44 credit hours-worth of coursework.
Tuition: $11,413
#3 POST UNIVERSITY
WATERBURY, CT
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING AND HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 94.60
Post University offers a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services that provides students with the necessary experience and credentials to work in settings ranging from mental health facilities, corrections establishments, halfway houses, child and family services centers, and geriatric facilities. Students begin their professional development with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Non-Profit Management, and Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Courses include Human Development through the Lifecycle, Psychopathology of Addiction, Group Therapy, Forensic Assessment and Counseling, and Organizational Behavior.
Tuition: $16,610
#2 BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY
BELLEVUE, NE
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES
Visit Website
Score: 99.40
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bellevue University’s Master of Arts in Human Services brings together leadership, ethics, and management in its 36 credit hours curriculum. All students have the opportunity for experiential learning through an internship, fieldwork, or an independent project. The internship requires 200 hours while the project requires students to put together goals, timelines, and outcomes. Both ensure that students can build their professional experience before finishing the program requirements, as the degree prepares students to take on administrative and leadership roles in the human services field. Courses include Social and Cultural Diversity, Career Development, Community Engagement, and Sustainable Funding.
Tuition: $7,752
#1 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VA
MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELING
Visit Website
Score: 100.00
At the top of our list is Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling. Typically, this degree is completed in one and a half years through 30 credit hours of coursework. Each course is eight weeks in length. Students with previous educational experience can transfer up to half of their past degree. In addition, Liberty offers many benefits for those who are serving in or have served in the military. Students can also choose from many specializations, including Addiction and Recovery, Christian Ministries, Crisis Response and Trauma, and Executive Leadership.
Tuition: $21,310