Top 10 Online Master's in Human Services Programs for 2019
Students who earn an online master's in human services learn to guide and counsel individuals, families, and organizations to better access and navigate community social services. As a reliable advocate, you gather and analyze information and make suggestions to help improve people's quality of life; tasks may include mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict management.
You can pursue any number of career options after earning an online human services master's degree. For example, many graduates enter community and social service occupations like counselors or social workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these occupations are expected to experience 14% growth by 2026.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS?
Top 10 Online Masters in Human Services Programs for 2019
Admissions Rate
87%
Graduation Rate
66%
Online Enrollment
34%
Retention Rate
82%
Default Rate
4%
UNWSP, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a Christian institution offering an online master's in human services . The program is available both fully online and in a blended format, which incorporates both online and in-person learning. Through coursework in human development, intervention strategies, and parent education, students develop the skills necessary to succeed in fields such as public health, education, law enforcement, and ministry.
Most students complete the master's of arts in human services in 18 to 22 months. The degree is ideal for students who seek to understand the intersection of human services and their Christian faith.
Visit SiteSponsored
How to Choose an Online Master's in Human Services Program
Many variables should be considered when deciding which school offers the best online master's in human services program to meet your goals. For example, it is important to look at a program's length and the kinds of courses that are offered. Many different career-related concentrations are available, including criminal justice, disaster crisis intervention, and gerontology. Make certain the degree program you select offers courses that match your professional interests.
In addition, some programs are fully online while others couple online and on-campus classes in a hybrid format. Think about what learning style works best with your personal and professional obligations. Also, be sure to examine what costs you will be responsible for paying, including whether or not out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates. If the cost exceeds your budget, spend time investigating the different kinds of scholarships and financial aid options available.
Careers for Graduates of Master's in Human Services Programs
Earning an online human services master's degree can lead to a host of professional opportunities. You can work in nonprofit, government, and for-profit organizations while helping people overcome everyday challenges. This professionally- and financially-rewarding career allows you to make meaningful differences in people's lives.
A rehabilitation counselor helps people overcome mental, physical, emotional, and developmental challenges. Counselors help individuals move toward self-sufficiency to lead productive, independent lives. This is often done by securing employment and housing. Counseling may occur one-on-one or in groups. Rehabilitation counselors may also consult with therapists and psychologists.
Median Salary: $44,571
Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Human Services Master's Degrees
According to the BLS, community and social service occupations will increase 14% by 2026, which is twice as fast as the average growth anticipated for all occupations in the U.S. The majority of these jobs are expected to be as counselors and social workers. Opportunities for school and career counselors should also be on the rise. Top online human services master's degree programs prepare you for this expected surge in career opportunities through rigorous academics and hands-on experience that is relevant to the real world. Your salary depends on the specific career path you choose and where you live in the country.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 2,480,000 | 2,827,200 |
SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE FOR GRADUATES OF HUMAN SERVICES MASTER'S PROGRAMS
As you gain experience on the job, you can expect your salary to steadily increase. While your entry-level income may be relatively modest, it should grow as you acquire more knowledge and experience and build your skills. Your online master's in human services degree allows you to help others, fulfil an important role in society, and earn a healthy income to support yourself and your family.
To determine the best online master's in human services programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in human services programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.