Bachelor’s in human services degrees
Human services bachelor's degrees can prepare you for a rewarding career combining social work and community leadership. Explore high-growth job options in human services.
Explore online human services programs
Why pursue an online bachelor's in human services degree?
Complete coursework on your time
Satisfy core course requirements on a flexible full- or part-time schedule, allowing you to continue to work as you study.
Complete field experience locally
Get hands-on experience in a community organization or social services agency near you.
Enter a rapidly growing field
Qualify for high-growth jobs like mental health counselor, social and human services assistant, or social and community service manager.
What jobs can you get with an online bachelor's in human services degree?
Earning a human services bachelor's degree can help prepare you for a fulfilling career in counseling, social work case management, or community service.
Here are some common jobs among graduates of a human services bachelor's program, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Social and human services assistants
Also called case work aides, social and human services assistants coordinate with social workers, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists to connect clients to community services and benefits. While an associate degree is widely accepted, employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $45,120
- Projected job growth (2023–33): 8%
Substance use counselors
work with clients individually or in groups to help them cope with the stressors of life in ways that support their recovery from addictive substances or behaviors.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $59,190
- Projected job growth (2023–33): 19%
Social and community services managers
Social and community services managers plan, implement, and supervise outreach programs in the community. They often partner with philanthropic organizations aimed at serving a particular demographic, such as children, seniors, or veterans. Many of these roles require experience as a substance use counselor or social worker.
- Median annual salary (May 2024): $78,240
- Projected job growth (2023–33): 8%
You may require additional education and/or training in a specialty for some advanced careers. For example, while state licensing requirements vary, most substance use counselors can enter the profession with only a bachelor's degree and a state certification, whereas mental health counselors need a master’s degree and a state license.
Similarly, most states require at least a and a license to become a licensed social worker.
Graduates of bachelor's in human services programs may work for community service organizations, nonprofits, or healthcare or rehabilitation facilities.
What can you learn in an online bachelor's in human services program?
A human services bachelor's program covers both theoretical concepts and practical skills. Coursework generally includes human behavior, case management, crisis intervention, social policy and advocacy, and program assessment techniques.
Students learn how to evaluate and potentially improve upon the human services programs in any given professional environment.
Graduates are prepared to work in various human services settings, including community and social services organizations, rehabilitation and counseling facilities, and nonprofits.
Many online human services bachelor's programs require an in-person internship, designed to develop hands-on experience in the profession's daily duties.
Some human services bachelor's programs offer concentrations in subjects like child and family services, gerontology, or substance use.
Most bachelor's degrees in human services require 120 credits; however, many online programs offer flexible or accelerated completion options.
Online format
An online program can offer convenience and affordability to complement the fieldwork requirements of a human services bachelor's degree. Many online human services bachelor's degrees pair online courses with practicum options in your local community.
Online programs can also include comprehensive virtual student support services and set or in-state tuition rates.
Further education in human services
- Master’s in human services: A master's in human services can qualify you to become a social and community services manager or community health specialist.
- Doctorate in human services: Become a professor of human services or nonprofit leader or director with a doctorate in human services.
- Ph.D. in human services: Earning a Ph.D. in human services can prepare you to lead research organizations, community mental health clinics, or your own private practice.
Frequently asked questions
Published July 22, 2025