Online Human Services Masters degree Programs

What does a human services masters degree program entail? Human services covers a broad range of services and facilities provided by public, quasi-public, and private agencies.

In human services or human management you learn about the integrated professional area of counseling, management, psychology, social work, etc. Communication skills are highly important as it may be necessary to assess people and programs, develop programs, lead teams and to manage care for clients. The degree may be either a Masters of Arts or a Masters of Science, depending on the school as well as on the focus that you choose. A Human Services Masters Degree can enhance both your knowledge in this area as well as your chances for a better position. Human Services encompasses many different areas in assisting other people's lives such as social work, counseling, psychology, teaching and criminal justice. Human services careers are found in management of social services, education, government, and healthcare organizations.

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Selected Online Human Services Masters Degree Programs

Capella University

• MS - General Human Services
• MS - Social and Community Services

Post University

• M.S. in Human Services
• M.S. in Human Services - Clinical Counseling
• M.S. in Human Services - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• M.S. in Human Services - Program Administration

Liberty University

• Master of Arts in Human Services - Health and Wellness
• Master of Arts in Human Services - Executive Leadership
• Master of Arts in Human Services - Christian Ministries

Human Services Education and Training

Masters programs in Human Services are available both on-campus and online. A Bachelors degree will be necessary in most cases, although it need not be in Human Services. In some cases, GRE scores must be submitted. There are some programs that may allow for work experience to replace other requirements, such as the bachelor's degree.

Human services training programs generally include courses that are required and then allow you to concentrate on a specific area with electives. Required human services courses can include subjects such as history of human services, ethics, planning, evaluation and leadership.

Human service programs programs vary but electives may focus on the areas of management, planning, addictions counseling, rehabilitation counseling, family counseling, psychology, gerontology, health care, negotiations, conflict management and special education and more. Some programs will also include a research project or internship.If you have a specific area that you wish to focus on, you will want to make sure that the program you choose offers the depth of study in the area that is of interest. The areas of specialization vary widely from one school to another.

Human Services Careers

The Masters degree in human services prepares the student for administration in the areas of health services. There are a number of areas in which one can specialize such as childcare, mental health, drug and alcohol counseling and working with seniors. In addition to being able to provide services directly, graduates of this program need to be able to supervise other workers as well as to manage policies and programs. Management positions can be found in hospitals, clinics, non-profit organizations and private as well as government agencies. Licensing is not generally required unless one is working specifically in patient care. In this case, it will depend upon the scope of the position for which you are applying. Many management programs require at experience in the field as well as a human services masters degree.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Salary ranges can depend on the geographical area in which you choose to work, the type of career path you choose, as well as on the school from which you get your degree. The range can be anywhere from $30,000 on up to $70,000 and more, particularly if you are working in hospital management. While health care management positions, such as in a hospital, will probably pay the best, they also generally require long hours.

These jobs can be quite challenging although they can also be quite rewarding. This field is experiencing a great deal of growth in the United States, and is expected to continue to grow at a rate that is faster than average for the next several years. It is expected that the areas which will grow fastest are those focused on senior citizens and in rural locations. As with any educational program, it's smart to consider carefully what you will be learning in a Human Services Masters degree program. If you are looking for a way to help people as well as to earn a good living, it's worth investigating this option further.