Master of Science Degree in Human Services Online
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Program at a Glance
- An internship option allows you to gain real-world experience while you earn your master’s in human services.
- Coursework fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the HS-BCP™ exam.
- Focus your degree plan by choosing from two concentration areas: family and community services or organizational and social services.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
45
(30 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$420
Master of Science in Human Services Overview
The Master of Science in Human Services program is designed for current professionals in the growing human services field who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people. The program focuses on accessibility, delivery of services, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. Instruction also includes the planning, administration, and coordination of programs
Coursework is designed to prepare you to:
- Advocate on behalf of those in need by understanding human services roles, functions, and methods of advocacy.
- Understand the history and impact of past and present policies and legislation in the human services field.
- Identify and implement effective strategies that incorporate a theoretical and philosophical framework built on values of the human services profession.
- Evaluate information, including the analysis of data, and interpret and evaluate findings to help deliver appropriate services.
- Recognize and evaluate expectations, values, and self-care strategies in the profession.
- Understand individual needs, and analyze the scope of the populations you serve to deliver the services they need.
- Design, implement, and evaluate human services programs.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
A Need for Human Services Professionals
With America’s expanding senior population and nearly 11% of people living in poverty, there is an increasing need for experienced human and social services professionals.* The Master of Science in Human Services can prepare you to pursue leadership positions in the growing field of human services.
Member of CSHSE
This program is a member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and adheres to their curriculum standards.
The CSHSE can be contacted at Council for Standards in Human Service Education, 3337 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Purdue University Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Prepare for Certification
Coursework in this program fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) exam offered by the Center for Credentialing & Education.† Please note that you must meet post-degree experience requirements in order to earn the HS-BCP credential.
Opportunities for Professional Development
Take advantage of the Graduate Resource Center, a self-paced course that includes information on professional memberships and clubs, career services, social networking, and more.
Students are also invited to join the Human Services Club and the Human Services Honor Society (TUA) for further networking and educational opportunities.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Human Services?
"Need-based" populations will demand greater services and leaders who can ensure that these populations get the best support and care backed by evidence-based research. The Master of Science in Human Services can help you pursue positions such as social and community service manager.
What Courses Will I Take?
Both core courses and concentration courses provide a comprehensive education in theory and practice.
See All Human Services Courses
Sample Courses
- Human Development and Human Behavior in Context
- History, Multiculturalism, and Diversity in Human Services
- Skills and Practice in Human Services
- Professional Ethics and Personal Values
- Master's Capstone in Human Services
Program Requirements
- Core Credits30
- Elective Credits15
- Total Credits45
Degree Concentrations
Choose from two concentrations to customize your degree:
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Family and community services:
Learn to address the complexities of developing and administering services for children and families. Focus on human development, resiliency, family theories, and advocacy.
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Organizational and social services
Gain the knowledge and skills to work with diverse funding sources, influence policy, supervise staff, and develop and administer programs that address community needs.
Choosing a Master’s Degree in Human Services
Understand and advocate for individual needs. Find additional resources on the value of pursuing a master’s in human services.
Launch your career in a communication-centered and rewarding field. Create solutions to everyday problems and help people live better lives.
Have a knack for helping others? Discover the skills you need to make actionable plans that help people reach their full potential.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Human Services Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
50%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
237
Faculty publications in 2020–2021
More Than 36,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.
Take a Career Assessment
Discover your work interests, and use them to chart your ideal career path.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Master of Science in Human Services and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Poverty statistic: U.S. Census Bureau, Income and Poverty in the United States: 2016, https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2017/demo/p60-259.html. Industry growth: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community and Social Service Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
†Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.