Master of Science Degree in Human Services Online

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Program at a Glance

Focus your degree plan by choosing from two concentration areas: family and community services or organizational and social services.
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.

15 Hours per Week

10-Week Terms

Course Details

$420

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Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

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.

Degree Concentrations

Choose from two concentrations to customize your degree:

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.
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.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

With America’s expanding senior population and nearly 13% 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.

To enroll in the online master’s in human services, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

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.

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.

"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.

Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.

Learn More

Both core courses and concentration courses provide a comprehensive education in theory and practice.

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

See All Human Services Courses

Select an area of interest that best suits your career goals:

Family and community services

Organizational and social services

Core Credits30
Elective Credits15
Total Credits45

Ways to Save

Corporate Partner Benefits

Purdue Global, Your Employer, and You: a Great Partnership

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions and could earn college credit for corporate training programs.

Employee Savings and Benefits
Transfer Credits

Finish What You Started

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree
Military Tuition Reduction

We Offer an Affordable Education for Military Students

For undergraduate programs, tuition is reduced 55% per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans. Tuition reductions are also available for graduate programs and military spouses.

Tuition Savings for Military
International Tuition Reduction

We’re Committed to Providing an Affordable Path to Your Degree

International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

International Tuition and Benefits
Financial Aid

Learn How to Apply For and Receive Financial Aid

Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.

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current cost per credit

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees

45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate

231 Faculty publications in 2018–2019

More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

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.

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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.

^†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.