2025 Most Popular Online Master's in Human Services
Our list of popular online master’s in human services programs are ranked by the number of students graduating with this master's degree, helping you find programs supported by reliable online platforms, engaged student networks, and solid reputations.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University ranks #1 overall for graduating over 400 last year with an online MA in Human Services Counseling.
- Pacific Oaks College reports the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 3:1, fostering an atmosphere of personalized attention.
- The University of Missouri ranks #12 overall yet boasts the best recommendation rate at 98% based on surveys we've collected.
See our methodology for details about how we rank degrees. Following our analysis, we spoke with Deandra Raquel Bacon, M.Ed., CEO of Professional Peace and Director of Grants at Marquette’s Destiny Foundation. She explained how online human services master's programs can prepare students for emerging priorities like trauma-informed care and equity initiatives.
2025 Most Popular Online Master's in Human Services
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | 408 | $11,300 | $48,186 | 75% | |
| Purdue Global | 132 | $12,600 | N/A | 74% | |
| Regent University Online | 96 | $9,225 | N/A | 83% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 71 | $18,654 | $51,907 | 93% | |
| Wilmington University | 49 | $17,721 | $50,640 | 97% | |
| Nova Southeastern University | 48 | $18,260 | $60,711 | 89% | |
| Arkansas State University | 46 | $9,000 | N/A | 91% | |
| Bellevue University | 40 | $12,432 | N/A | 75% | |
| University of Florida | 39 | $5,867 | N/A | 92% | |
| Pacific Oaks College | 33 | $18,750 | $68,718 | 90% | |
| Concordia University - St. Paul | 18 | $8,550 | $51,499 | 86% | |
| University of Missouri | 17 | $31,029 | $49,916 | 98% | |
| Amridge University | 15 | $14,625 | N/A | 83% | |
| Houston Christian University | 13 | $9,300 | N/A | 78% | |
| Touro University Worldwide | 13 | $9,000 | N/A | 68% |
A Closer Look at The Most Popular Online Master’s in Human Services Programs
Earning a master’s in human services online involves choosing a program that gives you staying power in a field where people will be depending on your expertise. Our ranking highlights the most popular online programs by the number of graduates, drawing from verified data.
The online schools on our list graduate anywhere from just over a dozen students to hundreds every year. That scale matters because in human services, networks are everything. Graduating from a program with hundreds of peers means you’ll enter the job market with connections already built across nonprofits, government agencies, early childhood services, and addictions recovery programs.
Popularity serves as a marker for online human services master's programs that deliver strong virtual communities and alums you can plug into for future opportunities.
Every graduate ahead of you is a potential colleague, mentor, or even hiring manager. A larger alumni base expands your chances of finding someone who understands your work and can open doors.
But still, popularity isn’t everything. When we dig into graduation rates, retention, student satisfaction, and even post-graduate earnings, the bigger picture of program quality comes into focus.
Earnings Reflect Human Services Specialization and Resulting Career Paths
Reported graduate earnings vary, from the high $40,000s to nearly $70,000 among human services graduates at this level.
The highest salaries appear in master's programs with niche concentrations, especially Leadership. This makes sense because it's those tracks that prepare you for supervisor positions where you get to shape policies, manage staff, and essential run the programs.
For example, Pacific Oaks College reports earnings of nearly $68,700, and its program specifically emphasizes Leadership in Education and Human Services. This track is designed to prepare students for supervisory and evaluative roles — positions where they guide teams, assess programs, and influence organizational outcomes.
Another strong example is Nova Southeastern University, with graduates earning about $60,700. Its master’s in Child Protection stands out for offering tracks in areas like Child Advocacy Studies, Juvenile Justice, and Leadership for Child and Youth Programs. These specializations point directly toward leadership in child advocacy agencies, juvenile justice organizations, and youth-focused community services, all of which desperately need advanced skills in administration/oversight.
By contrast, schools like Liberty University and Wilmington University report earnings closer to the $48,000-$50,000 range. These programs serve larger groups of students and provide general prep in human services or focused areas like Addictions & Recovery, which equip graduates for meaningful but not always the higher-paying roles.
Supportive Environments Matter
Recommendation rates in our data stretch from the high 60s up to nearly 100%. This data point really is the best firsthand proof as to whether students felt guided, supported, and prepared for the real world after graduation was over.
In a field as emotionally demanding as human services, where you may be working in child protection, nonprofit management, or family advocacy, that support during your degree is often what keeps you on track.
As a prospective graduate student, paying attention to satisfaction numbers from verified surveys can potentially help you avoid institutions that don’t deliver where it counts.
Online Popularity = Virtual Infrastructure You Can Count On
Several of these schools serve 10,000+ students online, placing them among the largest digital ecosystems in higher ed. That scale translates to reliable course schedules, around-the-clock tech support, and more consistent access to electives. For a busy professional working in nonprofit or early childhood settings, that reliability is essential.
“Practice Speaking Up, Share Your Thoughts Boldly”: Human Services Leadership Lessons from Deandra Bacon
Life Coach, Nonprofit Leader, M.Ed.
How can an online master's in human services program prepare students for leadership roles?
"Online programs require heavy discussion board interaction which helps to train our brains to form and confront new perspectives. In this day and age it's common for humans to consume media or thoughts from other lenses without taking the time to process, form their own opinions, and have discourse about what they have consumed.
By engaging in discussion boards, students are encouraged to formulate their own opinions, post the drafts for their peers to see, and then engage in a response process. By responding to others and reading the reflections on your own posts, we get to practice mutual respect and mindful communication. These are skills that are so important in human services fields and they must be fine tuned to be most effective in your role."
'Practice speaking up, share your thoughts boldly. And all the while, maintain an open heart and mind.'"
What types of roles do graduates of human services master’s programs often pursue?
"Human services careers span many industries. Most common ones are found in school settings (social workers, therapists, behavioral specialists, etc). However, human services can take you into political fields (policy analyst) or even medical fields (mental health services, clinic operations, etc).
One skill that employers love to see evidence of is your advocacy.
One skill that employers love to see evidence of is your advocacy. This is a high ticket skills because it encompasses so many others. It includes relationship building and knowing your community, having compassion for the affected group, organization and attention to detail, and potentially crowdfunding and event planning.
In your next interview for a role in human services, make sure that you can share a time where you advocated for a group or individual and share the process to your success. This will leave a lasting impact!"
Are there emerging trends in human services that today’s graduate students should be prepared to engage with?
"Technology integration is growing in every field there is, so yes we must be prepared to learn and use new technology. The next layer of that, is knowing the technology enough to bridge the gap for those who aren't as savvy. This could be clients like teachers, children or families, but this could also include coworkers. Whatever software your company is using, get really familiar with it. If possible, offer to host a training for your fellow staff and collaborate with your IT department. This will help you stand out by taking initiative to ease the stress about using new technology.
Trauma informed care is also more important than ever given the recent history of pandemics, increased mental health challenges and everything else in between. My simplest advice is to always lead with love, be vigilant and attentive, and take care of yourself."
EXPERT TIP
"Some people may try to tell you that Human Services jobs are thankless. That isn't true. The thing is that the thanks is often delayed. Human services work is not transactional. It is a process and a journey that can be very unpredictable. But please remember that your efforts are always appreciated, even if you don't get the thank you in the moment."
FAQs About an Online Master's in Human Services
What Is a Master's in Human Services Degree?
An online master's in human services equips students with advanced skills in leadership, program management, and community advocacy, preparing them to address diverse community needs. Courses cover topics like public policy, counseling techniques, and organizational leadership, with career opportunities in nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare institutions.
An online master's degree in human services prepares students to hold professional leadership positions at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other groups that provide services to those in need.
Human services organizations help people access resources to improve their quality of life and meet basic needs. That can include community and social services, such as homeless shelters, domestic violence and sexual assault services, food banks and clothing drives, mental health services, addiction treatment, healthcare, education access, and child and youth services.
Graduate students in human services programs learn how to assess their community's needs, develop or improve programs, and manage organizations that provide those services. Students will learn about the different social, economic, and cultural factors that impact access to resources. At the same time, they'll gain the leadership skills necessary to lead organizations, secure funding, and build community partnerships.
A master's degree in human services usually requires between 30-45 credit hours and typically takes one to two years to finish when enrolled full-time. Students will take core classes in human services and electives related to their professional goals. They'll typically finish off their program with a capstone course, final project, or internship where they can apply their new skills in the field.
Students will need a bachelor's degree to get into a master's program. Having a bachelor's in human services can be helpful, but a bachelor's in any field will meet education requirements for graduate school.
What Courses Will You Take in a Human Services Master’s Program?
Core human services classes cover the different social issues these services are designed to address and how to meet community needs. Students will explore how different communities are impacted and how cultural, social, and economic differences create unique needs in various communities. Students can also choose electives to help tailor their program to specific goals, such as classes on family systems or working with older adult populations.
Here are some common graduate courses for human services majors:
- Law and Ethics for Human Services Professionals: This class covers the legal requirements for human services professionals and the industry's ethical standards. Students will use an ethical framework to work through common issues and ethical dilemmas faced in the industry.
- Management and Leadership for Nonprofit and Government Organizations: Many human services are administered through nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Students will learn the core skills needed to effectively manage and lead a nonprofit or government agency, including professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and working with stakeholders.
- Public Policy in Human Services: Students in this class will explore the current issues and public policies in place that impact the human services sector, including child welfare, social services, and poverty.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Social Services: Understanding how race, culture, gender, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, and other factors impact community needs and access to resources is crucial in human services. Students will learn how to consider different people's experiences when providing services and how human services can help bridge the gap for disadvantaged groups.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Human Services?
A master's in human services can lead to careers in leadership and administration at a wide range of social services organizations. Some graduates also pursue further education by earning their doctorate or a post-graduate certificate.
Further Education
Pursuing a doctorate in human services or another field can open up opportunities for research, advanced careers in academia or clinical work, or leadership positions in government or social services organizations. A doctorate in human services can lead to a career as a college professor, the director of a nonprofit organization, a clinical services director, or another type of administrator.
Human Services Careers
Many people enroll in a master's in human services program to help advance their career in social and community services leadership. They often pursue careers in management and administration at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other social service organizations.
work at agencies across the human services sector, including long-term care facilities for older adults, youth and family services, mental health facilities, and emergency relief agencies. Their main jobs are to oversee programs and manage staff.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job duties vary depending on how big the organization is. Professionals at bigger agencies might focus specifically on one program or manage a team within their organization, while those at smaller agencies often wear many hats. They might design and implement multiple programs, manage hiring, oversee staff, raise funds, and work directly with key stakeholders.
BLS data shows for social and community service managers, with high growth potential over the next decade. As our population ages, the BLS projects our need for management professionals will grow by 6% through 2034, with an average of 18,600 job openings per year. Social service managers earn a median salary of $78,240 per year and earn more than the national average of $49,500 for all occupations.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Human Services Degree?
Most master's degrees in human services take between one and two years to complete. Programs that have an internship or practicum requirement may take longer. Students who enroll part time will also need more time to finish their degree.
Is a Master’s in Human Services Worth It?
For many students, a master's in human services is worth it because it opens the door to advanced career opportunities in a fulfilling and rewarding sector. It can also qualify you for a higher salary.
However, there are some downsides to working in human services that may make it less worth it for some students. Human services jobs can be emotionally taxing and may require a lot of paperwork. Salaries in the sector also tend to be lower than salaries in other fields. Students may not see as high of a financial payoff as they might with a master's in a different field of study.
A master's degree in human services is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in community and social service organizations and can lead to a fulfilling career helping others. Master's graduates also often earn higher salaries and experience lower unemployment rates. Human services professionals with master's degrees typically work in management positions, overseeing staff and developing and implementing programs to meet community needs. Students will also have the opportunity to tailor their program to their professional goals and needs.
Students who are interested in working directly with community members, especially in a counseling capacity, should look for programs that prepare them for counseling licensure. They may also consider a master's in social work or a master's in counseling.
How Much Does a Master’s in Human Services Cost?
How much a master's in human services costs depends on the school. Some of the most affordable master's degrees in human services have tuition rates under $6,000, while others can cost more than $9,000 per year. Opting for an affordable bachelor's degree in human services can also help keep debt low. In general, online degrees tend to be more affordable than enrolling on campus, and some programs offer lower rates for their online students.
Can You Do Counseling with a Master’s In Human Services?
A master's degree is usually a requirement to become a licensed counselor, and students will need to make sure their master's in human services is designed to meet licensure and practicum requirements. A master's in social work or a master's in counseling will also qualify students for licensure. Some jobs do not require a license to practice counseling, but in most cases, licensure is required.
Student Reviews of Online Human Services Programs
Shady in most aspects. It is a shame because the school offers the exact program that I want. However, their grading system is curious, as is their tuition reimbursement policy. Inconsistencies all around. And watch out for plagiarism on the discussion boards because instructors do not seem to care.
Review Date: 8/22/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The IRB process at Pacific Oaks College is an absolute nightmare. It is filled with bureaucratic red tape, delays, and incompetence. The staff are unhelpful and unresponsive, making it nearly impossible to get your research project approved in a timely manner. The process is convoluted and confusing, leading to frustration and wasted time. Save yourself the headache and avoid Pacific Oaks College at all costs. It is a complete joke and a disgrace to academic research.
Review Date: 8/28/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The school was enjoyable and geared towards the adult learning. The instructors were well versed and knowledgable about the coursed they reached. I was taught so much and was able to land a job in the field that I wanted. The school is accredited by the HLC, which accredits the university where I work now. My degree was mailed out just a few weeks after completing. And employers have been reaching out for opportunities when they see the name Purdue. Before staring, I read some negative reviews and... Read More
Review Date: 2/9/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I received an online Masters Degree from ASU. I do believe that you will most likely have a good experience if you attend in person. However, they treat their online students terribly. I was never able to get a meeting with an advisor because they only make themselves available for students who attend in person. I did not get the experience I was hoping for. They also will not help you with career placement after you graduate
Review Date: 7/9/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This is my first course at Capella University. My professor is awesome! I find it very satisfying to have an advisor who responds to my questions and concerns, a professor who is knowledge in the field, welcomes the opportunity for correction, a university that offers opportunities and resources that are valuable. Technology is a function that we use daily. I have my books loaded through the app from Vitalsource bookshelf. Everything is accessible, and I find that to be important for students.
Review Date: 11/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This program at Arizona State has been very beneficial to my personal and professional growth. Staff have been very supportive and helpful throughout the program this far. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in Family and Human Development.
Review Date: 1/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State University is a great school to apply to. They have made it so easy for me to get back into school to obtain my Masters degree. The faculty and staff are very helpful in the application process. I'm so happy to have made the decision to apply to Arizona State University.
Review Date: 7/13/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State University's online program provides a chance for students from all walks of life and all age groups across the country to attend college. Their programs are robust and with many online degree options available you are easily able to move from undergraduate school to graduate school and into the work force well prepared. I will complete my undergraduate degree in Human Development with a concentration on Child Development and am excited to continue on at ASU in their Human Development... Read More
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I enjoy being able to receive my master's degree online, while working full time. Weekly class engagement is required and there are assignments that require group collaboration. Through this, you are able to meet other working professionals. The work isn't rigorous, but you are able to gain skills to bring into the competitive job market.
Review Date: 3/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
While some people may have reasons not to attend this university, I beg to differ. In order to succeed and accomplish anything, you have to put in the work! Although the work can be challenging this educational institution presents an opportunity for students to expand their scope of knowledge and challenge as well as raise questions regarding any concerns. Walden University offers it students a wealth of resources and staff is very supportive. Even if life gets in the way, there is always a resource... Read More
Review Date: 1/22/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Liberty University's online program provides working men and women with the flexibility of earning a degree at all level of academia. Their classes are both challenging and rewarding. If you are looking to go back to school, have graduated and want a higher degree I highly recommended Liberty University!!!
Review Date: 6/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall, If I'm being completely honest, Argosy was a decent experience for me. I only had a issue with two instructors, which is to be expected, you will not like everyone. I never had an issue with financial aid or anyone getting back with me. When I was completing my last class, I did feel abandoned by my advisors, and I felt as if they pretended to care, and stopped once they got my money. I think it's crazy to assume that anyone cares about your degree more than you, but they did give me the... Read More
Review Date: 2/26/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The problem I have with Post is with the financial aid department. I have had several financial aid advisers and none of them seem to know who I am and what is going on with my account. I receive financial aid from an outside agency set up through FAFSA. I ask the financial aid department at the beginning of every module how my aid is and if there are any problems. The answer has always been no. Then at the end of my degree they email me that I owe them $12,000 dollars. I suppose they expect me to... Read More
Review Date: 1/3/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I enrolled, initially, in the echo counseling program which was GREAT! However after half way through I free interest in the human service program. This is my 2nd year, overall experience of great. My current and past professors for the most part have be extremely helpful, hands on, understanding and flexible. My schedule accommodated my family time and work schedule. I have been taking 2 course a semester , I even took a couple drmesyets off. The advisors are wonderful the truly help guide throughout... Read More
Review Date: 5/30/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This is suppose to be a college geared to people that are employed. Some courses unnecessary readings from 150 pages and beyond. Many glitches to access course rooms and ebooks. I had to rent two of my books and purchase another because ebooks were not available. Alas after I received my books I was charged for ebooks that I was able to gain access to. I am going to continue to strive however the lack of professors guidance is concerning. Really not convinced this is better than a traditional school.... Read More
Review Date: 7/27/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
ASUs financial department is terrible. It shouldn't be so hard to pay my tuition, but ASU makes it hard!! If you have a scholarship good luck. I was repeatedly hit with late fees because the scholarship department could not post my payment to the finances department on time. It showed on my account that I had a scholarship and the money was there but because scholarships department didnt release it in time they nailed me with late fees and there was nothing I could do about it! Good luck calling,... Read More
Review Date: 8/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have just finished up my first semester of graduate classes online at Arizona State University and I am incredibly impressed. The faculty has been easy to connect with for any questions I may have, which makes life easier when you are states away. My professors thus far have challenged me in my studies and format their classes in a way that allows students to engage with others in the same career field. I have already applied my education to my current work and am satisfied. I look forward to the... Read More
Review Date: 3/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My professors at this university have been very helping and accommodating. They respond quickly to e-mails and work hard that their students have the best academic experience. All my classes have been distant education courses taken online, but my academic advisor has worked very hard to develop a relationship with me and has helped me greatly throughout my studies.
Review Date: 10/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Arkansas is a great public research university. For my master's program, I was awarded an assistantship and have been able do to teaching and research! The only thing that I wish was better about the Human Development program is more on campus classes. Most of the classes that you will take will be online and some of the professors teaching those classes are in other states and you can't go to office hours if you have questions. This program does require you to take statistics and... Read More
Review Date: 2/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
At 54 years old all I had was a GED. I search the internet, visited and talk to various colleges and Universities, because I desired to be a Christian Counselor. Out of all the schools I researched, Liberty University offered me a sound Christian education and in 2014 at the age of 59, I went from a GED to a Bachelors Degree in Psychology for Christian Counseling. In July 2016, I returned to Liberty University pursuing a Masters Degree in Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling: Executive Leadership.... Read More
Review Date: 9/16/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No