Careers in healthcare are among the most rapidly growing fields in the U.S. today. One of the currently fastest growing professions are careers in Health and Human Services. A variety of needs exist in Health and Human Services ranging from social worker, probation officer, school guidance counselor, geriatric care, etc.; and, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates this field will continue to grow at a rapid 17% rate over the next ten years. Salaries are estimated to range from $57,570 in community and rehabilitation services to $74,070 working in state and local governments.
Educational requirements for a profession in Health and Human Services requires a minimum of a bachelors degree with higher salaries paid for those with a masters degree. Studies in sociology, psychology, statistics, program management and evaluation are helpful.
Paying for College
No doubt, college can be expensive and the worry of paying for school can, sometimes, hinder people from pursuing their educational dreams. There are several opportunities to explore to help reduce the sticker shock of college. Pursuing an online degree allows students to continue to work and study during times conducive to their lifestyle.
Employee Reimbursement
Employers have recognized the value of a well educated workforce and many have begun offering tuition assistance for their employees. If you're enrolled in a 401k retirement plan, you may even be able to borrow from your fund to pay for college. You should check with your employer's Human Resources department to see if either of these options are available and make sense for you.
Federal Financial Aid
If you don't already have an undergraduate degree, the federal government offers grants, scholarships and student loans for qualifying students. In order to qualify, you must file an application available at Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The earlier you make application, the better.
Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
Veterans, spouses or dependents, or active military member are often eligible for tuition reductions. Check the schools website for details.
Accreditation
A frequent question about an online degree is, "is it a real degree"? The answer is nearly always yes. Online degrees are the same as the traditional, on campus degree, meeting all requirements of accrediting organizations. Accreditation will help you decide if the program you choose is right for you.
There are six accreditation organizations in six national regions which are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). You determine the school's accreditation status before applying. Degrees requiring state licensure will have additional requirements above those of the school accreditation organizations. Be certain to know your state's licensure requirements before enrolling to be assured your coursework will qualify.
Best Medical Degrees has reviewed ten online programs in Health and Human Services and ranked them according to published information by colleges and universities on school tuition, accreditation, length of program and relevant rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
1. University of South Carolina
Through its Palmetto College (offering two year programs and online degrees), the University of South Carolina offers a Bacehlor of Science in Human Services online degree. The University of South Carolina has its beginnings in 1801 with the establishment of South Carolina College. Ranked #49 Top Public Schools, #69 Best Colleges for Vets and #107 National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, this particular online program is intended for students who have two years of college credits to transfer.
Students will explore personal and professional development in human services, human services intervention, leadership and professional ethics in human services, sociology of aging, abnormal psychology, etc. There are three internships required with this program which may be completed in agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club of America, community health agencies and Child Abuse Prevention Association, among others.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,882 (Residents); $19,788 (Non Resident)
2. Florida State College at Jacksonville
This school offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services through its School of Social, Behavioral and Health Sciences. Founded in 1966 and is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). FSCJ is military friendly and has announced a tuition cap for out of state active military and qualified spouses at $220 per credit hour making degree cost estimates to be $26,400 for non residents.
Following general education courses, students pursuing this degree will be expected to complete 60 credit hours in their major with studies in human development and lifespan, multicultural perspectives in mental health, research methods in human services, elder abuse and neglect, as well as drug awareness and education, among others.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,480 (Residents); $48,120 (Non Residents)
3. The University of the Cumberlands
Offering a Bachelor of Science in Human Services (BSHS), The University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky and is a private school founded in 1888 by a group of Baptist ministers and is now is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Current enrollment is over 7,600 students.
This program emphasizes counseling skills, behavioral and social theory and research skills to lead to a professional career in health and human services in communities, groups and individual needs. Graduates of this program will be eligible to obtain jobs in the rapidly increasing fields of social services, alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation, child and family services and human service assistants.
Program Length: 128 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Tuition Cost: $25,472
4. Fort Hays State University
With a current enrollment in excess of 13,000 students, Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 in Hays, Kansas. Holding accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, FHSU offers an online Bachelor of General Studies degree with a Human Services concentration through its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Fort Hays State University online bachelor program was ranked #24 in U.S. News and World Report 2017 rankings.
Students pursuing this concentration are required to complete 21 credit hours in the concentration including 3 hours of introduction to sociology and 18 hours of sociology courses of your choice. Successful graduates will be prepared to utilize skills and knowledge in a variety of human services careers.
Length of Program: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,697.76
5. University of Maine at Augusta
This is a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health & Human Services degree and has been ranked #30 Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News and World Report. Accredited by is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the University of Maine at Agusta was founded in 1965.
This degree is designed to prepare students to work in substance abuse services, geriatric services, counseling, crisis stabilization, etc. Studies will include evidence based research, implementation of psychological services, case management, counseling techniques and evaluate outcomes.
Program Length: 121 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $26,257 (Residents); $64,077 (Non Residents)
6. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Nestled in the hills of western Pennsylvania, Clarion University was founded in 1867 and offers over 100 academic programs for its 5,500 students. Clarion University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers an online Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership for professionals who currently hold an Associates Degree or credentialed professions.
Students are required to complete 60 credit hours in general education courses in English, math, biological sciences and arts and humanities before taking major coursework in human resource management, management policy and theory and a capstone project. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Clarion's online bachelors program #120 in its 2017 rankings.
Program Length: 108 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $32,616 (Residents); $35,208 (Non Resident)
7. Columbia College
Originally established in 1851 as the Female Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, with an enrollment of 150 students, Columbia College now has over 16,000 students and offers 10 associates degrees, 59 undergraduate and 4 masters degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission Columbia College offers two online bachelor degrees in Bachelor of Arts and/or Bachelor of Science in Human Services. The college recommends those students currently working the human services field enroll for a Bachelor of Arts degree; and, students with no, or limited, experience pursue the Bachelor of Science degree.
Studies, dependent on degree, will include introduction to human services, working with families, working with individuals, general psychology, social gerontology, substance abuse, mental health and child welfare. Columbia College has received a #106 national rating in Best Online Bachelor Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $34,8000
8. Southern New Hampshire University
Ranked #1 as Most Innovative School and #101 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News and World Report, Southern New Hampshire University has an online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences that is designed for those with an associates degree, currently working the health and human science field. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Following 45 general education credits in English, math, fine arts and humanities, etc., students will study healthcare economics, healthcare quality management, healthcare delivery systems and ethical and legal considerations in healthcare. SNHU offers a military discount for active duty military and spouses.
Length of Program: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $38,400
9. Indiana Wesleyan University
Founded in 1920, this evangelical, private Christian university provides an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services from a strong biblical perspective. Applying Christian principles, this degree is designed to integrate biblical viewpoints in the provision of care in social services. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, IWU is ranked #27 in U.S. News and World Report's Regional Universities Midwest.
Coursework will concentrate on general psychology, youth and crime, developmental psychology, addiction counseling skills, advocacy in human services and a capstone project in human services. Students with previous education in an associates or bachelors degree may transfer hours towards this degree which will reduce the total number of hours required.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Cost: $44,160
10. East Tennessee State University
Established in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1911, East Tennessee State University was founded to provide training for teachers. Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ETSU has a 100% online Bachelor of Science Human Services degree which prepares students for careers in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, etc.
Students study topics in family development, child psychology, counseling and theory, administration of human services organizations, introduction to human services, etc. The curriculum also requires a human services practicum and a human services internship under the direction of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $55,440