Human Services

Overview

Human services programs prepare people to work for organizations that serve people in need.

In human services programs, students study human behavior and problems. Students learn the theories, principles, and practice of providing human services. They also learn how to counsel and refer clients to related services.

Human services programs include topics such as:

Social inequality
Child and adult development
Cultural diversity
Social research methods

Concentrations

In human services, students may be able to specialize in:

Issues that face young or older people
Preventing domestic violence
Treating drug and alcohol abuse

Schools

Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in human services. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete and prepares people to work as human services assistants.

Many college and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in human services. These programs are often in sociology, psychology, public health, or social work departments. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer graduate programs in human services. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree. Most people with graduate degrees in human services become supervisors or administrators.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Economics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Community Organizations
Criminal Justice Systems
Cultural Diversity
Developmental Psychology
Early Childhood Services
Ethical Problems and Issues
Family Assessment
Group Communication
Human Resource Management
Juvenile Delinquency
Organizational Behavior
Social Policy and Planning
Sociology of the Family
Substance Abuse Treatment
Theories of Counseling

Fieldwork and internships that deal with social problems are often required. You can work for a community group, social welfare agency, or nonprofit association for a term.