Choosing a career path is a significant decision, often intertwined with our personal values and aspirations. If you’re driven by a desire to positively impact individuals and communities, a Human Services Degree could be an ideal stepping stone towards a fulfilling and impactful career. This versatile degree opens doors across diverse sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, and community services, allowing you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Whether you envision yourself working directly with individuals, advocating for policy changes, or connecting people with essential resources, a bachelor’s degree in human services provides the foundational knowledge and skills to launch and thrive in your chosen field. For those seeking advanced expertise and leadership roles, a master’s degree can further enhance career prospects.
Understanding Human Services
Human services is fundamentally about meeting the diverse needs of individuals and communities. From organizing community programs to providing essential care, human services professionals are dedicated to improving lives.
“The field of human services is incredibly broad, with a central focus on enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities,” explains Dr. Tharinia Oyegun, Associate Dean of Social Sciences Programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “It draws upon various disciplines and practices to address a spectrum of social, emotional, and physical challenges that people face.”
Dr. Oyegun’s extensive experience in criminal justice and human services, including roles in juvenile probation and agencies supporting at-risk children, underscores the practical and impactful nature of this field.
Human services workers commonly engage in roles that involve:
- Advocating for Policy Improvements: Working to change systems and regulations to better serve communities.
- Providing Direct Support: Offering hands-on assistance and care to individuals in need.
- Connecting People with Resources: Linking individuals and families to vital services and programs.
Grounded in ethical principles and a deep appreciation for cultural and economic diversity, professionals in human services strive to empower individuals from all backgrounds to access the support they need to improve their circumstances. This can range from advocating for vulnerable children to providing compassionate care for the elderly or supporting individuals through rehabilitation.
“Empathy, social justice, and a commitment to promoting overall well-being are the core values that underpin the human services field,” Dr. Oyegun emphasizes.
Is a Human Services Degree the Right Path for You?
Many individuals drawn to a human services degree share a common trait: a strong desire to help others. These “helpers” are deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and the health of communities. They are passionate about “helping professions” and dedicated to creating a more equitable, supportive, and safer world for everyone.
Dr. Thomas MacCarty, also an Associate Dean of Social Science Programs at SNHU, highlights the critical importance of human services, stating, “Human services is a truly vital field that plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of both individuals and entire communities. By offering essential resources, care, and support to those who need it most, human service professionals actively work to advance equality, social justice, and positive societal change.”
A human services degree program provides a comprehensive understanding of how individuals navigate and interact within society. Students learn to analyze the impact of social structures and systems on individual lives, gaining critical insights into the complexities of human behavior and societal challenges, according to Dr. MacCarty.
The students pursuing this degree are diverse, reflecting the wide array of career paths available within human services. Some are starting their higher education journey, while others are experienced professionals seeking a career change that aligns more closely with their values, even if it means transitioning from higher-paying sectors.
“For those who are passionate about helping others and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society, a career in human services can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling,” Dr. MacCarty concludes.
What Skills Will a Human Services Degree Provide?
Beyond a broad understanding of the field, Dr. Oyegun notes that SNHU’s human services degree program equips students with specific, practical skills essential for professional success, including:
- Case Management: Coordinating and managing services for individuals and families.
- Crisis Intervention: Responding effectively to urgent situations and providing immediate support.
- Human Behavior: Understanding the complexities of individual and group behavior.
- Program Management and Evaluation: Developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of human services programs.
- Social Policy and Advocacy: Analyzing and influencing social policies to improve services and advocate for clients.
“Our human services degree is carefully designed to provide students with both the theoretical knowledge and the hands-on practical skills needed to excel in various human services roles,” explains Dr. Oyegun. “We are committed to preparing our graduates to be effective professionals who can advocate for and support individuals and communities effectively.”
A bachelor’s in human services offers a well-rounded education that serves as a robust foundation for a chosen career. Throughout their studies, students learn to critically evaluate existing programs and services, identify unmet community needs, and develop proactive solutions. They also cultivate crucial skills in problem-solving, culturally competent practice, and navigating the legal and ethical standards inherent in the field.
Many programs offer specialized concentrations to tailor education toward specific career interests. At SNHU, for example, focused study areas include:
- Child and Family Services Concentration: This specialization provides in-depth knowledge of child cognitive development, the effects of trauma on children and families, and the legal and ethical frameworks of child advocacy. Career paths include child welfare advocates, family court liaisons, and domestic violence counselors.
- Gerontology Concentration: This concentration prepares graduates to address the needs of the aging population, focusing on aging services and programs. Students gain expertise in the aging process, the importance of healthcare for seniors, and relevant policies. Potential careers include geriatric care managers, mental health aides specializing in geriatrics, and home health administrators.
- Substance Abuse Concentration: This specialization is a valuable first step toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor. While specific licensing requirements vary by state, this concentration provides a strong foundation in substance abuse issues and counseling principles. The field is projected to grow significantly; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates an 18% increase in positions for mental health, behavioral disorder, and substance abuse counselors through 2032.*
Alternatively, students may choose a general human services degree, offering flexibility to select courses across concentrations or other relevant areas, allowing for a broader skill set and career exploration.
A human services degree provides access to a wide spectrum of career possibilities.
What can you do with a human services degree? #shorts #college
Exploring Career Paths with a Human Services Degree
“Graduates with a human services degree have access to a remarkably diverse range of career options,” emphasizes Dr. Oyegun.
The ideal sector will depend on individual interests and career aspirations. Opportunities span from government roles within the justice system to nonprofit organizations deeply engaged in community work, as well as mental health and wellness facilities.
A bachelor’s degree in human services typically leads to entry-level positions in areas such as social advocacy, child welfare, or counseling. Further career advancement and specialized roles often become available with a master’s program.
Here are some key sectors and potential career paths for human services degree holders:
- Community Services: Community-focused roles serve as crucial links between government and local populations. Human services departments within government and community organizations rely on skilled professionals. Responsibilities include assisting individuals in finding employment and determining eligibility for crucial state and federal benefits like welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Social and community service managers earned a median salary of $77,030, with a projected job growth of 9% through 2032, according to the BLS.*
- Government (Justice System): The justice system at state, federal, and local levels offers diverse human services career opportunities. These roles include probation officers, juvenile detention workers, juvenile court liaisons, and case workers. These professionals are vital to the justice system, ensuring ethical case management and promoting rehabilitation and intervention to prevent future legal issues.
- Health Services: Healthcare offers numerous avenues for human services professionals beyond traditional medical roles. Home health aides, group home workers, and gerontology aides provide essential physical, mental, and emotional support. Improving health and well-being across all populations – children, families, seniors, and communities – is a central focus in human services.
- Nonprofit Sector: Nonprofit organizations are excellent employers for human services degree holders. Compensation is often comparable to for-profit salaries, as reported by the BLS. Nonprofits often offer diverse experiences, making professionals adaptable and highly sought-after candidates. Roles in community outreach, such as group activities coordinators, counselors, and life skills instructors, directly align with the core values of the profession.
- Social Work: Social workers provide vital support to diverse populations, assisting children and families facing abuse, hardship, or adversity. A bachelor’s in human services is a strong foundation for becoming a social worker, offering valuable fieldwork experience for those considering a Master of Social Work (MSW). (Note: SNHU currently does not offer an MSW program.) In 2023, social workers earned a median salary of $58,380, with a projected job growth of 7% through 2032, according to the BLS.*
Your career trajectory with a human services degree is largely shaped by your passions and desired area of impact. The field’s breadth allows for specialization as you progress through your program, discovering areas that resonate most strongly with your interests.
For instance, coursework in child welfare may spark an interest in child advocacy, or studies in health services might lead to a passion for working in rehabilitation facilities.
Dr. Oyegun advises prospective students to research job postings for their desired career paths to understand specific requirements before choosing a program.
“Independent research is crucial once a student has identified a potential career direction,” she emphasizes.
Other degrees that can complement or intersect with human services in helping professions include:
Discover Your Human Services Program
The Expanding Role of Human Service Workers
Social change and evolving societal needs are driving increased demand for human service workers across various sectors. Factors contributing to this growth include increased mental health awareness, longer life expectancies, the expansion of substance abuse treatment, and evolving immigration patterns.
An aging global population necessitates more senior-focused services, including retirement communities, adult daycares, and geriatric case managers. Increased life expectancy, driven by improved healthcare, living standards, and public health awareness, further amplifies the need for support services for seniors navigating administrative, financial, and medical challenges.
Growing public awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues has also created significant demand for human services professionals in these areas. Recognizing mental health as a critical aspect of overall well-being has led to an increased focus on accessible and diverse counseling services across government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Professionals trained to address grief, stress management, and other mental health concerns are increasingly vital.
Recognizing the link between substance abuse and crime, communities and the justice system are prioritizing rehabilitation efforts. The National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights the potential of treatment and rehabilitation to reduce recidivism and address the root causes of crime. Offering mental health and rehabilitation services as alternatives to incarceration can positively impact individuals, families, and communities.
The impact of human services work is profound, driving positive social change in both the short and long term. Human services professionals are essential to building stronger, healthier communities, and a human services degree is your gateway to joining this vital and growing field.
Learn more about SNHU’s human services bachelor’s degree: Explore the curriculum, skills you’ll gain, and how to request program information.
*Job growth projections cited may not reflect local or short-term economic conditions and are not guarantees of actual job growth. Salary potential is influenced by various factors, including experience, industry, location, and skills.
Ash Wallis ’16, a writer and services director at Veterans Community Project, holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and a graduate certificate in publishing from the University of Denver.
Ash develops writing workshops for veterans and advocates for veterans’ issues, connecting with her on LinkedIn.
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