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Online Master’s in Human Services
Request InformationGrow as a practitioner and lead meaningful change for individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule January 09, 2023
Transfer Credits
- Up to 24 Credits
Lead Bold Social Change With a Master’s in Human Services From Walden
Do you have a passion for helping people—and a desire to make a difference? Become the next-level practitioner and leader you want to be with Walden’s MS in Human Services program.
In our highly interactive and applied master’s in human services program, you’ll build real-world skills that are essential to supporting diverse communities. Gain the confidence to lead departments and organizations of people who are serving the greater good.
A master’s degree in human services prepares students to evaluate and oversee programs, work with nonprofit organizations, and work directly with people in need.
Why Choose Walden?
Skills That Matter
Gain highly applicable skills such as grant writing, motivational interviewing, assessment, and cultural humility.
Experiential Curriculum
Discover an interactive learning experience that brings concepts to life through virtual simulations and animated case studies.
Multiple Specializations
Choose from a broad range of specializations and tailor your coursework to your professional interests and goals.
Professional Portfolio
Turn your assignments into a comprehensive digital portfolio that you can showcase once you graduate.
Program Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowProgram Details
Curriculum - General Program
Minimum Degree Requirements
- 48 quarter credits
- Foundation course (3 cr.)
- Core courses (25 cr.)
- Elective/specialization courses (15 cr.)
(includes Grant Writing course) - Capstone (5 cr.)
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Foundation Course |
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| HUMN 6000 |
Foundation of Graduate Study in Human Services
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and as a social change agent. Topics include the relation of the mission and vision to professional goals; development of the program of study and Professional Development Plan; strategies for online success; introduction to the online library; and introduction to critical thinking, professional writing, and academic integrity. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the promotion of academic excellence. |
(3 cr.) |
Core Courses |
||
| HUMN 6160 |
The Advanced Human Services Professional Practitioner in a Changing World
As leaders, advanced human services professional practitioners can inhabit many roles: generalist, planner, advanced case manager, advocate, humanitarian, and outreach worker. Throughout this course, students try on these roles in response to authentic human services scenarios in settings within a fictional community. In each scenario, they observe advanced human services professional practitioners applying role-specific strategies, approaches, and theories to help service users. Students also assess their current knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to each role, as well as the values and experiences they bring to the profession. By the end of the course, students develop and refine a professional identity statement as a leader in the human services profession and examine self-care strategies relevant to the work of an advanced human services professional practitioner. |
(5 cr.) |
| HUMN 6161 |
Assessment and Motivational Interviewing
Advanced human services professional practitioners frequently work with service users who are experiencing crisis and are in need of assessment to determine their level of care and to assist them with establishing and achieving goals. In this course, students develop motivational interviewing skills to help service users identify and self-motivate to achieve the goals they desire. Students apply motivational interviewing skills, such as open-ended questioning, affirming, reflective listening, and summarizing, to authentic human services case studies in the context of assessment. Students also have an opportunity to develop supervisory skills by providing constructive feedback on their peers' motivational interviewing and assessment skills. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| HUMN 6162 |
Cultural Humility and Diversity
Students in this course examine the theory, philosophy, and practice of working with diverse populations, with a focus on the interplay between individual and unique cultures within societies and organizations attempting to move toward equality and cultural humility. They explore cultural issues and ethics related to economic disparity, power, privilege, and social justice. Students also explore the complex social, political, and related ethical challenges advanced human services professional practitioners face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse populations. Applying concepts presented in the course, students engage in in-depth assessments of emerging or persistent ethical or social justice issues, through which they demonstrate their ability to empower, support, and connect service users with community resources. Throughout the course, students engage in readings, case studies, and practical assignments to build skills to work in multicultural environments and participate in an immersive experience with a specific culture to further develop their cultural humility. Prerequisites
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(5 cr.) |
| HUMN 6480 |
Evidence-Based Evaluation Methods
Nonprofit and public/government organizations need to be able to show positive evidence related to their mission and ability to effect social change to remain viable. By developing performance improvement evaluation plans that are structured with metrics, leaders can disseminate an organization's progress to build stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Students in this course will be introduced to a critical appraisal of levels of evidence, performance improvement and evaluation methods, and the importance of dissemination of organizational outcomes to help contribute to a positive future for social change. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| HUMN 6207 |
Grant Writing
Grant writing is a highly marketable skill that requires many nonprofit, educational, and community organizations to secure external funding to provide needed services to the community. In this course, students will explore the basic skills needed for non-research grant writing, including identifying potential funding sources, creating objectives and a need statement, preparing and justifying a budget, identifying appropriate assessment plans, and writing an executive summary. Through course assignments, students directly apply what they are reading and discussing by writing a full grant proposal based on an actual Request for Proposal (RFP). Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
Elective/Specialization Courses |
||
| HUMN 6785 |
Social Change in Action
In this course, students prepare for their roles as change agents in the human services profession. Throughout the course, students focus on a specific social problem they are passionate about and plan for a community needs assessment to address the problem. As they do so, they examine how prevention, advocacy, and consultation are used to effect positive social change. Students also discuss a variety of social change topics with their peers, such as the language of social change, the use of systems thinking to better understand and address social problems, the emergence and progress of social justice issues, and the strategies for effecting global social change. |
(5 cr.) |
| HUMN 6336 |
Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster Response
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students examine theories and response models as they relate to sexual trauma, crisis in individuals and families, crisis in the community, and crisis in the nation and in the world. They explore topics including crisis assessment, counselor competencies, vicarious trauma and countertransference, specific related diagnoses, and advocacy. Students consider cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis, trauma, and disaster events and response. |
(5 cr.) |
| HUMN XXXX |
Elective
|
(5 cr.) |
Capstone Course |
||
| HUMN 6660 |
Social Change, Leadership, and Advocacy for Human Services Professional Practitioners
This capstone course is the culmination of the MS in Human Services program. In this course, students have the opportunity to demonstrate senior case management skills and their understanding of the responsibility and leadership of the advanced human services professional practitioner to advocate for social change with service users, organizations, communities, and the human services profession. Students also demonstrate methods of advanced human services practice within local, national, and international organizations. Students continue to enhance their professional development plans by preparing for professional opportunities. |
(5 cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. More information for international applicants.
Be Immersed in Experiential Learning
Walden’s online master’s in human services program features simulation technologies and other tools to help you master critical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Build confidence as a human services practitioner and leader while learning how to apply new competencies to your current and future roles. You’ll have the opportunity to work with tools such as:
- Hart City, a virtual city that allows you to visit different locations, find resources, and complete assignments using these resources. See perspectives of different agencies and populations as well as the bigger picture of how it’s all connected.
- Virtual simulations to help you practice intake interviews, educational sessions, and working with clients and community members.
- Animated, real-world case studies that help you apply what you’ve learned in your studies.
Tuition and Fees
General Program
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit hours | $507 per quarter hour | $24,336 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $825 |
| $25,161* |
Effective February 27, 2023
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 quarter credit hours | $530 per quarter hour | $25,440 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $850 |
| $26,290* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 20 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn moreProgram Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowGeneral Program
Explore the full spectrum of human services competencies and strategies you need to make a greater difference in your community.
Community and Social Services
Study the prevention, intervention, and promotion of well-being in a variety of settings.
Criminal Justice
Examine both traditional and contemporary intervention and rehabilitation approaches for both offenders and victims.
Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
Focus on theories and strategies to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities in crisis.
Family Studies and Interventions
Explore a broad spectrum of theoretical and clinical approaches to intervention.
Studies in Aging
Discuss the impact of societal expectations on older adults and demographic trends, including global cross-cultural issues in aging.
Human Services Nonprofit Administration
Gain a broad understanding of the nature of leadership in human service organizations, including management of nonprofits.
Mental Health
Develop the skills to help individuals navigate community mental health services.
Military Families and Culture
Deepen your understanding of military culture by exploring topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and vicarious trauma.
From food and clothing assistance for those in need to abuse victim advocacy, human services are vital to helping people live safe, stable, and happy lives. Organizations that deliver these community services need advanced-level practitioners and qualified leaders to help them fulfill their mission.
With a master’s in human services degree, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to meet this need. Open the door to rewarding new opportunities and become a catalyst for sustainable social change.
Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow
15%
through 2030.1A master’s degree in human services can academically prepare you for work such as:
- Working for a nonprofit organization to address food insecurity in a community.
- Helping people who are struggling with multiple problems of living, such as food insecurity, addictions, mental health issues, disabilities, homelessness, employment, and healthcare needs.
- Assisting individuals seeking services and programs provided by governmental agencies.
- Leading a department or organization of human services practitioners.
A master’s degree in human services can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Community health and support centers
- Nonprofit agencies
- Departments of health and human services
- Schools
- Government agencies
Career options may require additional experience, training, licensure or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online master’s in human services program.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of Walden’s online master’s in human services program will be prepared to:
- Articulate the role that human services leaders play in promoting social change and advocacy for individuals, families, and communities in need.
- Interpret and apply human services research to inform the practice of human services delivery systems.
- Synthesize findings from research to develop culturally and contextually relevant interventions and direct services.
- Use knowledge of formal and informal networks in the development and evaluation of human services delivery systems.
- Apply legal and ethical standards in the administration and delivery of human services systems.
- Discuss how personal values and attitudes affect leadership, planning, and advocacy activities.
Resources
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Jim Castleberry
Associate DeanDr. Castleberry’s legal and professional experience has focused on criminal law, regulatory law, and administrative law. He has held administrative positions in both the public and private sectors and worked as a legal officer (JAG) for the Coast Guard and Navy until he retired in 2003 and began teaching.
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Barbara Benoliel
Core FacultyDr. Benoliel, who has been with Walden since 2007, is a certified mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) who practices in both civil and criminal dispute resolution. Her primary areas of research are in disputes related to human rights and interfaces with justice systems.
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Dorothy Seabrook
Contributing FacultyAn Army veteran, Dr. Seabrook (“Dr. Dee”) recently retired from a leadership position with the federal government in military family programs. She is credentialed as a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) and Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T).
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Veronica Carey
Contributing FacultyDr. Carey, has taught in academia for the past 23 years. She is chair of the Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery, a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP), and vice president of the Caravan of Life, a behavioral health nongovernmental organization in Pakistan.
Testimonials
It was difficult going back to school when I was close to my 50s, but it was worth it.
Monique Allen MS in Human and Social Services Graduate
I chose to continue my education and pursue my MS in Human Services to open more doors for my career.
Robin Worthington MS in Human and Social Services Graduate
Walden’s advisors made me feel comfortable in choosing to attend Walden over other online programs.
Kimberly Dean MS in Human Services Graduate
Resource Articles
The Benefits of Getting a Master’s Degree in Human Services
Resource Articles
What Do Human Services Professionals Do?
FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Human Services Program
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With a master’s in human services—like the one earned online at Walden University—you can gain the knowledge to work at the program level of social and human services agencies and be a change agent for improved services. Human services professionals function as program managers, administrators, and directors. Their responsibilities often include:
- Managing staff and the daily activities of the human services agency or department.
- Coordinating with other human services and social services agencies.
- Researching to determine whether services are effectively reaching target populations.
- Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing services.
- Recommending and implementing improvements in the delivery of existing services.
- Adjusting human services programs to meet the community’s changing needs.
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Online graduate degree programs give you an exceptional level of convenience and flexibility. In fact, in an online MS in Human Services program—like the one at Walden—you can complete the majority of your degree program from home. In addition, you can attend classes and handle coursework at a time of day that works best for you—meaning you can earn your master’s while continuing to work full time.
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Careers in social work and human services are both motivated by a desire to improve the lives of people in need. They can take place in similar settings, including home health agencies, hospitals, and health clinics. Nevertheless, there are differences. One of the biggest differences between social work and human services jobs is licensure. To be in social work practice, you need a license; to work in human and social services, you do not. In addition, time to completion tends to be longer for social work programs due to a larger credit requirement. Career paths may also differ: Social workers generally work more directly with clients, while human and social services professionals tend to work with organizations to direct needed resources to vulnerable, underserved populations.
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MS in Human Services programs may offer a wide variety of focus areas, to help you center your career on the social issue you most want to address. At Walden, these specializations include:
- Community and Social Services – Prepares you for community social work in non-licensure roles.
- Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention – Prepares you for emergency management leadership and/or helping communities that have suffered a natural or man-made disaster or are experiencing an ongoing crisis.
- Gerontology – Prepares you to help older adults with issues ranging from home care to finances.
- Military Families and Culture – Prepares you to help active-duty members and/or veterans of the armed services and their families.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2028, employment of social and community service managers is expected to grow by 17%, much faster than the average for all occupations.*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
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With an advanced degree in human services, one could pursue a number of careers, including:*
- Human services professional
- Agency coordinator
- Foster care counselor
- Family services specialist
- Emergency management manager
- Medical and health services manager
- Development director
*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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