25 Best Affordable Online Human Services Degree Programs (Master’s) 2020

25. Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, Connecticut

Website

Albertus Magnus College (AMC, est. 1925) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Springs/ Catholic Church. Originally a women’s college, it has been coed since 1985 and serves students online and on campus.

AMC offers low-cost associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services (MSHS).

This is a high-value, 39-credit, blended master’s degree program that combines online courses with classroom work (one day per week), as well as in-person field experience at a human services agency. This is a multidisciplinary master’s degree program combining human services and psychology which prepares individuals for a variety of career roles in human or social services settings.

Sample courses include: Addictions Counseling; Case Management; Ethical and Legal Issues in Human Services. A capstone project is part of the curriculum.

24. St. Joseph’s College-New York

Brooklyn, New York

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St. Joseph’s College-New York (SJCNY, est. 1916) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Catholic Church and founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Originally a women’s college, it became coed in 1970 and currently serves students on campus and online.

SJCNY offers high-quality, bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in human services: the economical, online MS in Human Services Leadership (MSHSL).

Delivered by the Department of Human Services, this is a low-cost, 30-credit, online master’s degree program. Topics cover finance, legal issues, political issues, regulation, social issues, etc., and graduates will be prepared for human services career opportunities that may include child welfare; criminal justice; family support; mental health; public safety; substance abuse; etc.

Sample online degree courses include: Leading in Mission Driven Environments; Leadership Ethics and the Law in Human Services; Financing the Mission of Human Services Work. A Competency Application Project (CAP) is part of each of the 10 courses in the curriculum.

Alternatives: Dual-degree BS Human Services (BSHS)/ MSHSL; graduate certificate program in Human Services Leadership.

23. Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Regent University (Regent, est. 1977) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the interdenominational Evangelical Churches. Founded by televangelist Pat Robertson, it incorporates a Evangelical Christian worldview into its academic programs.

Regent offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) with 11 concentrations:

• Addictions Counseling
• Biblical Counseling
• Christian Counseling
• Conflict and Mediation Ministry
• Criminal Justice and Ministry
• Grief Counseling
• Human Services Counseling
• Human Services for Student Affairs
• Life Coaching
• Marriage and Family Ministry
• Trauma and Crisis Counseling

Delivered by the School of Psychology and Counseling, this is a best-value, 30-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses and in-person field experiences. This is a nonlicensure master’s degree program that prepares graduates for a range of possible careers, depending on the concentration they choose. Possibilities include: elder or foster care coordinator; health or medical services manager; life coach; nonprofit administrator; pastoral counselor.

Sample courses include: Foundations of Human Services; Behavioral Science Foundations; Professional Ethics in the Human Services Fields. A capstone may be part of one or more of the available concentrations.

22. Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida

Website

Southeastern University (SU, est. 1935) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God Church. It serves students on campus and online.

SU offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) with three specializations: Administrative; Children and Family; Ministry.

This is a 36-credit, online, non-clinical degree program expected to take 12-24 months for completion. The program is suited to individuals interested in a career in working with people in need. Possible work environments for graduates include: correctional facilities; educational institutions or agencies; group homes; mental health centers; nonprofit organizations; social services; substance abuse treatment centers; etc. As this is a non-clinical program, note that state licensure eligibility will mean completing additional requirements outside of this degree.

Sample courses include: Contemporary and Historical Issues in Human Services; Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services; Integration of Human Services/ Theology.

21. Amridge University

Montgomery, Alabama

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Amridge University (Amridge, est. 1967) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. All degree programs are delivered via distance learning platforms, including online delivery, and it was amongst the first 15 participants in the U.S. Department of Education’s Distance Education Pilot program.

Amridge offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services (MSHS).

Delivered by the School of Education and Human Services, this is a cheap, 30-credit, online, non-licensure master’s degree program.

As a non-licensure online master’s degree, additional requirements may need to be satisfied outside of the program to qualify for any relevant professional certification exam, such as clinical hours. Graduates of this low-cost online master’s degree program can still find career opportunities in a variety of roles or work environments, including: churches; community agencies (such as mental health centers); employee assistance programs; government agencies; inpatient facilities; private life coaching; regulatory agencies and many more.

Sample online master’s courses include: Professional Ethics and the Law; Basic Counseling Techniques/ Helping Relationships; Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.

20. Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies

Portland, Oregon

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Warner Pacific University Professional and Graduate Studies is a division of Warner Pacific University (WPU, est. 1937), a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Church of God. Founded as a Bible institute, it currently serves students online and on campus.

WPU offers low-priced associate’s through master’s level degree programs. It has one high-value online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) with two emphasis options: Administrative Studies; Family Studies.

This is a cheap, 39-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with 6-week online courses plus in-person field experiences in the form of a practicum requirement. Career opportunities for graduates of this online master’s degree vary based on the Emphasis chosen, but may include: Behavioral Specialist; Community Organizer; Family Life Educator; Human Services Administrator; Program Director or Manager, and more. Other opportunities include working with therapists or social workers.

Sample courses include: Persons in Context: Systems Thinking Across Society; Human Services – Research and Practice; Case Management: Knowledge and Skills for Human Service Professionals.

19. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Waxahachie, Texas

Website

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU, est. 1927) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God Church. Students participate at one campus and online, served as Bible-based, Christian education.

SAGU offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degree programs – over 70 in total. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Science in Human Services Counseling (MS-HSC).

Delivered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Services, this is a cost-effective, 30-credit, hybrid, non-licensure master’s degree with online courses and in-person practicum. As this is a non-licensure master’s degree program, additional requirements (such as additional field experience) may need to be fulfilled for an individual to qualify for a relevant certification exam (e.g., counseling). Typical work environments for graduates of this master’s degree include church and para-church programs and community centers, in roles such as case workers or intake specialists.

Sample courses include: Methods and Techniques in Counseling; Marriage and Family Counseling; Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy. See the MS-HSC degree plan (PDF) for more information.

18. University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Website

University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS, est. 1969) is a public institution and a member of the University of Illinois System, serving students online and on campus.

UIS offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MA-HMS) with four concentrations:

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASA) – accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA)
• Child and Family Studies (CFS)
• Gerontology
• Social Service Administration (SSA)

Delivered by the Department of Human Services, this is an affordable, 44-credit, blended master’s degree. All concentrations except SSA have both online and classroom sessions (SSA courses are fully online). A Capstone and Internship are required for program completion. Internships are in-person (local), and field hour requirements vary by concentration. This inexpensive master’s degree program is intended for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in human services or who have the requisite courses and are otherwise qualified.

Sample courses include: Critical Perspectives in Human Services; Interviewing and Assessment Skills in Human Services; Social Policy and Human Services.

17. Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

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Purdue University Global-Indianapolis (PG, est. 2018) is a public institution and a member of the prestigious Purdue University System. It is formed from the acquisition of Kaplan University (for-profit) assets by Purdue University (est. 1869).

PG offers best-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services (MSHS) with two concentrations: Family and Community Services (FCS); Organizational and Social Services (OSS).

This is a low-priced, 45-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses and an internship option. The internship is optional and can be online or in-person (local). One-on-one mentoring is provided via weekly live video seminars. The program is expected to take one year on a full-time basis. Graduates become advocates for families and communities, which will have a need for human services skills as the country grows older and with current poverty levels. While not accredited by the CSHSE (Council for Standards in Human Service Education), the program follows the organization’s standards.

Sample courses include: Human Development and Human Behavior in Context; History, Multiculturalism, and Diversity in Human Services; Skills and Practice in Human Services. A Capstone is also part of the curriculum.

Alternatives: Purdue undergrad students taking a bachelor of science in a long list of topics can take the accelerated MSHS.

16. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

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Bellevue University (BU, est. 1966) is a private, nonprofit institution, with a milestone of being one of the first in the United States to offer online degrees.

BU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS).

This is a low-priced, 36-credit, hybrid, non-licensure master’s degree program. Students have a track choice of a thesis, project or in-person internship/ fieldwork experience, but courses are offered online. It is suited to either individuals wanting to enter human services fields, or those already working in one, particularly in nonprofit management and administration.

Sample courses include: Introduction to Human Services Administration; Ethics for Human Services; Communications for Human Services.

15. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, North Carolina

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Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR, est. 1825) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church North Carolina Synod/ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It serves students online and on three campuses.

LR offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) with three professional track options: Addictions Counseling (AC); Career Development (CD); Human Services Management (HSM).

This is a low-cost, 33-credit, hybrid master’s degree program, with online courses and local practicum experiences (targeted to the selected track). Coursework prepares students for the knowledge portion of eligibility for the HS-BCP (Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner) professional certification exam. Graduates of this master’s degree work in a range of possible work environments or roles: administering programs and services; managing public agencies or nonprofit organizations; supervising personnel; working with vulnerable client populations.

Sample courses include: Theoretical Foundations and History of Human Services; Human Services Delivery Systems.

14. East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee

Website

East Tennessee State University (ETSU, est. 1911) is a public institution. Originally a teacher training school, it serves students online and at three campuses or learning centers.

ETSU offers exceptional bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees (over 100 in total), plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Science in Human Services (MSHS).

Delivered by the Department of Counseling and Human Services, this is a cheap, 36-credit, hybrid, non-licensure master’s degree program with 100% online courses and in-person internship experiences. Graduates of this program can find careers in a wide range of human services roles, including: advocacy; community organizing; family support; fundraising; grant writing; human services program leadership; marketing; nonprofit administration; operational management; program development and coordination; public relations; research and program evaluation; staff training; team leadership; etc.

Sample courses include: Human Services: Systems and Leadership; Human Services: Counseling and Case Management; Ethics and Social Justice. A capstone is part of the curriculum.

13. Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, Illinois

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Concordia University-Chicago (CUChicago, est. 1864) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod/ Concordia University System. Students are served an education integrated with Lutheran Christian traditions and worldview.

CUChicago offers best-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has two low cost online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS); MA in Human Service Administration (MAHSA).

Both are inexpensive hybrid master’s degree programs of 33 credits, and expected to take 24 months each. The high-value master’s degree programs have primarily the same core courses and differ mostly in the available electives. Courses are online and a capstone is required for both degrees. The MAHS has an in-person Human Service Internship with 300 supervised clock hours. The MAHSA has an in-person Human Service Administration Internship. Neither program fulfills all requirements for certification/ licensure for the state of Illinois. Individuals interested in administrative or management positions will be interested in the MAHSA.

Sample courses include: Introduction to the Human Service Profession; Human Service Systems; Intervention and Direct Services.

12. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Winona, Minnesota

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Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMU, est. 1912) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lasallian/ Roman Catholic Church. Founded as a men’s college, it became coed in 1969, after a merger with a women’s college.

SMU offers best-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration (MAHSA).

Delivered by the School of Health and Human Services, this is a low-priced, 36-credit, hybrid master’s degree program expected to take at least two years. Courses are online, practicum hours in-person. The program is suited to individuals seeking administrative and leadership career roles in healthcare or human services, and covers topics such as communication and writing, finance, health and human services administration and systems, human resources, policy, strategic leadership, research. Typical work environments for graduates include: home care and hospice agencies; hospitals; long-term care centers; multi-specialty medical groups; nonprofit health-related organizations; pharmaceutical companies; veterans services; etc.

Sample courses include: Financial Practices in the Health and Human Services Sectors; Health and Human Service Systems; Human Resources in the Health and Human Services Sectors. A capstone is part of the curriculum. Note that the degree is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators (MN BENHA) and prepares students for the licensure exam for Minnesota Nursing Home Administrators certification.

11. University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

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University of Northwestern-St Paul (UNSP, est. 1902) is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational institution affiliated with the Protestant Church. Students are served an online or on-campus Christ-centered education.

UNSP offers exceptioanl-value associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 80 programs in total. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) with a concentration in Family Studies (FS).

Delivered by the College of Graduate, Online and Adult Learning, this is a cheap, 36-credit, non-licensure master’s degree program of 18-22 months, with a choice of online or blended courses. Graduates of this program typically find leadership roles in social and human services in the areas of behavioral health, child and family advocacy, community education, law enforcement, ministry, nonprofit businesses, public health, student affairs.

Sample courses include: Worldview, Leadership, and Human Services; Multicultural/ Diversity Issues in Human Services; Marriage and Family Dynamics.

Alternatives: Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership with Human Services Emphasis; Master of Divinity with Human Services Emphasis

10. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Website

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UWO, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, it serves students online and on a campus designated a Tree Campus USA (National Arbor Day Foundation), and which also earned a Gold Rating (AASHE/ STARS) for environmental initiatives.

UWO offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one high-value
online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services Leadership (MSHSL).

Delivered by the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), this is a low-priced, 30-credit, online degree program with a choice of Master’s thesis or Capstone project. UWO claims it as one of the “[f]irst of its kind offered by a major public university.” Potential areas of work for graduates include: aging and disability; business and community; education and higher learning; family and child services; health and wellness; social and protective services.

Sample courses include: Foundations of Human Services Management; Social Marketing in Human Services; Comparative Trends in Global Human Services Agencies.

9. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

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Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution serving students online and at a dozen campuses/ learning centers in the states of Delaware and New Jersey.

WilmU offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Science in Administration of Human Services (MS-AHS).

Delivered by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, this is a cheap, 33-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses and optional in-person experiences. Students choose between a Guided Practicum (120 hours), Capstone or a Master’s Thesis. Graduates may find a range of human services administration career role opportunities in environments such as for-profit social service providers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and more. Some roles include: eligibility interviewers (for government programs); health educators; social and human service assistants, with salaries ranging from $16 to $32 per hour.

Sample courses include: Survey of Human Services; Administration of Human Service Organizations; Law and Practice in Human Services. Courses follow the standards of the CSHSE (Council for Standards in Human Service Education).

Alternatives:

8. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, Oklahoma

Website

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (OU, est. 1890) is a public institution. Designated an Apple Distinguished School (2017-2019), it serves students online and two campuses.

OU offers exceptionally priced bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration (MA-HHSA).

Delivered by the College of Professional and Continuing Studies/ Extended Campus, this is an affordable, 33-credit, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses and an optional in-person internship experiences (75 hours). Students can choose to complete a master’s thesis instead of the internship. Graduates of the program may find career opportunities in: corporations; federal or state agencies; healthcare administration; nonprofit organizations; nursing; social work; etc.

Sample courses include: Strategic Planning and Evaluation in HHSA; Cultural, Social and Diversity Issues in HHSA; Ethics in Human and Health Services Administration

7. Concordia University-Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website

Concordia University-Saint Paul (CUSP, est. 1893) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. With a steady increase in student applications and enrollment in recent years, the university passed the 5,000-student mark in Fall 2018.

CUSP offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS), emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health (FBH)

Delivered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (in partnership with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies), this is a cheap, 36-credit, online, non-licensure master’s degree program. It is suitable for individuals interested in non-clinical roles, including those are at the intersection of mental/ behavioral health and the criminal justice and legal systems (the focus of the degree).

Sample courses include: Research Methods in Human Services; Psychopathology in Human Services; Ethical and Legal Considerations in Human Services. The curriculum includes a Capstone and has an optional Graduate Study Abroad option.

6. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Saint Leo University (SLU, est. 1889) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Order of Saint Benedict. While it’s one of the country’s largest Catholic colleges, it serves students of all faiths, online and on campus.

SLU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services Administration (MSHSA).

This is an economical, 36-credit online master’s with an optional in-person field placement opportunity (elective course). Students will acquire a range of skills relevant to human services administration, including: board development; budgeting; business principles for nonprofits; community needs assessment; fundraising; grantsmanship; leadership methods; program planning. Graduates may find career opportunities in child welfare, counseling, healthcare, management (for-profit and nonprofit), mental health, program development.

Sample courses include: Management and Leadership in Human Services Organization; Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Service; Creating New Human Services Organization. A graduate project in HSA is part of the curriculum. See on-campus master’s program page for more details.

5. Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, Texas

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Lubbock Christian University (LCU, est. 1957) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ, although students are collectively of several denominations as well as non-denominational churches. The university incorporates a Christian worldview into its offering, serving students online and on a campus that has earned a LEED Platinum rating for its green initiatives. It is not an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), although the Hispanic/ LatinX student population is over 20%. Non-traditional students (25+) make up over a third of the enrollment numbers.

LCU offers inexpensive associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services (MHSC) with two specializations: Non-Profit Leadership (NPL) – e.g., administration; Family Life Educator (FLE).

This is a low-priced, 36-credit, online master’s degree program expected to take two years. Students taking the FLE specialization will be prepared for the CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator) certification exam after graduation. The overall program helps individuals gain knowledge and skills such as conflict resolution, crisis intervention, fundraising, organizational leadership, policy development, rehabilitation strategies, etc. Graduates will typically find career opportunities in nonprofits, in leading or improving operations, or even starting a new organization.

4. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University (LU, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell. By enrollment, it is one of the largest Christian universities in the world.

LU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling (MAHSC) with 13 specializations:

• Addiction
• Business
• Christian Ministries
• Criminal Justice
• Crisis Response and Trauma
• Dobson Center Family Advocacy, Public Policy, and the Future
• Dobson Center Marriage and Family Studies
• Dobson Center Parenting, and Child/Adolescent Development
• Executive Leadership
• Health and Wellness
• Life Coaching
• Marriage and Family
• Military Resilience

This is a cheap, 30-credit, online, non-licensure master’s degree program accepting up to 50% transfer credits, and expecting to take 1.5 years on average.

Depending on the specialization selected, graduates of this program may find employment in a wide range of career roles, including: chaplain; clinical case manager; juvenile detention counselor; life coach; marketing consultant; non-licensed counselor; substance abuse counselor; etc.

Sample courses include: Introduction to Human Services Counseling; Studies in Interpersonal Communication; Multicultural Issues in Human Services.

3. California State University-Northridge

Northridge, California

Website

California State University-Northridge (CSUN, est. 1958) is a public institution and a member of the California State University System. The university ranks highly for the number of Hispanic students receiving bachelor’s degrees, and also for master’s degrees. It comes in third in our ranking of affordable, accredited, online master’s degrees in human services studies.

CSUN offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services (MS-ATHS).

Delivered by Tseng College, this is a high-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program expected to take two years. This program is particularly suited to individuals interested in human services career roles in which they aid people with disabilities in using assistive technology devices.

Sample online courses include: Human Characteristics in Relation to Usability of Assistive Technologies; Assistive Technology Across the Lifespan; Counseling in Assistive Technology Service Delivery; Directed Comprehensive Studies (culminating experience).

2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL, est. 1869) is a public institution and a member of the University of Nebraska System. It places second in our ranking of affordable, accredited, online master’s degrees in human services studies, and serves students online and on multiple campuses. Its base of operations, the state capital Lincoln, earned a spot on a Healthiest Small Cities list published by Daily Finance, while other publications gave the city high scores for livability, quality of life, etc.

UNL offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees (over 140 graduate degrees alone), plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in human services: Master of Science in Child, Youth and Family Studies (MS-CYAF) with a specialization in Human and Family Services Administration (HFSA). (Additional non-human-services specializations available.)

Delivered by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, this is a 30- to 36-credit, low-cost, online master’s degree with choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks, and a comprehensive exam (for all specializations). Graduates of the program will be prepared for career opportunities in human services that focus on “the development, administration and management of human service organizations.”

Sample online courses include: Administration in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; Foundations and Principles in Family and Community Services. Completion of a Capstone experience is required.

1. University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia

Website

University of North Georgia (UNG, est. 1873) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. The university earns first place in our ranking of affordable, accredited, online master’s degrees in human services studies. The current institution is formed from the recent merger of two institutions and serves students online and on five campuses. It is designated a State Leadership Institution and is also one of the six Senior Military Colleges in the country.

UNG offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in human services: Master of Science in Human Services Delivery and Administration (MS-HSDA).

Delivered by the Department of Sociology and Human Services, this is a 35-credit, cheap, hybrid master’s degree program with online courses plus monthly Saturday sessions on-campus and limited additional on-campus visits. (A Research Internship is optional). The expected timeline is two years full-time and the degree is accredited by the CSHSE (Council for Standards in Human Services Education). Graduates of the program will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to take on management and supervisory career roles in environments such as community mental health centers, correctional facilities, group homes, halfway houses and services agencies for child, family, and youth.

Sample courses include: Generalist Approaches to Human Services Practice; Advanced Human Services Practice with Communities; Advanced Human Services Practice with Individuals and Groups.