A bachelor’s degree in human services qualifies you for a variety of different types of jobs.
This is one reason why this type of degree has always been considered a valuable educational option.
Careers in human services can include advocacy, healthcare, social work, and more.
This is often a great option for students who are service-oriented and have good communication and problem-solving skills.
This quick guide will provide you with more information on this great option.
Should I Get A Bachelor’s Degree In Human Services?
When it is time to narrow down your degree options, it is very important that you choose a degree that will be both personally fulfilling to you and also valuable in the workforce.
The type of degree you hold can have a dramatic effect on the amount of money you are able to earn.
Human services is a unique type of career, though.
Regardless of what position you hold within the human services industry, you should understand that these types of positions require a great deal of empathy and the ability to work with people who are dealing with big life struggles such as addictions, domestic abuse, child abuse, neglect, poverty and more.
Individuals in this field will spend their time advocating and assisting families and people in underrepresented communities and populations.
If you decide to use your degree to go into a field of human services that deals with neglect, abuse, or addictions, it is also very important that you make sure you yourself have stable mental health for this line of work.
Although a desperately needed field, those who work in the field must often deal with the darker sides of society.
You will have the opportunity to make positive changes and help lives, but it is also important that you make sure your own mental health is a top priority so that you can properly serve in these roles.
In addition to empathy and a desire to help underserved populations, a career in human services also requires good organizational skills, time management skills, and communication skills.
If you are unsure of what type of bachelor’s degree program you should pursue, you should reach out to the advisement department of the schools you are considering.
The professionals in these departments will help you better understand your career ambitions and what types of degree programs would fit you best.
What Will I Learn In a Human Services Program?
Most human service degrees are Bachelor of Arts degree track.
This means that while studying, you will be exposed to an interdisciplinary course load.
Courses can include psychology, communications, and social sciences.
One of the great aspects of this degree is that you will receive a very well-rounded education during this program.
A bachelor’s degree in human services will provide you with a wide variety of classes that are both liberal in nature as well as career-specific classes that will prepare you for your specific career goals in human services.
There are also options for taking double majors in the event that you also have an interest in other areas such as the arts, history, education, or other fields.
All students in a bachelor’s program will start their educational journey with core classes.
These are classes that are required of all students regardless of their chosen major or career pursuit.
These classes help students become well-rounded individuals with a good scope of the world, including the arts.
Some students often view core classes as a waste of time, since many of them are not especially centered on their chosen career field.
It is better to view these classes, however, as an opportunity to expand your mind as a citizen of the world.
You will most likely also participate in an internship while working on your degree.
This internship will likely be focused on the area of specialization that you choose.
There are many areas of specialization to choose from.
Specializations could include:
- Child and family services
- Addictions
- Gerontology
- Criminal justice
- Healthcare
What Can I Do With A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services?
One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a degree path is exactly what you will be able to do with the degree.
You want to have a clear idea of how the degree is going to assist you in reaching your career goals before you invest time and money into the program.
A degree in human services is one type of degree that makes it easy to pinpoint a definite career path.
An added benefit is that this type of degree qualifies you for a large variety of different career options within the human services field.
Positions can include:
- Social or community service managers
- Social workers
- Mental health workers
- Caseworkers
- And more
How To Choose a Good Program
When it is time to choose your human services degree program, there are several factors that you will need to keep in mind.
You will want to choose a program that has a proven track record of students who did in fact go on to find successful employment in the field the degree was designed for.
You might need to dig for this information, but it is very important that you find programs that are directly linked to success in the field.
You also want to find a program that offers any additional training that you might need to actually qualify you for the positions you are hoping to land.
This can include internship programs or other training that is required in the workforce.
Beware of programs that offer you only part of what you will need to land a position.
A great human services program will also have some type of career coaching or guidance available for students as they approach graduation.
These types of services are often offered through the school that provides the degree.
Do some research to learn how successful this service has been for other students in moving them into work positions.
You should also make sure that the program you are considering provides the types of financial aid that you will be in need of.
Make sure the programs you are considering also provide the learning model you are in need of.
For instance, if you will be in need of online learning opportunities or hybrid models, be sure to confirm this first.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?
In general, a bachelor’s degree can be completed in four years.
This is the traditional trajectory.
This amount of time can certainly be sped up though when a student is highly motivated.
Students who choose to take on bigger course loads and work through summer semesters can expect to finish much faster.
On the other hand, students who need to devote time to both school and other obligations can also have the luxury of working at their own pace as well.
A bachelor’s degree in human services often provides many online learning options so that you can work on your degree at your own pace.
How Much Does It Cost To Earn A Bachelor’s Degree?
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in human services can vary from school to school.
Educational costs are not standardized in the US, so you will need to do a lot of research concerning how much you will need to invest.
However, you can expect a degree in human services to cost about the same as most other four-year degrees.
There is no highly specialized training required that would cost you extra.
You should keep in mind that you will be able to earn your bachelor’s degree in human services at a much more affordable price if you opt to attend an in-state college.
The national average for in-state degrees in human services is $9,800 while out of state is $27,000.
These are very rough estimates, however.
You will need to do your own research on the specific programs you are interested in to get definite amounts to compare.
A bachelor’s in human services does often qualify for financial aid because it is a traditional four-year program.
The costs of your degree can also be offset by utilizing scholarships and grants as well.
You will also want to compare your earning potential against how much money you will need to invest in a degree.
If you are taking on student loans, this is a very important detail to consider.
You need to make sure that when you graduate, you will be capable of earning enough to pay for the loans.
