Human Services is a career that’s centered around doing good in the community. It involves helping people in need and working to improve the lives of individuals, families, and populations. It’s not just a good field—it’s an incredibly rewarding one. However, many prospective students ask the question: “Is Human Services a good degree path?”
Choosing a college major is an important and personal decision. Whether or not a degree is “good” for you will depend on your interests, goals, and needs as a student. But if you are considering a Human Services degree, you can be sure there is a lot of reward involved.
Below we unpack the Human Services degree path and whether it’s worthwhile for you.
What is a Human Services degree?
Human Services is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares students to work in community-based roles, helping people in need. Specifically, a Human Services degree teaches students how to address the social, emotional, and physical challenges that people face within society—and, even further, advocate for change and support within their community.
At its core, a Human Services degree program unpacks the intricacies of societal structures and human behavior. It covers topics in psychology, sociology, social work, advocacy, and policy, providing students with a well-rounded curriculum and skillset that can apply to many different professions. Upon graduation, Human Services degree holders know how to assess the needs of people, develop plans to help vulnerable populations, and provide or facilitate support services where needed.
There are different types of Human Services degrees, including those offered at the associate degree and bachelor’s degree levels. Both degree programs offer the necessary skills to work as a human services professional. However, these programs differ in their length and career outcomes. An associate degree in Human Services offers a fast track to impactful, entry-level careers in counseling, social services, corrections, coaching, and more. A bachelor’s degree in Human Services requires a longer investment in school (about four years), but will prepare you for more advanced and managerial career opportunities.
Is Human Services a good degree (and why)?
A Human Services degree is a great choice for those who wish to make a difference and serve their community. It offers an incredible amount of personal satisfaction, as it can lead to a variety of rewarding careers helping people in need. But that’s not all. A Human Services degree can lead to a lot of in-demand, lucrative career options, too. Here are some of the top benefits of a Human Services degree:
1. Big career impact
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a Human Services degree is that it allows you to make a real impact and meaningful difference in your community. Whether you are providing services directly to populations in need, developing programs to help communities, or advocating for the rights of individuals, Human Services offers a unique opportunity to make the world a better place.
2. Diverse career opportunities
On top of the difference you can make within the field, you can also encounter an incredible diversity of career options with a Human Services degree. For example, you might qualify for roles in social work, counseling, community development, case management, youth services, rehabilitation, or non-profit organizations. You can work in areas like mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, and criminal justice. And, on top of all this, you can work with a variety of interesting and in-need demographics: low-income youth, homeless people, veterans, inmates, individuals with disability, and more.
Learn about the many Human Services career options here.
3. Flexible degree path
College is a commitment, but it’s often a required step for many Human Services professions. Fortunately, though, this degree path offers plenty of flexibility for students. At Goodwin University, for example, our Human Services school offers the ability to take classes in an online format, so that you can balance other obligations alongside your degree. Additionally, students have the option to take classes at an accelerated pace, allowing them to jumpstart a career even faster.
Learn more about earning your Human Services degree here!
The notion of flexibility applies to the Human Services field as a whole, too. In addition to the convenient class options available, you can also find flexibility in your career. Many Human Services careers offer the ability to create a work schedule that works for you. And, you have the flexibility to find a role that fits within your specific interests and passion areas, whether that’s working directly with clients or in administrative and advocacy roles.
4. Strong job outlook and salary potential
The world needs Human Services professionals, specifically as the demand for social services and mental health care continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in community service, mental health, and counseling are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate over the next decade. And in addition to job prospects, there is potential for good compensation, too. For example, social and community service managers make an average salary of $83,400 annually in the United States.
5. Transferrable skills for any role
A Human Services degree can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career path, where you will find a diversity of job prospects. However, you do not need to settle on just one occupation. A Human Services degree (while career-oriented) can prepare you for a vast array of career pathways, where communication and people are at the core. For example, the degree will equip you will valuable and versatile skills like the below, which are highly transferable to many careers:
- Communication skills, which are essential for working with clients, colleagues, and communities
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to analyze complex issues within society and develop solutions for change
- Cultural competence, enabling you to understand the needs of diverse populations and work with them effectively
- Empathy and compassion, which are essential for any human-centered occupation.
- Ethical decision-making, and following ethical principles in all that you do
Is a Human Services degree worth it for you?
As you can see, there are many reasons why a Human Services degree is a good choice—but the question remains, is Human Services a good degree for you?
The answer is a resounding “yes” if you:
- Are a natural advocate for people who need it most
- Are interested in social issues, justice, and facilitating positive change
- Consider yourself a helpful, caring, and empathetic person
- Desire to help people and populations in need
- Dream of delivering support and assistance directly to others
- Plan to pursue a graduate degree in social work, counseling, leadership, or law, but desire a foundational and human-centered education for your undergraduate degree