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Human Services Bachelor's Degree

Available Online

The UIU Advantage

Looking to join one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States and the world? As people and communities experience increasing need for human services professionals, the demand is great for trained people who can provide assistance to a diverse and ever-changing population. As a graduate of UIU’s Human Services program, you will have knowledge, skills and confidence to assist individuals, families and communities in need.

Why Human Services at UIU?

  • Human Services is one of the fastest growing professions in the world.
  • A degree in human services is your ticket to a wide variety of careers in a large number of locales all over the United States and the world.
  • UIU’s Human Services bachelor’s degree is also excellent preparation for a variety of graduate programs.
  • Learn from faculty who have real-world experience and are experts in the fields they teach; enjoy the support of helpful, caring staff who are there for you from start to finish.
  • 96.3% of Human Services majors are employed one year after graduation.
  • Upper Iowa is also an approved location by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to offer the Social Work Training Certificate (SWTC).

Explore Your Program

Human Services Courses

See course descriptions for the classes you need for your Human Services degree, as well as any general education requirements.

Academic Calendar

Keep up with your academic program’s registration deadlines, session dates, holiday breaks and exam schedules.

Careers in Human Services

A degree prepares you for many careers, such as behavioral health aide, chemical dependency counselor, child protection services worker, domestic violence shelter advocate, family support worker, income maintenance worker, juvenile court liaison, nonprofit organization executive director, school support specialist, and youth worker.

Laura Murray, '19

Psychology and Human Services

The psychology and human services programs at Upper Iowa University gave me the opportunity to learn in a small class environment and work one-on-one with professors who are knowledgeable and experienced in their areas of study. The professors are passionate about teaching and want all of their students to be successful. They pushed me to be my best every day and prepared me to continue my education and be successful in graduate school. UIU's psychology and human services programs give students opportunities you can't get anywhere else.

Majoring in Human Services

About UIU’s Human Services Degree Program:

What is a Human Services degree?

The need for qualified, experienced Human Services professionals is growing across communities around the world. A degree in Human Services will prepare you to aid the people of those communities through social work, counseling, community projects and a variety of additional career paths.

Getting your Human Services Degree Online

Get the same high-quality Human Services education that you would get from a UIU classroom, at home or in your office. Upper Iowa University offers an online Human Services degree, as well as in-person and distance learning options to meet your educational needs.

How to apply

To apply, visit our Online Application portal to create an account and start your application. Still unsure if this program is right for you? Reach out to our admissions to ask specific questions or request additional information about the Human Services program at Upper Iowa University.

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Human Services Career Opportunities

What can you do with a Human Services degree? Well, a degree in Human Services degree from UIU will aid you in becoming an integral support to the diverse needs of the communities you serve. You will graduate prepared to step into leadership roles and build community programs from the ground up.

Graduates of UIU’s Human Services program may find themselves career opportunities as:

  • Case Worker
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Family and Human Development Worker
  • Behavioral Management Worker
  • Community Services Manager
  • Correctional Treatment Specialist
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Office Administrator
  • Probation Officer
  • Grief Counselor
  • Public Health Education Specialist
  • Social and Community Services Manager
  • Rehabilitation Case Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor

Human Services Salary Information

With a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, you’ll find yourself in a field of many career possibilities. Human Services graduates can go on to work in government departments, charities and other non-government agencies. Because of this diversity, wages and annual salaries will vary greatly between jobs and individual responsibilities.

Social and community service managers, for example, earned an average of $69,600 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2020. The highest paying industries for community service managers were in local government (excluding education and hospitals). [1]

Keep in mind, your city’s cost of living expenses and many other factors like years of experience, certifications, unique skills and graduate degrees will also all influence earning potential in the Human Services field.

Benefits of a Human Services Degree

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services comes with many career opportunities, benefits. You will be on the front lines solving problems and intervening in ways that can significantly improve the lives of the communities you serve.

Here are just of few of the many benefits of pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services:

  • You will directly make a difference in the lives of others
  • This degree offers many career opportunities in many sectors
  • Positions you for a head start into a professional counseling degree or career
  • You can earn your BS in Human Services online at UIU
  • Positive job outlook with employment growth rising

Employment of community service managers is expected to grow 15% between 2020 and 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—faster than the average for other occupations. [1]

Degree Requirements, Skills & Certifications

The Psychology and Health Services Department at UIU educates students on a broad range of course topics so they’re prepared on day one of the job.

Your Human Services coursework will include core studies in:

  • General Psychology
  • Principles of Sociology
  • Social Welfare Programs and Policies
  • Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions
  • Diversity in the United States
  • Social Problems
  • Marriage and Family

Students in the Human Services program will have the opportunity to apply for Social Work Training Certification (SWTC), and be able to select from a number of different minor programs that align with their career goals.

Social Work and Human Services Skills

If you’re pursuing your degree in Human Services, chances are you already have a passion and calling to help others. This innate skill is something that can’t always be taught and is the foundation of all successful Human Services workers.

Social work is a challenging and diverse professional field, and depending on your chosen career path, may require practitioners to take on multiple roles and wear many hats on any given day. Professionals in this field all share a blend of emotional and psychological skills, in addition to more technical skills you’ll gain through your coursework at Upper Iowa University.

These Human Services skills include:

  • Intervention techniques
  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
  • Active listening skills
  • Evaluation techniques
  • Engaging empathy and compassion
  • Strong written and communication skills
  • Professional boundary setting

Students may also enhance their degree by taking additional elective courses to fulfill minor studies that are very complementary of their degree. Some of these complementary minors to a Human Services degree include:

Many Human Services graduates also go on to pursue their master or doctoral degrees in programs such as UIU’s Masters of Science in Counseling (MSC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Human Services?

The NOHS defines human service as, “uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.”[2]

What is the purpose of Human Services?

Human Services professionals are dedicated to helping the lives of others in their communities. Social workers and practitioners in this field must know how to effectively work with individuals and families to weave together a vast array of community resources, specialized assistance programs and natural support systems to promote well-being, empowerment and community membership.

Is a bachelor’s in Human Services a BA or BS degree?

Colleges and universities may tailor their Human Services programs differently, allowing them to differentiate their degree programs as either Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or even a Bachelor of Human Services (BHS). At Upper Iowa University, students in this program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services (B.S. in Health Science).

Can I complete a Human Services degree online?

Yes! Upper Iowa University offers an online Human Services degree program, and many other award-winning online programs, that are flexible with learn-at-your-own-pace options. Learn more about what our online programs offer.

Will you help me find a Human Services position following graduation?

UIU offers comprehensive career development support including access to professional networking events, interview preparation, and career guidance. Students will also gain access to Handshake, UIU’s new online career management system.

Can I narrow the focus of my Human Services degree to specialize in a specific area?

UIU allows students to tailor their education to fit their specific career goals, by offering a variety of complimentary minors including criminal justice, health service administration, financial management, and public administration.

UIU Locations for Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

UIU Student on computer

Convenient, Focused Scheduling

UIU Human Services students have the advantage of focusing on fewer classes at once with the Two-at-a-Time schedule. Plus, convenient evening or online courses ensure your education fits your unique lifestyle.

Admissions

When you’re ready to apply for your bachelor’s degree in Human Services, we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

Go Further with a Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)

Earned your undergraduate degree in Human Services? Consider UIU’s Master of Science in Counseling program to advance your career even further.

Headshot of Dr. Shelby Kaura

Faculty Spotlight

Shelby Kaura, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Services (2007)

Psychology and Human Services are two of our largest majors across the university. Whether you are planning to go into direct practice helping individuals, families, or communities, or you have plans to further your education by attending graduate school, you will find many opportunities within both the Psychology and Human Services programs. Our graduates have gone on to obtain master’s and doctorate degrees in Social Work, Counseling, Art Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Public Administration, and many other areas of professional practice. Our students learn from top-notch instructors with years of experience working in the field and they bring that experience into the classroom and share it with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to students’ most frequently asked questions about UIU’s bachelor’s degree in Human Services. If you don’t see the answer you need, contact us for help.

Are faculty willing to write me a letter of recommendation?

Yes, though faculty are not obligated to write a letter. Allow faculty at least two weeks to complete this task. Fayette students should complete two electronic documents on myUIU and provide them to that faculty member.

Does this degree prepare me for graduate programs in social work or counseling?

Absolutely.  Your UIU degree will prepare you for these and a variety of other graduate school options that may interest you.

Does the program offer study abroad opportunities?

Yes. The department tries to take students to Ireland every two years. Students can earn course credit in PSY 201 Adjustment or ID 200 Cultures.

What types of organizations/agencies can students use as internship placements if selected as their capstone option?

Students have worked with a wide range of organizations and agencies, including long-term care facilities, hospice facilities, childcare centers, agencies advocating for individuals with disabilities, and youth summer camps.

  1. ^ Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
  2. ^ National Organization of Human Services. What is Human Services. https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/what-is-human-services