Health and Human Services
Online Diploma Program

Yes, but it may be more appropriate to say psychology is an important element in the delivery of human services—among other fields.

Psychology represents a discipline that is a crucial component in human services, though a degree in psychology can be applied in jobs outside of the generally accepted category of “human services” jobs.

The range of jobs you can potentially apply for with a diploma in health and human services can make this number difficult to identify.

However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides figures for the occupational grouping Social and Human Service Assistants, containing some of the most common types of professions in human services you can potentially qualify for with a college-level career diploma.

According to the BLS, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $44,240 per year ($21.27 per hour).* Pay can vary based on your education, experience level, and state of employment.

The highest degree level we offer in health and human services is the undergraduate bachelor’s degree program.

If you want to advance your education to the master’s degree level in the future, we have many potential pathways you may consider. You can potentially earn dual credit towards a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)—or choose to pursue more healthcare-focused options in healthcare administration or nursing.

How long it takes depends on several factors, including your prior college education and the degree path you choose.

We offer three different entry points into the field of human services:

• Diploma in Health and Human Services: 8 months
• Associate of Science in Health and Human Services: 24 months
• Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services: 36 months

All program length estimates are averages based on full-time enrollment.

There is some overlap when it comes to careers in human services and social work. In both career fields you’ll be helping individuals and/or communities solve problems and find better social outcomes. Degree programs typically cover introductory behavioral health and global topics relevant to both career pathways.

However, jobs in human services typically focus on the health of communities at large, while social workers tend to place more focus on helping individuals and their families. Human service workers apply interdisciplinary skills to solve many types of problems in communities, while social workers help those in need to secure access to important social resources.

For instance, our Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services curriculum includes study of nonprofit organization management, grant writing and fundraising, program planning and development, and volunteer, board, and community development.

On the social work side, our Master of Social Work curriculum zooms in on social services primarily for individuals and families, including clinical social work theory and practice, social policy and services, clinical social work interventions, and more.

Yes, earning a degree in human services is worth it!

You’ll earn a good educational foundation to pursue jobs making real, impactful change for individuals and their communities. You can become a difference maker, and advancing your education is an important first step towards success in your new career path.

Get your start in human services with a university dedicated to your success. We are your lifelong learning partner devoted to making your rewarding career possible.