Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Human Services for 2025

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A strong desire to help people is the foundation of a great career in human services. With the average age of community service specialists being 41.3, it's a field that welcomes people from all walks of life. But turning that passion into a stable profession requires a clear, strategic plan.

That’s why this guide is more than just a list. The career planning experts who created it have over 10 years of experience helping people build sustainable careers with purpose. Here is your expert-backed blueprint for earning an online human services degree and finding your place in a growing field.

What are the benefits of getting an online bachelor's degree program in human services?

This degree provides a direct path to stable, professional jobs in growing non-profit, government, and healthcare sectors.
Graduates can earn a solid income, with the average starting salary for human services professionals hovering around $45,000 a year.
Earning your degree online offers the flexibility to fit your coursework around your existing work and family commitments.

What can I expect from an online bachelor's degree program in human services?

You can expect two core things from a quality program: a strong academic curriculum and a mandatory, real-world field experience. The coursework is delivered flexibly online, covering the essential theories, ethics, and practical skills you'll need on the job.

The most important component is the hands-on training. People often wonder how you get experience with an online degree, and the answer is simple: a structured internship. The best programs have dedicated coordinators who work with you to find an approved placement in a local organization. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a graduation requirement.

This blend of flexible online classes and required, in-person fieldwork is what makes a good online human services degree so effective. It’s designed to give you both the knowledge and the practical experience you need to step confidently into your first professional role.

Where can I work with an online bachelor's degree program in human services?

An online bachelor's degree in human services prepares you for roles in the key sectors that employ the vast majority of community-focused professionals. In 2023, the field of community health employed over 63,000 people.

The largest employers of community health workers include:

Social Assistance: This sector is the largest employer, accounting for 21% of all jobs in the field.
Ambulatory Healthcare Services: These employers, including outpatient clinics and physicians' offices, make up 19% of the workforce.
Local Government: Public sector roles at the local level employ 17% of all community health workers.
Hospitals: State, local, and private hospitals account for 10% of employment opportunities.
Religious and Civic Organizations: These groups also make up 10% of the employers in the field.

How much can I make with an online bachelor's degree program in human services?

An online bachelor's degree in human services leads to careers with stable salaries that grow with experience. For community health workers, a common role for graduates, the earning potential breaks down like this:

Average Annual Salary: The national average pay for a community health worker is approximately $44,925.
Entry-Level Pay: Professionals in the 25th percentile, often those starting their careers, earn around $38,000 per year.
Experienced Professional Pay: With experience, those in the 75th percentile can expect to make about $50,000 annually.
Top-Tier Pay: The top earners in the field command salaries of over $58,000 a year.