The Bachelor of Science in Human Services program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a rewarding career in a wide variety of helping professions.* Students are taught to develop their talents, assess clients’ needs, identify community resources, and problem solve and advocate for their client—all with the goal of making a difference in the lives of those unable to help themselves. Bachelor’s degree students will also study how to provide interventions and develop intervention strategies that guide this population to success.

 Program Highlights 

Through the curriculum’s blending of theory and practice, students study how to critically explore the public and private policies that drive the day-to-day operations of human service agencies in this country and how they can best intervene on behalf of the clients they will serve. This program adheres to the curriculum standards of the Council of Standards in Human Service Education. The program is designed to help you:

  • Apply critical thinking to real-world situations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical bases, best practices, and historical and current trends related to the human services profession
  • Identify, plan, and utilize resources to improve client situations
  • Behave professionally, ethically, and legally in the workplace
  • Utilize information and systems to appropriately manage and deliver human services
  • Understand the importance of culture, gender, diversity, and global perspectives when working with clients

 Emphasis Areas for the Bachelor of Science in Human Services 

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services program offers three emphasis area options. Focus on an area of interest that best suits your career goals:
    Explore management and administrative roles within the human services arena. The courses are designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to work with diverse funding sources, influence policy, supervise staff, and advocate on behalf of those most vulnerable in our society. Graduates may assist in situations involving other agencies and players in the human services industry.
    Focus on the physical, mental, and psychosocial development of humans during the aging process. This emphasis area supports students with an interest in working directly with the growing aging population and as advocates for seniors in our society. The courses are designed to prepare graduates to work with the change process of aging and address how the aging population impacts social policy and program delivery.
    Concentrate on the complexities of issues facing children and families in our society. Graduates may assess, evaluate, intervene, and re-evaluate social structures, such as adoption, foster care, child protection, and reunification, as they work with children and families.

 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Human Services 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Arts and Humanities Course 6
    Physical Science Course 6
    Social Science Course 6
    Courses Credits
    College Success Strategies for the Human Services Professional 5
    Introduction to Human Services 5
    Human Behavior and the Environment 5
    Survey of Social Problems 5
    Applied Skills for Human Services 5
    Prevention and Crisis Intervention 5
    Human Services and Social Policy 6
    Case Management in Human Services 6
    Human Services Delivery 6
    Statistics 5
    Introduction to Psychology 5
    Emphasis Area Courses 24
    Bachelor’s Capstone for Human Services 6
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives 59
    Courses Credits
    Public Relations in Not-for-Profit Organizations 6
    Public Personnel Administration 6
    Proposal Designs for Human Services 6
    Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services 6
    Courses Credits
    The Aging Population and Society 6
    Psychology of Aging 6
    Social and Health Care Issues in Aging 6
    Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services 6
    Courses Credits
    Child Welfare and Family 6
    Studies in Child and Adolescent Development 6
    Advocacy for Families and Youth 6
    Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services 6
    Total Program Requirements 180

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services program is designed to prepare graduates with a broad understanding and the practical skills needed to make a positive impact on people’s lives in many areas of human services including mental health, social services, education, rehabilitation, group and community work, nursing homes, court systems, and public policy. Positions may include, but are not limited to, case manager, human services administrator, adult services worker, child welfare worker, program officer, and elderly services provider.*

 Already Have College Credits? 

Let us evaluate your transcripts. You may qualify for our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Human Services program and be eligible to earn your bachelor's degree from Kaplan University online in two years or less.†

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements180
Total cost of tuition$66,780.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.
†Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.