What Can You Do With a Human Services Degree?
Key Takeaways
- Human services specialists help to ensure that every person is valued in society regardless of their status or position.
- A degree in human services can lead to a career in career counseling, social work, and substance abuse counseling, among others.
- Many of the higher paying positions in the field of human services require at least a master’s degree.
After a bachelor’s degree, most students struggle with choosing a profession because career paths, job potential uncertainty, and ambiguity about future growth hinder their path. If you’re also at this critical juncture of your career, don’t worry; we are here to help.
We have done intensive research and vetted a few of the most lucrative career paths, so you know what you can do with a human services degree.
What Can You Do With a Human Services Degree?
A student with a human services degree can enter into any role requiring close human contact. You can become a social worker, community outreach worker, probation officer, community assistant, or child welfare specialist.
Even if you’re looking to enter into the field of eligibility counseling, child care, family violence, or therapy, a human services degree can be the kickoff point. The primary purpose of this career is to establish a society based on humanitarian grounds where every person can benefit regardless of their status or position.
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Career Options for Graduates with a Human Services Degree
Let’s discuss different career options with a human services degree.
Social Worker
Social workers render their services to individuals and families struggling with various issues related to these spheres: emotional, physical, mental, financial, and social. They deal with cases of abuse, drug addiction, homelessness, mental disorders, and disability.
One thing to note is that it’s not an easy job to enter. You will need a proper license and mostly a master’s degree to offer social welfare services formally.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required to enter the social work field. However, a master’s degree is essential to work as a clinical social worker. License requirements vary by state, and voluntary certifications are available from the National Association of Social Workers for continuous education.
Did you know that there are numerous online master’s in social work degree programs in the US? These online degree programs are perfect for busy working professionals interested in advancing their career in social work.
- Annual Salary: $63,899
- Job Growth Rate: 7% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 63,800
- University for Higher Education: Georgia State University
Family Therapist
Family therapists help individuals and married couples navigate the conflicts and challenges of personal lives. They are experienced in understanding a person’s mental health issues, relationship difficulties, and family conflicts.
Family therapists may refer their patients to medical health professionals for medication. Becoming a family therapist requires a master’s degree in marriage and relationship counseling, one to two years of practice in a clinical setting, and a license to practice.
Choosing a degree accredited by CACREP can smoothen your path to licensure. AMFTRB provides a complete roadmap for licensure with respect to state requirements.
- Annual Salary: $66,138
- Job Growth Rate: 15% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 5,900
- Reputed University for Higher Education: Towson University
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors help alcohol and drug addicts recover from addiction and adopt healthy habits. They offer counseling services to victims and collaborate with their families to educate them in properly supporting their loved ones.
You can become a substance abuse counselor without a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, specialized training is required. To become a licensed counselor, you will need a graduate degree and several hours of supervised practicum.
Some states require professionals to pass an exam before starting to work as a substance abuse counselor. It must be 2000-6000 hours of internship, depending on your academic level.
- Annual Salary: $54,309
- Job Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 42,000
- Reputed University for Higher Education: Queens University of Charlotte
Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral therapists deal with patients struggling with behavioral issues such as aggression, disobedience, ADHD, learning disorders, and anxiety. The therapist discusses the treatment requirements with the patients and develops a customized plan.
A graduate-level degree is needed in most cases, while some jobs may require doctorate-level studies. You will need to have practical experience and pass the state licensing exam in most of the states. Contact your state licensing board or (NBCC) National Board of Certified Counselors for specific exam requirements.
For those who are seeking a master’s degree to advance their career, an online master’s program in human services is a perfect option for busy working professionals.
- Annual Salary: $40,294
- Job Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 42,000
- Institution for Higher Education: Earlham College
Career Counselor
Career counselors help students and professionals select and switch careers. They conduct aptitude tests to educate their clients in job search, resume building, interviewing skills, and professional growth.
While a bachelor’s degree in any human services-related subject is enough, seeking a master’s degree will make you a more in-demand counselor. After your degree, you must appear in the NCE (National Counselor Exam) conducted by NCDA to become a certified career counselor.
- Annual Salary: $46,585
- Job Growth Rate: 5% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 26,600
- Reputed University for Higher Education: University of Delaware
Child Welfare Specialist
Child welfare specialists deal with issues related to children, encompassing mistreatment, drug abuse, child labor, and foster negligence. They provide counseling to affected children and practical support throughout their settlement journey.
Childcare specialists visit homes and interview foster parents to determine if the adoption suits the child. They also serve as a link between medical staff, the legal department, and abused children, assisting with the treatment and court procedures.
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required to work as a child welfare specialist. 50% of the US job postings require a minimum of two to three years of experience. State license requirements vary from state to state. Some may require a master’s degree, while others may accept a bachelor’s degree.
- Annual Salary: $51,588
- Job Growth Rate: -2% (2022-2032)
- Average Job Openings per Year: 153,100
- University for Higher Education: Florida State College at Jacksonville
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Related Questions
What is the difference between social work and human services?
Social work deals with social conflicts and challenges that often require licensure and other clinical requirements. On the other hand, human services is a broader field, including counseling and community outreach, with less strict criteria to enter the field.
Which degree is best for a human services career?
The best degrees for a human services career are in human services or related subjects like social work, psychology, counseling, or marriage and relationship counseling. Many universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these domains, preparing students for jobs by offering them the chance to work in internships and capstone projects.
There are a number of top-ranked online bachelor’s in human services degree programs for those interested in exploring this versatile career.
What type of employers hire human services specialists?
Various employers seek human service specialists, including schools, universities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, NGOs, addiction centers, and child adoption agencies.
Choosing a career depends on your preferences, goals, and desires. We recommend you do your research in selecting a professional path and consider the options mentioned above for future growth. Your future self will thank you!
