Online master's degree programs in human services

You enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives. You are reliable and organized. You work well under pressure and can handle shifting demands and requirements. If you are already working in the field of human services or are planning on entering the field, you will greatly increase your chances of advancing your position in this rapidly growing field by earning a master's degree.

Human services careers include social work, case management, community support and outreach, mental health care, counseling and gerontology, among others. Online master's degree programs in human services prepare you for a broad range of service careers. Available degrees include a Master of Science in drug and alcohol counseling and a Master of Science in human services - program administration, as well as many others.

Courses typical of online master's degree programs in human services

Online master's degree programs in community and social services offer an assortment of degrees in the human services field. Although the majority of curriculum depends on the specific program you choose, your degree may include typical core courses in:

• Group dynamics
• Applied research methods in human services
• Family systems theory
• Human services theory
• Developmental psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Research design

Career choices for graduates of online master's degree programs in human services

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment in the human services field to grow rapidly and forecasts an 18 percent increase between 2008 and 2018. In particular, professionals with experience and an educational background in gerontology are in high demand. Some potential career opportunities are provided below, along with relevant salary figures as reported by the BLS.

• Counselors provide guidance and support, advocating healthy choices and healthy lifestyles. Due to the extent of the counseling profession in a myriad of industries, a lone salary figure is not representative of the entire profession. As of May 2009, substance abuse counselors, typical careers for graduates with a Master of Science in drug and alcohol counseling, earned a median annual salary of $37,700.

• Social workers help clients resolve challenges and overcome obstacles. They serve as important contact persons in their clients' lives. Like counselors, social workers have also penetrated multiple industries. As of May 2009, the median annual wage for child, family and school social workers was $39,960.

• Social and human services assistants contribute to the key functions of psychology, client services and family support programs. The median annual wage for social and human services assistants as of May 2009 was $27,940.

If you're still interested in a rewarding career in human services, browse through WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors in Social Science. For more complete coverage of graduate-level programs, consult the Guide to Master's Degrees in Social Science. You can find information on specializations in behavioral science, educational psychology and social work.

You can also browse through the schools listed below. If you find a suitable program, simply fill out an online request form and a university representative will contact you directly to discuss any questions or concerns.

• Online Master Programs