Bachelor's Degree

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

36 Mo.

Program Length

120

Credits

Online

Format

$430

Tuition cost per credit

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Bachelor's Degree

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science

Program highlights

Accreditation	Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer credit	Up to 90 approved credits
Format	100% online classes
QuickPaths	Option to earn up to 12 dual credits towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW); transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2024 Badge

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services

The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a wide variety of potential career pathways.

The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in behavioral health theory, counseling and communication, nonprofit management, grant writing, legal advocacy, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 6th

Learn More Today

By submitting this form, I consent to Herzing University contacting me by phone for marketing messages (including mobile and manual/autodialed means) and email using the information I have provided. I understand that my consent is not a condition of enrollment.

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Curriculum

Program classes & curriculum details

The bachelor’s degree includes 8 behavioral health courses totaling 25 credit hours. Courses prepare students with a foundation of behavioral health entry-level skills that can be applied to a range of diverse career paths. This core is unique to Herzing and will allow students in Health and Human Services to work in settings that improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities.

All didactic (lecture-style) classes are delivered online. There is no field work, practicum, or internship included as part of the program. You can personalize your education utilizing 9 open elective credit hours, and potentially apply for dual credit towards an MBA or MSW program.

Programs	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services	36	120

i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time

Required Courses in Behavioral Health

All courses, 25.00 semester credit hours, are required.

BH 200 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3.00

This course introduces the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the behavioral health sector. Students will examine the topics of diversity and difference in the areas of gender, political views, physical abilities, race, class, culture, sexual orientation, religion, age, and mental health. This course will provide the tools to improve equity and inclusion within the behavioral health sector through engagement with others, identifying and addressing unconscious bias, understanding the concept of social stratification, examining microaggressions, fostering an inclusive climate, discussing oppression and suppression, and privilege. Students will demonstrate how to effectively engage with clients, recognize the dignity and worth of all people, and demonstrate self-awareness and cultural humility.

BH 210 - Ethics in Behavioral Sciences 3.00

This course examines the ethical, legal, and professional issues facing behavioral health professionals. It is designed to introduce critical ethical issues, problem-solving, ethical decision-making models, theory, the intersection of law, values, and ethics, HIPPA, client rights, mandated reporting laws, ethical conduct, and conflicting values. This course will also explore ethical principles such as informed consent, self-determination, conflict of interest, dual relationships, transference and countertransference, boundaries, professionalism, privacy, and confidentiality.

BH 250 - Behavioral Health in Communities 3.00

This course examines the way in which communities and individuals interact. The processes involved with social change, diversity, and citizen participation will be considered. Topics will also include how to plan, assess, and evaluate tools in working with the community, apply knowledge and theory of human systems, and explore community issues and solutions.

BH 300 - Research in Behavioral Sciences 3.00

This course focuses on skills in research within the Behavioral Health field. Topics include the development of research and writing skills and critical analysis of current research. Students develop a research project that would apply to the behavioral health field, identify variables, data collection, research methods, and how to analyze the data.

OR BU 550 Research Methods and Decision Making

BH 330 - Adult and Aging: Behavioral Health Theory and Practices 3.00

This course examines the development that occurs in adulthood as well as the processes involved with aging. The biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors that influence development will be considered. Students will also explore how to support aging, case management techniques, how to recognize the dignity and worth of all people, and interdisciplinary team approaches to working with the aging population.

BH 400 - Counseling and Communication Skills in Behavioral Health 3.00

This course examines how to develop basic communication skills that will be applied within the Behavioral Health field. Students will be introduced to the major theoretical systems of counseling, the helping process, communication skills, and basic written communication techniques will be explored. The helping process will examine how to engage others, apply professional use of self, and ethical communication, development of interpersonal skills, and demonstration of empathy. Students will demonstrate communication skills that will include nonverbal messages, verbal messages, listening and responding, interviewing, paraphrasing, active listening, practicing mindfulness, and observation. In addition, students will apply basic professional writing skills including common tools used within behavioral health.

OR MSW 520 Generalist Social Work with Individuals/Families/Groups

BH 410 - Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Behavioral Health 3.00

This course examines the behavioral health principles associated with drug and behavioral addictions as well as interventions for addressing the behaviors. Topics will also include how addictions impact the family systems, how sociocultural factors influence treatment, and the concepts of self-determination and harm-reduction.

BH 490 - Capstone in Behavioral Health 4.00

This capstone course will require students to write a thesis paper. Students will be expected to research and write about a topic that is in alignment with their career goals. Students will be expected to demonstrate that they have developed a meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

Required Courses in Business and Human Resources

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required

BU 106 - Introduction to Business 3.00

This course is designed for students aiming to ascend to new heights in their careers and master the art of business leadership. This course offers a blend of personal growth strategies and business acumen, tailored to equip students with the insights, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

BU 220 - Principles of Marketing 3.00

This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of marketing in organizations. Topics include the marketing process and strategic planning, the global marketing environment, developing marketing opportunities and strategies, developing the marketing mix through product development, pricing strategies, distribution channels, promotion techniques, managing marketing through customer relationships, social responsibility, and marketing ethics.

HR 100 - Introduction to Human Resource Management 3.00

Students in this course explore contemporary concepts and techniques essential to managing corporate human resources. Topics include resource planning, staffing, and rewards as well as developing and maintaining positions and people.

Required Courses in Health and Human Services

All courses, 39.00 semester credit hours, are required.

HH 110 - Introduction to Health and Human Services 3.00

This course introduces you to the field of health and human services. You will explore how the field of human services has evolved throughout history and how this has shaped current programs, services, populations served, and policy. Topics include the role and function of health and human service professionals, a foundation of assessment skills to examine present conditions in our society, and societal barriers that contribute to the need for health and human services. You will examine the roles and opportunities within the health and human services field.

HH 220 - Human Development Across the Lifespan 3.00

This course examines human development theories and life stages. Students will acquire an understanding of basic human development theories including sociocultural, biopsychosocial, and social change. Students will apply these theories to developmental stages from infancy through aging. In addition, this course will explore developmental milestones, challenges, common interventions for each stage in life, and an understanding of the capacities, limitations, and resiliency of human systems.

HH 240 - Social Problems and Policy 3.00

This course provides a study of social problems and the policies that address them. Topics include identification of how current legislation impacts human services delivery, how public and private values impact legislation and interpretation of policy, how sociopolitical issues impact service delivery and the development of the profession, identification of resources to address and impact policy, and introduction to laws that govern the profession.

HH 250 - Case Management and Crisis Intervention 3.00

This course explores the key components of case management and crisis intervention. Topics include case management techniques, tools, and challenges, application of assessment, planning, and evaluation tools in working with individuals, how to identify resources and conduct referrals, assessment, and analysis of needs of clients through observation, interviewing, active listening, consultation, and research, and how to engage in conflict. Students will obtain the skills to conduct crisis and suicide prevention, assessment, and interventions, discuss how to recognize the dignity and self-worth of others, demonstrate self-awareness, professional use of self and empathy, develop skills congruent with the code of ethics, clients right to self-determination and the least restrictive environment, an understanding of resilience, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

HH 260 - Health and Human Services for Families and Groups 3.00

This course explores how to apply knowledge, theory, and skills in working with families and groups within Health and Human Services. Students will acquire skills and knowledge to work with families and groups: including the application of theory, assessment, planning, and evaluation. Topics will also include: how to identify resources and conduct referrals, discuss how to recognize the dignity and self-worth of others, demonstrate self-awareness, professional use of self and empathy, develop skills congruent with the code of ethics, group facilitation skills, family systems, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

HH 312 - Nonprofit Organization Management 3.00

This course explores how to apply knowledge, theory, and skills in working with organizations and an introduction to nonprofit management. Topics will include how to identify and use appropriate resources and referrals, apply knowledge and theory of the interaction of human systems within organizations and communities, and apply planning tools and strategies and evaluation strategies to nonprofit agencies. This course will introduce the knowledge, skills, and theory to develop Health and Human Services administration, leadership, and management, legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations.

OR BU 600 Leadership and Organizational Behavior

HH 341 - Grant Writing and Fundraising 3.00

This course will develop an understanding of grant writing and fundraising within the Health and Human Service field. Topics will include. Topics will also examine how to obtain, assess, and synthesize data from multiple sources.

HH 342 - Program Planning and Development 3.00

This course will develop an understanding of program development and planning within the Health and Human Service field. Topics will include program planning, assessment, and development. Students will acquire skills in assessing needs, developing strategies to develop new programs, developing goals and plans of action, leadership in program development, understanding of human resource needs, financial management in development, public relations, and risk management. Topics will also examine how to obtain, assess, and synthesize data from multiple sources.

OR BU 630 Project and Operations Management

HH 343 - Program Evaluation 3.00

This course will examine program evaluation within the Health and Human Service field. Topics will include how to develop outcome measures, evaluation tools, and how to evaluate programs, organizations, and communities.

HH 344 - Volunteer, Board, and Community Development 3.00

This course will examine volunteer, board, and community development within the Health and Human Service field. Topics will include how to recruit, train, support, and evaluate volunteers and board members. Students will explore how to develop and evaluate volunteer programs, and community needs, cultivate stakeholders, demonstrate public relations, understand regulatory issues surrounding human resources and identify risk management strategies and interventions.

HH 410 - Legal Considerations, Thought, Policy, Lobbying, and Advocacy 3.00

This course will examine advanced policy within the Health and Human Services field. Students will engage in identifying current legislation, how public and private attitudes influence policy, knowledge of how human systems impact policy, demonstrate understanding of the knowledge, skills, theory and dynamics of special populations that create the need for policy, and identify the impact of policies on Human Services delivery. Topics will also include how to locate, evaluate, and disseminate information, and processes to effect social change through advocacy work at all levels of society including community development, community and grassroots organizing, and local and global activism.

OR MSW 540 Social Policy and Services

HH 430 - Interdisciplinary Care 3.00

This course will provide the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary care between health care systems and human services. Students will be invited to examine the collaboration between the two systems through the ability to assess and analyze the needs of communities through interdisciplinary care. Students will learn how to engage with conflict, how to actively collaborate, and provide or acquire a consultation. Topics will also examine the impact of sociopolitical issues, risk management, and how to apply ethics, values, and laws that govern the two systems, and commonly shared agencies, roles, and populations.

HH 480 - Self-Development, Awareness, and Advocacy 3.00

This course will provide the opportunity to explore self-development, awareness, and advocacy within the Health and Human Services profession. Students will be invited to demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, genuine self-regard, professional use of self, advocate and apply skills in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, analyze the needs of client systems, and effectively engage with clients. Topics will also examine how to develop behaviors that are congruent with the code of ethics, identify conscious use of self, clarify value, develop strategies for self-care, reflect on professional use of self, client determination, and how to recognize dignity and self-worth of all people.

Open Elective Courses

A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours is required. Eligible students can take up to 12.00 credit hours of graduate level coursework to complete a portion of the open electives requirement.

Dual Credit Graduate Level Course Options for Open Electives Requirement

Dual credit options are available for open electives requirement for students who qualify. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general.

EN 104 - English Composition I 3.00

This course introduces the principles and practices of effective written communication. Topics include writing for various audiences and purposes, using the writing process to develop and maintain unity and coherence, and incorporating research into written work. Critical thinking in the writing and reading processes will also be covered and may include addressing assumptions underlying an argument, using sound logic in support of claims, including evidence relevant to the purpose and position of the document, refuting counterarguments, analyzing information, and synthesizing information from multiple sources.

EN 111 - Information Literacy 3.00

This course introduces students to the process of conducting research, integrating research into written work, and understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon. The research process involves assessing the rhetorical situation, engaging in preliminary research, developing research questions, taking stock of current knowledge, identifying gaps in current knowledge, using appropriate search tools and strategies, critically reading and evaluating information, and refining search strategies as necessary. Integrating sources into written work involves understanding why, when, and how to use and document sources. Microsoft Word will be used to format documents according to APA standards. Understanding information literacy as a sociocultural phenomenon involves identifying barriers to entering scholarly conversations and examining the way various cultures view information as a commodity, means of education, means to influence, and a means of negotiating and understanding the world.

EN 116 - Speech 3.00

The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to develop speaking and presentation skills in a variety of situations. Topics include the elements and structure of various speech types, techniques for strong delivery, the importance of audience awareness, incorporation of research-based evidence as support for a thesis, and effective use of presentation aids. Students will practice listening skills by reviewing speeches.

EN 304 - English Composition II 3.00

This course requires students to analyze discourse communities, execute a well-designed academic research project, apply reading strategies to academic texts, and use texts as models for writing. Analyzing discourse communities involves identifying how communication conventions change in different contexts. Designing and executing an academic research project involves formulating research questions, conducting primary and/or secondary research, synthesizing ideas from multiple sources, discussing findings, and presenting the results in APA format. Applying reading strategies to academic texts involves using a process for reading, identifying text features, evaluating sources, and organizing reading notes. Using texts as models for writing involves analyzing and imitating the scope, structure, methods, use of evidence, and tone common to academic writing.

HU 140 - Cultural Diversity 3.00

This course will explore the construction, evolution, and application of categories and stereotypes related to the concept of the "other." Students will study discrimination, or "othering," and how it operates in our contemporary culture among members of marginalized groups, including the categories of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and inclusivity. In addition, students will explore cultural diversity in a global context. In order to understand what it means to be human, students will analyze relevant historical and contemporary cultural texts through the lens of the Humanities to examine the importance of embracing cultural difference. Cultural texts may include: works of literature, drama, and poetry; music; theatre; film; advertisement; visual art; architecture; and more.

HU 240 - Introduction to Humanities 3.00

This course allows students to explore the ways in which history, visual art, religion, literature, ideas, and music have shaped and continue to shape human experience. Students will engage with a variety of humanities texts and engage in reflective writing which analyzes their own experience within a sociocultural context. Students may also study the development of ideas related to philosophy and critical thinking about the individual and society.

HU 340 - Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture 3.00

This course builds on Introduction to Humanities and continues exploring how visual art, philosophy, music, religion, literature, and modern popular culture influence the formation of the individual and the cultural beliefs and social values evident in the world around us. Students will use analysis skills to examine artifacts of popular culture from multiple perspectives, including examples from among these possible areas of analysis: social media and cyber-culture, popular music, contemporary literature, film, television, magazines, videos, advertising, and graphic novels.

MA 109 - College Algebra 3.00

This course covers topics of algebra including linear functions, equations, inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, quadratic equations, and rational and radical equations.

MA 320 - Statistics 3.00

This course presents the study of basic statistical theory and concepts. Topics include statistical probabilities, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation.

PS 101 - Psychology 3.00

This course will introduce a psychological analysis of human behavior. Students will learn to apply a variety of theoretical perspectives in interpreting human behavior. Topics may include: psychological research methods; stages of human development; learning theories; personality; and abnormal psychology.

SS 350 - Social Issues and Technology 3.00

This course will examine the influence of technological development on American society. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing political, ethical, religious, social, and intellectual implications of technology. Topics may include technologies related to: energy; environmental degradation; human population growth, warfare and law enforcement; personal privacy; artificial intelligence; medicine and bio-genetic engineering.

SC 270 - Environmental Literacy 3.00

Environmental literacy is the study of how individuals and society act successfully in daily life to relate to each other and to natural systems, and how they might do so sustainably. This course will examine how scientific principles are applied to environmental issues.

Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 36.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

A minimum of 2.00 semester credit hours is required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services program is $430 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

Find scholarships and grants

Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Health and Human Services bachelor's degree program include:

Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Degree Pathways

Degree pathways: build a foundation for graduate study

Choose Herzing University and several degree pathways at the master’s degree level are potentially available for you in the future.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Earn dual credit in the BSHHS program

Advance your education in behavioral health and pursue a master’s degree in social work, an important step towards becoming a clinical social worker.

Explore

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Earn dual credit in the BSHHS program

Step towards becoming a leader in business. Our MBA program includes coursework preparing you for success across many different industries.

Explore

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Become a behind-the-scenes leader in the delivery of healthcare. You can utilize skills acquired in a health and human services bachelor’s degree program to qualify for an MHA program in the future.

Explore

Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE)

You may potentially find your calling in the field of nursing. With a bachelor’s degree in health and human services, you may be eligible to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Explore

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs 2024

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in 2024.

Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Info

Careers

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services?

A bachelor’s degree in health and human services can help prepare you for many different types of jobs. The broad, interdisciplinary education you receive opens the door to several potential career paths in behavioral health, social services, allied health, business, criminal justice, and more.

Depending on the degree level you earn, you can potentially qualify for everything from entry-level administrative to high-level positions in administration or policy.

Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:

Adoption Services Manager
Child Welfare Services Director
Children’s Service Supervisor
Clinical Services Director
Transitional Care Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator
Volunteer or Program Coordinator
Grant Writer or Director of Development
Executive Director of a Nonprofit

Salary potential & job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers earn an average salary of $83,400 per year ($40.10 per hour).*

Employment of Social and Community Service Managers is expected to rise 9% from 2022-2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.

The demand for jobs in the social and human services sector is on the rise. Now is an excellent time to begin earning the education you need to compete in this growing field.

Become a certified human services practitioner

By earning an Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services from Herzing University, you can fulfill the educational requirement to become a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP).¹

Additional HS-BCP eligibility requirements currently include 350 hours of postgraduate work experience in human services, with an exemption for those employed as a human services educator.

Our career-focused curriculum helps you prepare to earn this important industry credential employers recognize as key for success in potential human services jobs.

Female Social Worker Speaking with Elderly Client

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 bachelor’s 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 Community Service Managers, containing some of the most common types of professions in human services you can qualify for with a bachelor’s degree.

According to the BLS, Social and Community Services Managers earn an average annual salary of $83,400 per year ($40.10 per hour).* Pay can vary based on your education, experience level, and state of employment.

Psychology focuses on understanding individual human behavior and functioning, emphasizing an interpersonal skillset transferable to many different professions.

Human services focuses on the leadership and management of social service agencies designed to address social problems, emphasizing how to provide services.

In general, the difference is psychology more commonly regards individuals while human services more commonly regards communities. Our psychology and health and human services curriculums reflect this basic difference.

However, both fields are close neighbors in the field of behavioral health. Pursuing one major now does not necessarily mean you cannot advance in the other in the future!

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.

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.

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.

Locations

Program Finder

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services Degree Programs

Showing 1 programs for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

To learn more about this program, click the Request Info button to the right.

Request Info

Human Services Worker with Associate Degree Smiling in Community Meeting

Associate of Science in Health and Human Services

Community Health Worker Speaking with Clients

Diploma in Health and Human Services

Community Worker with Psychology Degree Smiling with Male Client

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Disclosures

1. Certification in this program is not a state requirement.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit	$430.00
Base Tuition	$51,600.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (90 x $430.00 )	(-$38,700.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*	$12,900.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee	$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee	$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee	$545.00
Estimated Total Fee*	$1,090.00

Estimated Cost ²
Base Cost	Your Cost
$55,960.00	$13,990.00

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science

Program highlights

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services

Career-focused curriculum

Flexible schedule

Virtual services

Lifelong support

Rolling admissions

Classes Start January 6th

Program classes & curriculum details

Required Courses in Behavioral Health

Required Courses in Business and Human Resources

Required Courses in Health and Human Services

Open Elective Courses

Dual Credit Graduate Level Course Options for Open Electives Requirement

Required Courses in General Education

Personal and Professional Development Courses

Tuition & Cost

Admissions requirements

Degree pathways: build a foundation for graduate study

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE)

Our accredited & recognized online school

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services?

Salary potential & job outlook

Become a certified human services practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Finder

Related Programs

Associate of Science in Health and Human Services

Diploma in Health and Human Services

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Disclosures

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Prospective students

Total Semesters ¹
Required	Needed
8	2

Health and Human ServicesBachelor of Science

Health and Human ServicesBachelor of Science

Program highlights

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services

Career-focused curriculum

Flexible schedule

Virtual services

Lifelong support

Rolling admissions

Classes Start January 6th

Program classes & curriculum details

Required Courses in Behavioral Health

Required Courses in Business and Human Resources

Required Courses in Health and Human Services

Open Elective Courses

Dual Credit Graduate Level Course Options for Open Electives Requirement

Required Courses in General Education

Personal and Professional Development Courses

Tuition & Cost

Admissions requirements

Degree pathways: build a foundation for graduate study

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE)

Our accredited & recognized online school

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in health and human services?

Become a certified human services practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest degree you can earn in human services?

Is psychology in the field of human services?

How much can you make with a bachelor’s degree in human services?

Human services vs. psychology: what’s the difference?

Is a degree in human services worth it?

Human services vs. social work: what’s the difference?

How long does it take to earn a degree in human services?

Program Finder

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services

Ready to get started?

Associate of Science in Health and Human Services

Diploma in Health and Human Services

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Disclosures

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Closed School Equalization ScholarshipAmount: Varies

Crisis Support GrantAmount: Varies; maximum $500 per semester; $1000 lifetime

Herzing University Board of Trustees ScholarshipAmount: The amount awarded to the selected student(s) is determined annually when the recipient(s) is selected.

Herzing University Completion GrantAmount: Total tuition and fee amount that is unpaid after all other resources

Herzing University I'm possible GrantAmount: Total tuition and fee amount that is unpaid after all other resources

Herzing University Strive ScholarshipAmount: $2,000

HU Lifelong Learning Alumni ScholarshipAmount: 5% of tuition

International Grant and International Student Service Fee ScholarshipAmount: Varies

Matching - Segal AmeriCorps Matching ScholarshipAmount: $1,000/full-time semester or $500/half-time and 3/4-time semester

Matching Scholarship - Yellow RibbonAmount: Varies

Military and First Responder's Appreciation GrantAmount: 10% total direct costs (tuition and all fees)

Military Appreciation GrantAmount: Tuition reduction to $250/credit plus the amount of the Learner Resource Fee and Enrollment Fee

Partnership GrantAmount: 10%-35% tuition reduction

WAICU - UPS Foundation ScholarshipAmount: The scholarship will be awarded to one recipient in the amount of $3,000

WAICU - Wisconsin Women in GovernmentAmount: Varies; maximum $3,000

WAICU Rath ScholarshipAmount: Up to four recipients will be selected. Each recipient will receive a scholarship of $6,500.

To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Prospective students

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science

Health and Human Services
Bachelor of Science