Master of Science in Human Services
Overview
Professionals with graduate degrees in human services are needed to address a wide range of societal issues—whether by providing direct services, supervising personnel, or administering programs and policies. Often responsible for working with vulnerable populations, human service professionals must be adept at conducting assessments, developing service plans and policies, leading interdisciplinary teams, and managing care for at-risk clients.
To address this important need, the College of Professional Studies offers the online Master of Science in Human Services. In addition to a solid core curriculum, the program offers several electives, as well as concentrations in leadership, organizational communication, and global studies—enabling you to focus your graduate studies in the area that best matches your interests and career objectives. Reflecting Northeastern’s philosophy of practice-oriented education, this human services master’s degree includes work-based applications and a capstone service-learning project, allowing you to deepen your knowledge within your chosen specialty. Upon completing this human services graduate degree, you will emerge with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a leadership role in the fulfilling field of human services.
Program Objectives
- Examine the development of human service policies and organizations
- Explore organizational behavior and leadership issues in human service organizations
- Acquire methods for facilitating community involvement, constructively engaging diverse groups of stakeholders in strategic partnerships, and building communities
- Review human service social policy issues, including the privatization of welfare, trends in mental health care, the impact of immigration, and the ongoing debate over education and reproductive rights
- Develop a conceptual framework for developing effective employee assistance programs
Curriculum
Required Courses (21 q.h.)
Complete all of the following courses:
| HSV 6100 | Theory and Practice of Human Services (required as the first course) | 3 q.h. |
| HSV 6110 | Human Service Management and Development | 3 q.h |
| HSV 6120 | Social Inequality, Social Change, and Community Building | 3 q.h |
| HSV 6630 | Research and Evaluation in Human Services | 3 q.h |
| HSV 6640 | Policy Issues in Human Services | 3 q.h |
| HSV 6160 | Introduction to Employee Assistance Programs | 3 q.h |
| HSV 6980 | Human Services Capstone Project (recommended as the last course) | 3 q.h |
Elective Courses (6 q.h.)
Select two of the following courses:
| NPM 6120 | Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6130 | Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6140 | Grant and Report Writing | 3 q.h. |
| NPM 6150 | Human Resources Management in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6015 | Introduction to the Digital Era: The Power of Social Media | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6080 | Intercultural Communication | 3 q.h. |
Concentration Courses (15-16 q.h.)
Choose one of the following concentrations:
Global Studies Concentration
| GST 6100 | Globalization and Global Political and Economic Systems | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6101 | Global Literacy, Culture, and Community | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6102 | Global Corporate and Social Responsibility | 4 q.h. |
Choose one of the following courses:
| GST 6300 | Global Issues: Security and Terrorism | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6310 | Global Issues: Immigration and Labor | 4 q.h. |
| GST 6330 | Global Issues: Religion, the State, and Society | 4 q.h. |
Leadership Concentration
| LDR 6100 | Developing Your Leadership Capability (prerequisite) | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6110 | Leading Teams | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6120 | Creating Leadership Capacity: Developing Bench Strength | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6140 | Developing the Strategic Leader (recommended as the last course) | 3 q.h. |
Choose one of the following courses:
| LDR 6135 | The Ethical Leader | 3 q.h. |
| LDR 6125 | Managing Organizational Culture | 3 q.h. |
Organizational Communication Concentration
| CMN 6010 | Foundations of Organizational Communication | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6020 | Ethical Issues in Organizational Communication | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6050 | Crisis Communication | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6090 | Organizational Culture, Climate, and Communication | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 6110 | Group Dynamics and Interpersonal Conflict: Meeting Management | 3 q.h. |
Total Quarter Hours: 42-43
What will your course sequence look like?
Many prospective students want to understand the order in which they should take courses, as well as when certain courses are offered. For a sample course schedule, please review the Master of Science in Human Services Course Sequence Map.
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $22,470.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program is well suited for individuals who wish to advance their career in the human services field. Incoming students often have prior experience in social work, healthcare, or work for local, state, or non-profit organizations.
Graduates hold a variety of jobs, including: mental health worker, prevention specialist, volunteer coordinator, registered substance abuse counselor, addiction specialist, senior case manager, program director, and social worker, among others.
While no prior experience is required, incoming students must hold an undergraduate degree.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, human services is one of the fastest growing fields in the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of human services is expected to add about 114,000 new jobs in the coming decade.
Those with advanced degrees are well equipped to assume leadership roles within organizations that work with a variety of vulnerable populations—the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, persons with mental illness, domestic violence victims, and persons with substance abuse issues. Given the nature of the work performed, it’s no surprise that human service professionals have high job satisfaction rates.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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Upcoming Academic Term Dates
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Spring Term
April 9, 2012 (6- & 12-week classes)
May 21, 2012 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 2, 2012 (8-, 6-, and 4- week classes)
July 30, 2012 (4-week classes)