Students earning a master's degree in human services online want to help individuals overcome challenging circumstances. These degree candidates should have excellent interpersonal skills while also knowing how to solve problems in difficult situations. Human services professionals exercise these skills to assess clients' needs, connect them to necessary resources, and track their outcomes over time.
Pursuing an online human services master's degree provides the flexibility to balance professional, personal, and academic demands. Students enrolled in online programs can continue to work throughout their studies, and apply textbook lessons to real-world situations. Nonprofit and government entities frequently employ graduates of the country's top master's in human services online degree programs. These employers include schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and public health facilities. Degree holders enjoy careers as social workers, rehabilitation counselors, probation officers, and community health workers.
The following tables provide information about the average yearly income you can expect after completing a human services master's degree online. The first table highlights the six highest-paying states for social and community service managers. It also references the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reports the number of people in this occupation in each state. The second table offers PayScale information, which specifies annual income in the field by years of experience. It highlights the annual average salaries, ranging from entry-level employees with zero to five years' experience to late-career employees, who hold at least 20 years' experience.
State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
District of Columbia | 920 | $107,010 |
Rhode Island | 450 | $90,280 |
Virginia | 2,410 | $88,200 |
New York | 12,560 | $86,670 |
New Jersey | 3,180 | $85,830 |
United States | 141,830 | $70,530 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: PayScale
Earning a master's degree in human services online creates opportunities for graduates to apply their knowledge and understanding of the field. See below for some examples of career opportunities for human services master's graduates. Each career choice requires candidates to think critically, organize information, and communicate with multiple audiences. They must also possess the emotional intelligence to remain calm under pressure, and help others do the same.
Annual Median Salary: $64,100
Projected Growth Rate: 18%
This expert organizes and oversees social services programs and community groups to provide assistance to the public. They work closely with community stakeholders to assess needs and develop programming to address them. Furthermore, they often write proposals to secure funding for various activities. A graduate degree strengthens your analytical and communication skills for this career.
Annual Median Salary: $51,410
Projected Growth Rate: 6%
These professionals help those who have violated the law and are either in custody or on parole. Responsibilities include interviewing parolees and probationers to determine how to best serve them, devising rehabilitation plans, and documenting case files. Completing your online human services master's degree builds the decision-making abilities and emotional maturity this job needs.
Annual Median Salary: $47,980
Projected Growth Rate: 16%
These professionals identify the needs of individuals and communities to help them overcome difficult circumstances. They may work with people coping with divorce, illness, and unemployment, or safeguard children from physical and mental health abuse. A graduate degree builds your emotional and organizational skills, which this role requires.
Annual Median Salary: $43,300
Projected Growth Rate: 23%
This expert supports people struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, mental illnesses, and behavioral issues. They evaluate individuals' specific troubles, and recommend protocols to address them. They also work closely with families to help with patients' recovery, which requires speaking skills built in graduate studies.
Coursework for master's degrees in human services online varies by program and school, but most require students to enroll in classes covering similar content. The following highlights which topics students can expect in their graduate studies for this degree.
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