Human services is a broadly defined field of study. Generally speaking, it draws from an interdisciplinary knowledge base to help prevent and remediate community problems and also improve the overall quality of life for service populations. Human service workers have careers in directly providing services as well as working to improve accessibility, accountability, and coordination among agencies that serve the same clients.
The following accredited universities offer online Ph.D.s and equivalent doctorates in human services. Additionally, schools such as Rutgers University offer online graduate certificates in workplace diversity and other topics related to human services.
- Capella University, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, offers a wide variety of doctoral programs through its School of Public Service Leadership, including the DPA in General Public Administration and Ph.D.s in: Criminal Justice; Emergency Management; General Human Services; Health Care Administration; Management of Nonprofit Agencies; Public Safety Leadership; and Social and Community Services.
- Fielding Graduate University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school offers an online Ph.D. program in Human and Organizational Systems. Students engage with local groups (corporate, government or non-profit) while interacting with classmates from around the world.
- Walden University, which is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, has an online Ph.D. program in human services. Students focus on applying action-oriented research to their own work environments to better assess, modify, and develop cutting-edge services. Students choose their own course of study or select from the following specializations: Clinical Social Work; Counseling; Criminal Justice; Family Studies and Intervention Strategies; Human Services Administration; and Social Policy Analysis and Planning.
