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Master of Science (MS) in Human Services

School of Human Services

Counseling Studies specialization

An advanced degree in counseling can be the credential you need to land higher-level human services positions. This non-clinical, online Counseling Studies is designed for professionals in the counseling, psychology, or sociology fields who wish to advance their careers, and for those wishing to enter the human services profession. It offers a broad base of course work designed to provide a strong foundation in counseling theory and techniques, with a particular focus on serving diverse populations. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing managerial or director-level positions in public or private human services settings, or in continuing into a doctoral program.

Licensure Information: For detailed information about obtaining professional licensure, please see our licensure FAQ.

Total Program: 48 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this program
Next Start Date: August 3, 2009
Credit: $423

78% of our learners receive aid.

Photo of Capella University online learner Miriam Napolitano-Magaw, MS Photo of Capella University online learner Miriam Napolitano-Magaw, MS

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5003 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior
  • HS5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
  • HS5315 - Professional and Scientific Ethics
  • HS5318 - Scope of Human Services
  • HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5108 - Foundations of Addictive and Compulsive Behavior
  • HS5214 - Theories of Personality
  • HS5221 - Mental Health Counseling
  • HS5237 - Counseling and Guidance in Diverse Populations
  • HS5990 - Integrative Project for Human Services Learners*

Two Elective Courses

  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions

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Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD/PsyD

Master's degree



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