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Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services
Multidisciplinary Human Services
Position yourself to make an impact with an online PhD in Human Services, Multidisciplinary Human Services from Capella. Learn to guide policies, practices, and legislation through advanced studies and original doctoral research.
Work with experienced faculty and professional peers and gain insight from professionals in other fields – public administration, public safety, and health care – to expand your understanding of human service leadership, professional practice, research, and ethics.
Classes start March 8
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online
- 9 Core courses
- 16 max transfer credits
- 8 Elective courses
- 3 Dissertation research seminars
- Comprehensive examination
- Dissertation
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$700 per credit, 77 coursework credits, 16 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $700/credit 15 quarters |
$48,510.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$76,310.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 25 quarters |
$78,985.00 |
Completes dissertation in 14 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $700/credit 15 quarters |
$48,510.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 14 quarters |
$38,920.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$90,210.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 30 quarters |
$92,885.00 |
Completes dissertation in 19 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $700/credit 15 quarters |
$48,510.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 19 quarters |
$52,820.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$104,110.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 35 quarters |
$106,785.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The PhD in Human Services, Multidisciplinary Human Services focuses on leading change, program development and management, strategic planning, research, and ethics. It includes dissertation research seminars which allow you to get an early start on your dissertation. You may also choose an elective curriculum.
| HMSV8002 |
Multidisciplinary Practice and Case Analysis for Doctoral Learners
Learners in this course critically analyze theory and research in human services, with an emphasis on contemporary research and application issues. In addition, learners use a multidisciplinary approach to examine the connection between individuals, organizations, and society to construct public value in human services. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMSV8304 |
Strategic Planning and Organizational Effectiveness for Human Services
In this course, learners practice increasing organizational effectiveness through strategic planning. Using a leadership perspective, learners examine the ways an organization’s effectiveness is evaluated and use this knowledge to guide strategic planning efforts in such organizational areas as advocacy, fund development, and policy development. In addition, learners apply theoretical approaches to program development and evaluation related to for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services settings. |
4 quarter credits |
| HS8515 |
Ethics and Decision Making in Human Services
Learners in this course analyze ethical practices and procedures relevant to the human services field and the ways they guide decision making. Learners also develop an ethical decision-making framework to assist them in addressing complex human services issues and dilemmas. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This program takes a multidisciplinary approach to leadership and decision-making. Students learn advanced collaboration, advocacy, and leadership techniques, and use technology to create innovative solutions and boost performance.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Advance the organization or human services community through the application of a multidisciplinary approach to leadership and decision- making
- Advance knowledge within the public service field through synthesis of knowledge, theory, and application of research
- Lead through the application of advanced communication, collaboration, advocacy, and leadership techniques
- Leverage technology to enhance practice, create innovative solutions, and optimize performance
- Integrate knowledge of laws and policies, professional and ethical behaviors, and effective cultural, global, and diversity concepts within public service practice in order to achieve programmatic and organizational goals
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some job titles and employment settings to explore as you consider a PhD in Human Services, Multidisciplinary Human Services.
Related job titles to explore*
- Director of human services
- Behavioral specialist/ consultant
- Executive director
- Community programs director
- Director of community service
- Director of women’s program
- Adjunct or part-time human services faculty
- Full-time human services faculty
- Social service administrator
- Lobbyist
- Senior center director
- Director of office of child support service
Employment settings to explore
- City, county, state and federal agency such as the department of health and human services
- Adoption agency
- Family preservation agency
- Family service agency
- Victim service program
- Domestic violence shelter
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Court
- Nonprofit organization
- Community mental health center
- Homeless shelter
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
How to Choose a Career in the Helping Profession
The options for working in the helping profession are seemingly endless, but if you’ve done some exploration, you know that each professional path requires a different type of educational focus.
Why Collaboration is Key to Human Services
Collaboration is the new norm for human services. These three examples from the field demonstrate why.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.