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Classes Start January 13th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo Fall19)
PhD in Human Services—Program Highlights
Professionally Aligned Curriculum
Built by experts in the field, this PhD program is designed around the Council for Standards in Human Services Education and National Organization for Human Services.
Scholar-Practitioner Faculty
Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced faculty who
are actively engaged in the human services profession.
Capella is one of the first universities in the country to offer both a PhD in Human Services and Doctor of Human Services program.
Blended, Flexible Learning
Build social and community services expertise with a combination of
online courses, in-person learning experiences, and engaging
curriculum.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Apply what you learn in a multidisciplinary environment with
interactive tools that develop skills in collaboration and
leadership.
Real-World Learning with Virtual Simulations
Courses in your PhD program include access to RiverBend City, an
interactive tool where you apply what you’re learning in a realistic,
multidisciplinary environment.
Our unique doctoral structure
Our PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services program is
designed to remove roadblocks for you and demystify the dissertation
process. This unique approach centers on supporting you in three ways:
through program structure, a dedicated faculty and support team, and
online resources. To help generate momentum toward graduation, you’ll
begin your dissertation early in the program. Our faculty, support
team, and online resources will help guide you every step of the
way.
Meet Your Human Services Faculty
Our distinguished faculty members hold top credentials in their
fields. They’re here to teach you critical knowledge and skills and to
help enrich your education and career by bringing real-world relevance
to the courseroom. Our faculty include:
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you
need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way
around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however
you learn.
A more 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; 1-3 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,
92 total quarter credits,
16 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services—Sample Courses
In your social and community services specialization, you’ll focus on
applying skills in effective negotiation and mediation, conflict
management, and creating effective collaboration across an
organization. The program includes dissertation research seminars which allow you to
get an early start on your dissertation.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| HS8476 |
Methods of Family Research
Learners in this course explore the measurement of family variables
and the complexities of family research design, data collection, and
analysis. Topics include scales of measurement, validity and
reliability, experimental and nonexperimental designs, and approaches
to integrating clinical research with practice. |
4 quarter credits |
| HS8478 |
The Family in Social Context
Learners in this course examine families from a systems perspective
and explore the dynamics and systems influencing family structures.
Learners also identify the leadership skills needed to work with
diverse family groups and the challenges faced by human services
professionals. |
4 quarter credits |
| HS8764 |
Contemporary Issues in Compulsive and Addictive Behavior Treatment
Learners in this course examine current research and trends for
working with compulsive and addictive behaviors along a continuum of
prevention and treatment practices. Topics include changes in practice
models based on transition to the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria;
integration of substance abuse treatment into primary care settings;
developments in psychopharmacological and alternative intervention
practices; influences of ethics, culture, and public health model
practices on intervention and treatment; and the use of Internet
resources in the field. |
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
You have the power to affect an entire community for good. Earning a
PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services can help you
prepare as a leader, advanced practitioner, or educator.
- Expand on professional ethics as they apply to social and community services.
- Contribute valid, reliable, and ethical research.
- Evaluate current public service theories and practices critically.
- Embrace diversity as a core aspect of the decision-making process.
- Comprehend social phenomena, current trends, and pressing issues.
- Adopt critical-thinking and writing practices in social and community services.
PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services—Career Insights
Why Collaboration is Key to Human Services
Collaboration is the new norm for human services. These 3 examples
from the field demonstrate why.
Find the Right Human Services Career for You
Jobs in human services range from working with clients to managing
organizations to building infrastructures.
Difference Between a Doctor of Human Services and PhD in Human Services
Find out which type of doctoral degree in human services is the best
match for your career goals.
PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services—Professional Paths
Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the job titles and employment settings to explore as you consider a PhD in Human Services, Social and Community Services degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Executive director
- Administrator
- Director
- Program manager
- Supervisor
- Advisor
- Adjunct or part-time human services faculty
- Full-time human services faculty
- Educational coordinator
- Educational counselor
Employment settings to explore
- Government—local, state, federal
- Family service agency
- Area agency on aging
- Advocacy organization
- International aid organization
- International human rights agency
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Refugee relief agency
- Family service agency
- Child welfare organization
- Social service agency
*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.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
that suits your academic and professional goals.