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Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services
Social and Community Services
Combine your passion for helping others and your vision for stronger communities in an online PhD in Human Services, Social & Community Services from Capella University.
Study advanced theory and current professional practice in human services—and prepare for a leadership role as a social change agent at community, state, and national levels.
Classes start March 8
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online
- 10 Core courses
- 16 max transfer credits
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 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.
If you have a master's degree in human services or a related field, this program is for you – especially if you work in social and community services and want to advance as a leader, educator, or researcher in your field.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| HS8453 |
Prevention and Causes of Child Abuse
The focus of this course is on the research and application of evidence-based practice models that support the prevention and early intervention of child abuse and neglect. Learners examine indicators that may identify at-risk and highrisk family situations and analyze the roles and responsibilities of the human service practitioner in child abuse and neglect assessment, prevention, intervention, and reporting. Learners also evaluate the impact of ethical and cultural conflicts, management perspectives, and the implementation of family preservation programs. |
4 quarter credits |
| HS8745 |
Grief and Bereavement Counseling
This course familiarizes learners with the issues of grief, loss, bereavement, and the mourning process. Throughout the course, learners examine grief related to the sudden or prolonged death of adults and children, losses due to natural disaster catastrophes, combat trauma and loss, and physical health trauma. In addition, learners gain an understanding of the psychological stages of grief, the symptoms of grief, and techniques for coping with a range of loss issues, from both the perspective of a provider and that of a leader, supervisor, or manager. Learners may earn credit for either CST8745 or HS8745, but not both. |
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 |
Learning outcomes
This program provides advanced study of contemporary issues in social and community services, preparing you for leadership as a social change agent at the community, state, or national level.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Understand the current theories and practices of the human services disciplines
- Conduct valid, reliable, and ethical human services research
- Think critically and write effectively in your discipline and/or professional practice
- Effectively advocate for social change
- Embrace the need for diversity/multicultural perspectives in decision-making
- Develop social and professional ethics
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, Social and Community Services.
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.
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.
Choose the Right Degree for Your Human Services Career
The variety of human services careers available makes this field appealing to many different types of people. Here are some ideas that can help you decide what’s best for you.
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.