LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Leadership and Organizational Management
Master of Science in Human Services
Social change takes dedication, but it also requires specific leadership skills. This vital skill set comes together in the online Master of Science in Human Services, Leadership and Organizational Management from Capella. The curriculum can help you develop your unique passion and leadership style, and equip you with skills to make a social, economic, and cultural impact in nonprofit, for-profit, and government settings. The faculty is a collaboration of leading scholars and practitioners in evidence-based client care and leadership. Expand your career horizons as you establish the ability to manage resources, design new initiatives, elevate communication, and leverage data to empower your organization.
Classes start October 7
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- 100% online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 1 Capstone
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership and organizational management courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses, one elective and one capstone
Show all descriptions
HMSV5334
Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services
4 quarter credits
This course is a survey of theories, research, and concepts that highlight the importance of race, culture, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity in individual and group experience. Learners consider the effects of gender, social class, religion, and disability on experience and evaluate the role of the human services and educational professional in addressing the multicultural needs of clients and colleagues in the workforce. Learners also examine community cultural competency and practice applying a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies to real-life scenarios.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5340
Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations
4 quarter credits
This course familiarizes learners with the unique expressions of leadership in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. Learners differentiate among the capacities of various types of leaders and stakeholders to ensure continuous leadership and organizational development.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5410
Financial Management and Budgeting in Human Service Organizations
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine human service program revenue sources and assess budgeting strategies and expense allocations associated with the management of human services organizations. In particular, learners explore the complexities of financial and budget management in for-profit, nonprofit, and government human services organizations. Learners also examine issues related to voluntarism, hiring, salaries, compensation and benefits, technology upgrades, and operational requirement assessments.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5420
Developing Innovative Human Service Organizations
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore the elements of organizational development, design, and change in human services organizations. Learners evaluate design and change theories; explain creativity and implementation in organizations through innovative practices; and investigate the inclusion of the technological tools needed to lead for future growth in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations. In addition, learners analyze the philosophy of an organization, including its purpose and values, and discuss how creative innovation can strongly impact the organization's stakeholders.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5430
Leading Adaptive Organizational Systems in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze emerging theories of leadership in complex and dynamic human services programs that are capable of adapting to significant policy, social, or environmental changes. Throughout the course, learners assess the impact of leadership style, policy changes, and funding sources on organizational operations through adaptive leadership models. Learners also explore their own personal leadership style and philosophy of leadership through various learning exercises and practice incorporating diverse cultural concepts in a problem-solving scenario. Prerequisite(s): HMSV5420.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Master’s in Human Services, Leadership and Organizational Management specialization focuses on the human behavior theories, research, and knowledge needed to address demographic and social trends, as well as organizational integration practices within the community. The curriculum takes a multidisciplinary approach to decision making and promoting collaboration among various stakeholders within the public service field. Throughout the coursework, students examine the ways in which research informs the delivery of human services, with particular emphasis on advocacy, legal and ethical issues, and working with culturally diverse populations. This specialization is not designed to meet licensure requirements for counseling or social work professions.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply professional organizational practices to enhance organizational structure and leadership in a range of human service delivery models
- Apply interdisciplinary knowledge about leadership styles, principles, and organizational management practices to effectively lead human services programs
- Apply professional ethics and cultural competence in the human services profession
- Apply interactive practices to help lead organizations through a strategic planning process and implementation of organizational initiatives
- Assess individual and group communication styles as tools for engaging diverse stakeholders to coordinate and manage programs and services at a mezzo or macro practice level
- Use qualitative or quantitative data to help shape decisions regarding resource management and community-based practices
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others consistent with expectation for members of the human services profession
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Human Services cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
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; 1–3 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 quarter
$27,120
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$565 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University's Master of Human Services program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.
What are the MS in Human Services admission requirements?
Applicants to the MSHS in Leadership and Organizational Management program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Choose the Right Degree for Your Human Services Career
In the diverse field of human services, finding the right degree depends on your unique goals and interests.
10 qualities to look for in a career mentor
Finding a career mentor can really help as you develop your professional skills and move up the ladder.
What can you do with an MS in Human Services Leadership & Organizational Management degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSHS in Leadership and Organizational Management.
Job titles to explore
- Social services manager
- Social services director
- Program director, children and family services
- Executive director
- Director
- Program manager, children and family services
- Director of child welfare services
- Adoption services manager
- Vocational rehabilitation administrator
Employment settings to explore
- Individual and family services
- Executive, legislative, and other general government support
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
- Nursing and residential care facility
- Community and vocational rehabilitation service
- Nonprofit organization
- Private for-profit social service company
- Clinic
- Hospital
- 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.