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Social and Community Services
Master of Science in Human Services
Today’s human services manager needs more than inspiration to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders in the community. Organizations depend on your ability to build collaborative partnerships, manage resources, and design services that have social, economic, and cultural impact. An online Master of Science in Human Services, Social and Community Services specialization can equip you with advanced skills to empower communities and help expand your career potential in a dynamic field. You’ll learn from a diverse faculty of scholar-practitioners who have real-world experience and are fluent in the latest research. Leverage your passion and skills to become an effective manager and advocate for social change.
This program is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the social work or counseling professions.
Classes start October 7
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- 100% online
- 5 Core courses
- 3 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 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 social and community services courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, three specialization courses, three electives and one capstone
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HMSV5314
Program Development and Evaluation in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine needs assessment, program development, and program evaluation as fundamental tools in a variety of organizations. In particular, learners use research-based models and best practices to inform program development and evaluation in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Learners also gain the skills they need to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and address ethical implications of various approaches to program development and evaluation.
4 quarter credits
HMSV5316
The Effective Use of Analytics in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the skills needed to apply the early aspects of the life cycle of human services analytics. Learners examine the various data sources, data models, and algorithms and use basic tools to complete an analysis. Learners also collaborate within teams to evaluate case studies and explore the ways in which stakeholders' needs are met through data analytics.
4 quarter credits
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
HMSV5402
Social Change and Public Policy in Human Services
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the concepts, principles, and stages of public policy development and analysis in the human services field. Learners gain an understanding of the approaches used by policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the effects of programs and projects on societal problems in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings. Other course topics include the policy process, agenda setting, advocacy, analysis, political process management, policy implementation, and public policy evaluation feedback based on information gained from the field.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This specialization is designed for people who are focused on helping individuals and communities in nonprofit, for-profit, or government settings. It can help you develop the skills you need to manage services, identify trends within communities and organizations, evaluate programs to meet identified needs, and advocate for diverse stakeholders. The curriculum prepares you to pursue leadership roles in a variety of professional and community settings. 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 interdisciplinary knowledge about human needs and the social, economic, and cultural impacts to help solve issues in for-profit, nonprofit, and government settings
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders in the community to coordinate and manage direct service programs to best meet client needs
- Promote empowerment, community engagement, advocacy and collaboration in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations
- Employ human services management skills to conceptualize problems, contribute in collaborative settings and communicate recommendations regarding direct care, resource management, and service delivery
- Apply professional ethics and cultural competence in the human services profession
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others consistent with expectations 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 Social and Community Services 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.
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What can you do with an MS in Human Services Social & Community Services 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 Social and Community Services.
Job titles to explore
- Social services manager
- Social services director
- Program coordinator
- Program manager
- Program director
- Executive director
- Community outreach manager
- Community outreach director
- Adoption services manager
- Director of child welfare services
- Vocational rehabilitation manager
Employment settings to explore
- Individual and family services
- Continuing care retirement facility
- Government—local, state, federal
- Grantmaking/giving service
- Religious organization
- Nonprofit organization
- Private for-profit social service company
- Clinic
- Hospital
- Shelter