An online doctoral degree in human services may prepare individuals for a career in community leadership. In this three to five-year program, students may gain in-depth knowledge of social sciences, human development theories, and cultural diversity. Popular areas of concentration may include social work, family studies, and criminal justice.

Upon graduation, students may pursue employment in their desired area of concentration. Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in child and family services, community wellness, and law enforcement.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 27% (2010-2020)*

Program Concentrations

A doctoral-level human services degree program may consist of research-heavy dissertation courses alongside major-specific classes geared towards the student’s chosen concentration area. Students may take courses such as methods of family research, ethics and social justice, and human motivation. Areas of concentration for a doctoral degree in human services may include the following:

• Clinical Social Work
• Criminal Justice
• Public Health
• Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
• Social Policy Analysis and Planning
• Family Studies and Intervention Strategies
• Human Services Administration

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in mental health, child welfare, non-profit organizations, education, and community wellness. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in social service and community service management are projected to increase by 27% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Director of Social Work
• Assisted Living Administrator
• Director of Community Wellness
• College Professor
• Director of Family Services

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook