Introduction
Is A Masters In Human Services Worth It? Consider taking a master’s degree in human services if you want to work in the helping professions. You can work in roles that serve others by assisting with a variety of programs and resources that enhance their lives by earning a master’s degree in human services.
This program’s multidisciplinary design takes a multifaceted approach to societal and personal issues. Although a master’s degree in this field typically does not result in certification as a mental health specialist, it may open doors to administrative and program-coordinating employment in a variety of fields, including children’s services and elder care.
Finding a career path that best suits your interests and abilities can be facilitated by being aware of the job opportunities accessible to you with a master’s degree in human services.
In this article, we describe a human services degree and offer a list of occupations you can enter after earning one.
What Is A Human Services Degree?
A human services degree is proof that a person has completed a curriculum that will help them be qualified for positions in the human services, social work, or counseling sectors. For entry-level positions, you can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in human services, or you can pursue a master’s degree. Some counseling or health care professions may need particular master’s degrees, certificates, or licenses to practice in addition to a human services undergraduate degree.
Individuals who work in the human services sector are assisted in meeting their fundamental requirements or improving their well-being by professionals in this industry. By aiding in the creation and promotion of initiatives that support people’s physical and mental health, these roles can also work to raise the quality of life in communities. Human services specialists can work for a variety of enterprises, including hospitals, government offices, and private businesses.
Masters in Human Services
In many sectors, it makes sense to think about getting an advanced degree given the fierce competition for jobs in today’s economy. Even in industries with strong demand, like human services, this is true.
A master’s degree in human services will give you the credentials hiring managers frequently look for when selecting candidates for administrative and other leadership positions, in addition to providing you with the advanced education you need to make a significant difference in your community and beyond.
Making the most of what you have at your disposal is a key component of the human services industry, from frontline community outreach to the formation of public policy. The capacity to lead teams successfully, maintain high morale, and mobilize constrained resources to complete tasks is valued in this sector.
People with the correct attitude and disposition for the job are very important, but it also demands the right knowledge, to get the most out of every person and every dollar spent on a project.
With a master’s degree in human services, you could discover a wide range of employment choices opening up, from executive roles with social services agencies to careers in academia helping to educate the upcoming generation of human services workers.
Is A Masters In Human Services Worth It?
There are numerous master of human services positions available with very competitive pay and a wide range of top-notch benefits. Many graduate degree holders find that many occupations with a masters in human services degree are so alluring for these and other reasons, among others. But before you select one of the numerous masters in human services career possibilities as the greatest fit for your unique educational and professional objectives, try your best to provide the following information:
- Which of the numerous master’s in human services positions do you believe best fits your personality and professional objectives?
- Which of the offered human services master’s positions would satisfy all of your financial objectives or needs?
- Are there any openings for a master’s in human services in your neighborhood?
- If there were jobs for master’s in human services graduates elsewhere in the state or country, would you be willing to relocate?
- Are there any positions that require a master’s in human services that can be done remotely online?
If you can answer the questions above well, then a masters in human services is worth it for you.
Core Curriculum for Masters Degrees in Human Services
Theoretical knowledge, ethical and legal considerations, human services research, and leadership/administrative best practices are all covered in the courses for master’s degrees in human services. More particularly, classes will cover:
- Ethical Policies in Human Services.
- Human Services and the Law.
- Introduction to Human Services Administration.
- Counseling Techniques and Therapeutic Skills.
- Research Methodologies for Human Service Professionals, to name a few.
Licenses and Certifications for Human Services
Employers can comprehend a candidate’s qualifications and devotion to their job through certification, credentialing, and licensing. Having the appropriate qualification or certificate can add value to one’s résumé. Here are a handful of the most common certifications in the human services sector:
- The Council on Social Work Education
Several qualifications are available from the Council on Social Work Education, although they may vary from state to state.
It should be noted that many states now mandate or advise that anyone providing human services in settings related to community health carry some type of legally recognized credential to legally work there. As a result, students interested in community service should check with their state (or territory) to find out what specific education, testing, and experience are required to practice in line with local legislation.
- The Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE)
The HS-BCP—the Human Series—Board Certified Practitioner credential is provided by the Center for Credentialing and Education in collaboration with the National Organization of Human Services. The CCE certificate encourages professionalism and up-to-date ethical standards across the sector.
- The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
For people in the human services field who are interested in specializing in counseling, the National Board of Certified Counselors (the “NBCC”) offers the NCC certification. A counseling (or related) degree, passing a test, a suitable amount of work and supervision experience, and the recommendation of a professional colleague are requirements for applicants.
For human service professionals who want to work with people who are struggling with drug misuse disorders, the NBCC now provides the MAC (Master Addictions Counselor) credential.
Options For Careers In Masters In Human Services
With a master’s degree in human services, you have a wide range of job opportunities depending on your professional interests, objectives, and talents. You can decide if these positions are a good fit for you by understanding the duties of these positions. If you have a master’s degree in human services, these career choices may interest you:
- Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers work in companies to guarantee that workers are hired and trained properly. They might also instruct other managers on the rules and legislation governing employee interactions. Additionally, they could offer to counsel for certain issues like sexual harassment. The compensation and benefits programs of their companies are frequently overseen by human resources managers.
Overall, a master’s degree in human services can open up a variety of job options for students. This degree can serve as a foundation for jobs ranging from entry-level ones directing social service programs or interacting directly with clients to high-level management positions in community organizations.
- Community Health Worker
A community health worker is a member of the public health team who links residents to health resources and information. They frequently act as liaisons between local communities, healthcare facilities, and social services organizations. They may operate in a variety of settings, but they frequently support and speak out for communities that lack access to high-quality healthcare. Community health workers provide informal counseling to individuals, directing them to appropriate organizations for additional support as needed. They also establish and monitor health projects in their areas.
- Case Manager
Depending on the context and level of clinical knowledge necessary, the role of a case manager might encompass a variety of activities. A case manager will often evaluate the interventions that a client may need, then assist the client in accessing those services. Case managers may also represent the needs of their clients before other organizations.
- School Counselor
A school counselor is a member of the education community who provides academic, social, and emotional support to children. These professionals, sometimes known as guidance counselors, visit with pupils to assess their needs and may give personality or aptitude tests. They offer guidance and resources to enhance students’ well-being, such as assisting with the creation of individualized goals or the selection of courses and extracurricular activities. These experts might also encourage wellness among all students by organizing events and guest speakers, as well as by producing instructional materials. A Master of Education degree in counseling is frequently needed for positions as a school counselor.
- Foster Care Program Coordinator
When a child’s guardians are unable to provide for their needs, they may be forced to place them in outside care. A foster care program coordinator examines foster care and guardianship agreements as well as out-of-home placements of state-cared-for children. They may work to train other foster care system professionals, such as advocates, judges, and social workers. They make sure that placement agreements are properly documented and kept in records.
- Community Outreach Specialist
A community outreach expert is in charge of informing the public about initiatives or sources that support both physical and mental health. To identify the health problems impacting a community and create and implement initiatives to solve them, they can work inside human services or public health organizations. Depending on their position, certain community health specialists may keep an eye on how these programs are doing to see if improvements can be made. To gauge the success of the programs, they might also directly solicit feedback from participants or members of the community.
- Life Coach
To create and achieve a variety of client goals, life coaches work closely with clients. Life coaches work with clients to set clear goals and hold them accountable for achieving the milestones along the way. While some life coaches may focus on particular client issues like weight reduction or professional advancement, others might work as generalist coaches.
- Family Therapist
A family therapist offers treatment to individuals, married couples, and families. They can identify and treat patients’ mental health issues, providing them with coping mechanisms or referring them to a doctor for medication. Major life changes in a patient’s family or personal life, like deaths, divorces, or conflicts, can also be addressed with the aid of a family therapist. They work to promote their patients’ mental health or connections with partners or family members. To practice, these specialists also need a license and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
- Director of Development
The director of development for a nonprofit ensures that the organization’s fundraising efforts are focused on its success. They might approach people for donations and make preparations for campaigns or events to raise money. By writing grants, they might collaborate with financial sources. Normally, the director of development must track and validate donations using computer tools.
- Behavioral Health Program Specialist
A behavioral health program specialist may assess a client’s behaviors to identify the best course of therapy. Together with a client’s family, they could create therapy objectives and programs. These experts might also offer educational programming to identify problem areas or to prevent them.
- Director of a Nonprofit Organization
To ensure the effective operation of the organization, the Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, of a non-profit organization must collaborate closely with the board of directors, the local community, and agency personnel. The CEO may oversee and direct numerous non-profit program components, explore areas for programmatic improvement, and endeavor to publicize and advertise the non-activities profits. They might be heavily involved in the agency’s financial planning.
Masters In Social Work Vs Masters In Human Services
Which degree you pursue a Master in Social Works or a Master’s in human services should depend on your interests and job objectives.
Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) or an MS in Human Services is one of the best decisions you can make if you’re considering beginning or advancing a career that is dedicated to social change. However, even if you are already engaged in social change, you might not be fully aware of the distinction between social work and human services.
That is not unusual. Both professions are concerned with enhancing the quality of people’s lives, and those in the human services or social work fields frequently work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. The best master’s degree and professional route for you, however, will depend on your awareness of the differences between them.
| Masters In Human Services | Masters Of Social Work |
| Helping persons in need of assistance receive that support is the main responsibility of human services professionals. Although certain human services positions require counseling clients, this counseling is typically geared toward educating clients on how to locate and be eligible for the right resources. Many in the field are employed by nonprofit assistance programs or by regional, national, or state aid organizations. Many additionally hold administrative positions where they develop and/or manage social services policies and initiatives. Additionally, many people who are interested in a degree but not in seeking licensing find it appealing as a human services professional does not need to be licensed to work in the sector. | While some social workers work in administrative positions, all social workers are concerned with assisting people in overcoming challenging circumstances in their life. Most social workers who work with individuals or small family units teach people how to overcome obstacles by empowering themselves and making use of the social services offered by nonprofits and governmental organizations. The focus on both the individual and the social context in which they operate is a defining characteristic of social work. Additionally, as social workers are licensed professionals, their licensure offers a higher level of professional reputation in the industry. Being a certified clinical social worker, in essence, is a typical outcome of earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. |
Masters In Human Services Vs Masters In Social Work: Differences In Education
| Masters In Human Services | Masters Of Social Work |
| Gaining a Masters degree in human services will teach you how to: Address the position that human services leaders play in fostering social change and fighting for the rights of disadvantaged people, families, and communities. Improve the delivery of human services, interpret and utilize studies in the field. Create interventions and direct services that are relevant to culture and context by combining research findings. Utilize your understanding of formal and informal networks while creating and assessing systems for delivering human services. Apply moral and legal principles to the management and provision of human services systems. Discuss how leadership, planning, and advocacy actions are impacted by individual values and attitudes. | Gaining a Master of Social Work degree will teach you how to: Create a professional mindset and sense of self as a social worker. Apply moral and legal principles to the management of social work. Apply advocacy ideas that encourage cross-cultural awareness and constructive social change in people, communities, and society. Fulfill the demands of a broad clientele, and use critical thinking abilities and evidence-based research. Develop culturally sensitive social work methods by integrating and applying ideas of human growth and development. Apply your knowledge and abilities to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in the areas of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. |
Conclusion
Each student or a working learner who has thought about pursuing a degree in human services will probably ask themselves this important question:
Is a Masters in Human Services worth it?
The simple answer is yes, as obtaining a master’s degree in human services is a wise move that can lead to several related professional employment options.
A profession in human services indicates that you have a strong desire to support others in their daily challenges and disputes. The nature of the industry is diversified and offers many jobs and responsibilities, from agency coordinators to family services specialists to program directors, whether you dream of starting your organization or pushing forward into senior positions.
A master’s degree in human services can open up a variety of job options for individuals. This degree can serve as a foundation for jobs ranging from entry-level ones directing social service programs or interacting directly with clients to high-level management positions in community organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type Of Jobs Do Those In Human Services Do?
- All human service personnel carry out many of the same fundamental responsibilities, even though duties differ by the job. They evaluate a client’s needs, create a treatment plan, and put the plan into action. They encourage their clients emotionally throughout the procedure.
What Distinguishes Social Work From Human Services?
- Human service professionals use transdisciplinary knowledge and experience to address a variety of human needs. Social workers assist clients in acquiring the necessary skills and gaining access to resources to better their situation.
You can also read, “Is A Masters In Healthcare Administration Worth It In 2023?“
