The Master of Arts (MA) in human services degree is focused on policy development to frontline community outreach among its students. It helps students gain the ability to apply theory into practice through the real-world learning experiences provided by its course structure. The blended format of the programme couples face-to-face and online instruction that fits well in the busy schedules of working adults. It enables graduates to work in a variety of job roles, without having to seek a doctoral degree or professional licensure.
  • Students are required to complete a total of 36 credit hours to obtain the human services master’s degree online.
    • Applicants must hold an earned university bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution that is recognized by the Webster University;
    • They should possess a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale);
    • International student applicants are required to submit a proof of their English language proficiency, which includes test scores of IELTS (academic) 6.5 or its equivalent.

  • Besides the core modules, the syllabus of this course also consists of 4 appropriate graduate elective courses (12 hours) that are assessed by the student's advisor and approved by the department. The major subjects of the programme structure include:

    • Foundations in Human Services (3 hours) – This module is designed to transform you into a human services professional by providing you with the foundation for developing personal and conceptual skills. It will introduce you to the historical development of the following concepts:

    • Human services field;

    • Human services legislative;

    • Human resource and policies.

    Additionally, this subject also emphasises on client management frameworks, methodology and data analysis and the development of essential interpersonal skills.

    • Human Growth and Development (3 hours) – This section focuses on the physical development of children, where growth refers to the increase in the size of a child and development refers to the process by which the child develops their psychomotor skills.

    • Social Welfare Policy (3 hours) − This unit teaches students about the national and international social welfare policy that area associated with the human services department. Furthermore, students also get to learn about the impact of the political, economic, and social dynamics on policy and policymaking.

    • Organization and Systems Leadership or Organizational Behaviour (3 hours) – In his module, students will gain knowledge of human behaviour in organizational settings. They will further learn about the interface between human behaviour and the organization as a whole. It will prepare students to become leaders in an organisation to create conditions where people at all levels can work productively.

    • Research and Assessment in Gerontology or Applied Research (3 hours) – This unit is structured to provide students with the knowledge of the processes associated with the bodily changes from middle age through later life. They will also gain hands-on training to apply this knowledge to the human services policies and programs

    • Field Experience I (3 hours) – This module helps students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that are required to work in a human services agency. It provides students with the opportunity to gain the professionalism, critical thinking, ethics, research-based practices, assessment and evaluation that is required by the human service agencies.

    • Field Experience II (3 hours) – This course is a continuation of the field training, which is specifically designed to transform students into self-directed professional human service personnel.

    • Human Services Capstone (3 hours) – Through this module, students will get the opportunity to acquire human services concepts, theories and skills. This is achieved through the preparation of a multi-faceted culminating academic and intellectual project.

  • The academic fees for pursuing this MA in human services degree can cost up to $22,680 (INR 1,60,89,30).
     
    * We also offer scholarships

Why opt for an MA Human Services?

The human services masters degree online prepares students to establish themselves in the human service delivery sector. This programme is tailored to inculcate positive changes in students through leadership training in the social services field. The field experiences provided by this course will enable you to fosters critical thinking and accept local and global perspectives of human society. 

Who should apply for an MA Human Services?

If you are interested in learning how to assist and empower diverse individuals, groups, families and communities living in a vulnerable state, then this course is a right fit for you. This human services curriculum teaches graduate students how to challenge their interpersonal assumptions and develop a culturally-competent approach to caring for every human.  

Scope and future of MA Human Services

This interdisciplinary postgraduate degree provides students with the latest knowledge in related fields like sociology, psychology, counselling, non-profit management and gerontology. This can allow you to obtain lucrative opportunities in variety of sectors as it equips you with the ability to:

  • Identify problems related to the field of human services;

  • Research and evaluate problems;

  • Propose policy recommendations to solve such problems.

Students will get the opportunity to develop a culturally-competent approach to caring that includes the:

  • Ability to effectively manage teams;

  • Keep up good morale;

  • Utilise limited resources to complete a given task.

These values and qualities can assist you in taking up management positions with social services agencies or apply for an advanced degree in human services.

Career prospects after pursuing an MA Human Services

Earning a human services masters online will provide you with an advanced education that can prepare you to make real changes in your community and beyond. The Human Services (MA) credential is highly sought-after by employers worldwide and allows you to take up administrative and other leadership positions. Some of the titles that are associated with a masters in human services jobs include:

  • Higher Education Counsellor – Higher education counsellors are primarily responsible for preparation of necessary college entrance documentation. They ensure that every student meets the essential requirements to enter a college upon graduating from high school. They specialise in:

  • Teaching a course covering the basics of college admissions;

  • Meeting with parents and students to review academic needs for college entrance;

  • Assisting with filing financial aid and application paperwork.

Besides assisting students with their academic and career preparation requirements throughout their high school years, higher educational counsellors also guide students through the entire college admissions process. Which may include:

  • Qualifying college entrance exam requirements;

  • Completing college applications of the specific colleges they are considering;

  • Writing recommendation letters;

  • Contacting college admissions offices;

  • Providing students with detailed information about the colleges.

  • Social and Community Service Manager − Social and Community Service Managers are responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Their primary duty is to oversee the program, which may involve directing social workers, counsellors and probation officers. They are proficient in handling the organisation's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements and benefits. They specialise in settling child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation and resolving complaints, providing direct service and support to individuals or clients. Social and Community Service Managers are required to conduct research on a regular basis to analyse member or community needs to determine program directions and goals. Such professionals are also responsible for speaking to community groups, explaining and interpreting agency purposes, programs, and policies to them. Additionally, they are also expected to represent their organization during events hosted by governmental and media institutions. 

  • Student Affairs Administrator – Students affairs administrators are responsible for a variety of co-curricular school functions, such as student athletics and activities. They plan events and advise students on attending clubs and organizations, as well as ensure that residential facilities are well maintained, with trained residential advisers. Their day-to-day responsibilities include:

  • Advising students on topics such as housing issues, personal problems or academics;

  • Communicating with parents or guardians about any problems;

  • Creating, supporting and assessing non-academic programs for students;

  • Scheduling programs and services, such as athletic events or recreational activities.

Furthermore, they manage multicultural centres on campus where they are required to arrange for several events, with the purpose of celebrating different cultures and diverse backgrounds.