Human Services

Human Services Major Requirements

The requirements for the B.S. in Human Services degree include courses in psychology, nonprofit management, recreation leadership, and sociology, as well as general education classes and electives. By sophomore year, students participate in community engagements, and there are two semesters of internships in the program.

The program's flexible structure ensures that Human Services majors can select courses and electives that enhance their learning in subfields of human services, such as youth, education, health, management, public policy, or other complementary areas of study.

Admissions and Aid

York College has rolling admissions deadlines. Apply any time of year to start in the next fall or spring semester. Just as our courses and personal experiences can be personalized, so can your financial aid package. We have staff members ready to assist you with any questions.

Earn a B.S. in Human Services at York College of Pennsylvania

With York College's Human Services major program, you can specialize in a certain field or broaden your career prospects across government, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.

Request more information today or apply now.

Prepare for Human Services Careers

Graduates of the B.S. in Human Services program can immediately pursue entry-level roles in human service organizations or graduate study in social work, counseling, gerontology, or occupational therapy. Career prospects include local and state government, education, health, probation and criminal justice, youth work and advocacy, retirement communities, fundraising, and nonprofit organizations.

Human Services majors find themselves in a range of positions where they can make a difference in the lives of others, including:

• Care Coordinator
• Case Manager
• Community Advocate
• Community Living Support Specialist
• Fundraising Specialist
• Grant Writer
• Patient Advocate
• Public Relations Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist

Students collaborate with faculty to choose courses aligned with their career interests, from the foundations of mental health to facilitating positive change in the criminal justice system.

Find a fulfilling career in government agencies, mental health services, nonprofits, healthcare facilities, or community outreach groups, where you can help others find and use social programs, guide them through tough situations, or make them feel happy and healthy.

Salary Outcomes in Human Services

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the roles attainable with a bachelor’s degree in human services earn attractive average annual salaries, in addition to the personal reward of the work of assisting others through challenges.

• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors—$53,710/year
• Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists—$61,800/year
• Health education specialists—$62,860/year
• Fundraisers—$64,160/year
• Human resources specialists—$67,650/year
• Social and community service managers—$77,030/year

Prepare for Graduate Study

A human services degree is flexible enough to apply to various career paths in social work, counseling, and public administration, making it an excellent foundation for advanced education, such as a master's degree or doctorate.

Certain positions, such as rehab or mental health counselor, may require state certification where specialized graduate-level training is necessary. Graduate education is also a common requirement for managerial and director-level roles in social work, health, education, nonprofit management, and public policy and administration. Roles at this level may command higher salaries on average.

Experiential Learning in Human Services

HSV 495 and HSV 496: Experiential Learning in Human Services are two semester-long course engagements in which students work in an agency or another setting related to human services. Throughout the degree, opportunities both in and outside of class have allowed students to design programs and courses at local senior centers, mentor seventh and eighth graders, and partner with the YWCA for victim advocacy initiatives.

Human Services Internship

At York College of Pennsylvania, all students are encouraged to complete internships beyond those required by their degree to obtain additional real-world insights. The Career Development Center staff personally assists students in finding local and global opportunities to help them establish themselves and, importantly, gain clarity on their interests after graduation.

Independent Research

The faculty members who teach in the bachelor’s in Human Services degree program provide advice and support based on their years of experience in the field. In addition to community engagements, students collaborate with faculty and local partners through a research-based senior seminar. They can also work on independent study projects with faculty.

Clubs & Professional Organizations

York College of Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant campus life with student clubs and organizations spanning a wide range of passions – from academic honor societies and Greek life to club sports and unique interest groups. 

Human Services majors enjoy the opportunity to join professional associations such as Tau Upsilon Alpha (National Human Services Honor Society) and our chapter of the National Organization for Human Services.

Gain Highly Transferable Skills

In the B.S. in Human Services degree program, grasp specific techniques in communication, organization, and critical thinking that open doors to a lifetime of learning and excellence in human services. Skills students graduate with include:

• Insights into the social aspects of aging and how to support older adults
• A comprehensive understanding of the human services field, including theory, policy, and professional ethics
• Career planning skills and hands-on experience through practicum courses
• Techniques for working with diverse populations in various human services settings
• Practice designing, implementing, and evaluating programs for their effectiveness
• Fundraising, grant-writing, and other typical functions of working in nonprofit organizations

Human Services Minor and Related Programs

Our Human Service minor is a great addition to many primary areas of study. Or, explore one of our many minors to complement your Human Services major. The flexibility to add training in different disciplines can broaden your expertise and career prospects.

• Applied Youth Development Minor
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Criminology and Criminal Justice Minor
• Public Administration Minor

With a bachelor’s in human services, you can pursue careers in social work, community outreach, counseling, and non-profit management. Graduates often work in roles such as case managers, grant writers, victim advocates, and youth counselors. This degree also prepares you for positions in government agencies, healthcare settings, and educational institutions.

Yes, as a Human Services major, you’ll become prepared for roles in the health field and healthcare. The program covers topics like life course development, case management, and psychology, providing a strong foundation for careers in health education, mental health counseling, and public health services.

A bachelor’s in human services can start you on the pathway to becoming a social worker, but further education is needed. While this degree offers foundational knowledge and skills such as understanding social policies and case management, additional graduate courses or a complete master’s degree in social work and clinical experience are required for state certification in certain social work positions.