Unlocking Opportunities with a Degree in Health and Human Services

Published on: May 24, 2025
taneia surles

WRITTEN BY

Taneia Surles
Kerra Henkin headshot

REVIEWED BY

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML

In the United States today, there is no shortage of human crises — from growing health disparities across demographics to a critical shortage of affordable housing or mental healthcare facilities. However, these problems are not insurmountable, prompting an increasing demand for trained human service professionals to find solutions. 

A degree in health and human services (HHS) teaches you how to begin to tackle these kinds of issues, preparing you for fulfilling careers in social work, community health, substance abuse, and more.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about a health and human services degree, including curriculum, specializations, admission requirements, potential career paths, and much more. This way, you can decide whether a rewarding career in health and human services is the right choice for you.

HHS Career Pathways and Opportunities

Once you cross the stage with a health and human services degree, you’ll enter a job market filled with many opportunities across different industries.

Here are some of the most common career pathways for this social science degree:

Social worker

Social workers help individuals, families, and communities improve their quality of life through services like counseling, reporting, and advocacy. 

Some of the responsibilities of a social worker include:

  • Maintaining case files and records

  • Providing psychotherapy services

  • Monitoring clients for improvement

These professionals make a median salary of $58,380 per year. This field is also growing, with job opportunities expected to increase by 7% by 2033.1

Case manager

Similar to social workers, case managers help coordinate care and services for individuals, families, and communities. 

Their job duties may include:

  • Planning client care

  • Advocating for clients

  • Maintaining records

Another crucial aspect of this job is connecting clients with community resources. Depending on their needs, this can include food banks, childcare services, housing assistance, and mental health counseling. The average hourly wage for a case manager is $24.42, with some professionals making up to $39.52 an hour.2

Substance abuse counselor

Also known as addiction counselors or mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors help individuals overcome substance use disorders through treatment, support, and guidance. 

Their responsibilities include:

  • Completing assessments

  • Developing treatment plans

  • Providing counseling

  • Referring patients to other organizations that can help with housing, food, and healthcare

Substance abuse counselors earn a median salary of $53,710, and the field is projected to grow 19% by 2033.3

Community health worker

Community health workers help individuals and communities improve their well-being by promoting healthier lifestyles, connecting people to resources, and providing basic health education.

Some of their responsibilities include:

  • Identifying health-related issues

  • Collecting data

  • Advocating for individuals and communities with limited access to healthcare and social services.

Community health workers earn a median salary of $48,200 per year, and the field is expected to grow 13% by 2033.4

Probation officer

Probation officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who are serving probationary periods following past law violations. 

Their duties include:

  • Meeting with their clients to monitor their progress

  • Evaluating their needs

  • Connecting clients to community and support resources.

Probation officers earn a median annual salary of $61,800.5

Health educator

Also known as health education specialists, health educators deliver education on improving physical and mental well-being. 

In this position, you would be in charge of:

  • Assessing community health needs

  • Developing and implementing health education programs

  • Advocate for better public health policies

The median annual salary for health educators is $62,860.6

HHS Graduate Workplaces

As a future human services professional, many employers will seek the specialized knowledge and skills you’ll have to offer. Career opportunities in this field are commonly found in the following settings:

  • Community health centers

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Government agencies

  • Health care facilities

  • Substance abuse treatment centers

  • Schools and educational institutions

  • Correctional facilities

  • Homeless shelters and transitional housing programs

Health and Human Services Specializations

With a degree in health and human services, students can often explore a variety of specializations or concentrations that align with their unique interests. Specializations can provide deeper insights into specific areas of HHS that align with your academic goals and career aspirations. 

Here’s a look at what each specialization in health and human services can entail:

  • Community health

    Community health prepares students to work on public health initiatives that promote improved health and prevent disease at the community level. This specialization focuses on non-medical, bottom-up approaches to community wellness.

  • Gerontology

    Gerontology is the study of aging and longevity. A specialization in this area will teach you about the psychological, sociological, and behavioral aspects of aging so you can better serve older adults seeking services and programs. By focusing your studies in this area, you can expect to learn all about the aging process, the importance of continued care, and policies that support the well-being of older adults.

  • Substance abuse

    If you have an interest in behavioral health and want to help people recover from addiction, consider a specialization in substance abuse. You’ll learn how to assess clients' needs, create recovery plans, and apply evidence-based interventions in clinical and community settings. In some cases, this specialization can prepare you for a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) certificate.

  • Social work

    A social work specialization equips you with the skills needed to advocate for and support individuals, families, and communities through different life changes. Potential coursework includes case management, social policy, family services, and mental health services. Although it’s not a substitute for a degree in social work, this specialization provides a strong foundation for students who plan to further their education in this field.

Admissions and Academic Requirements

If these career opportunities look like a good fit for you, the next step is to research schools and review their admissions requirements. When it comes to undergraduate admission requirements, they can vary by school, but they typically include the following:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher

  • Standardized test scores (may be optional)

Some schools may also require an interview or additional materials, such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and information about extracurricular activities. 

Undergraduate programs typically don’t require extensive prerequisites; however, a background in the social sciences and volunteer or community service experience may be appealing to an admissions officer. 

Regarding graduate programs, requirements may include:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework

  • A resume or CV detailing education, work, and volunteer experience

  • A personal statement or essay describing your reasons for pursuing the program

  • Letters of recommendation

  • An interview may be required to assess your skills and knowledge

Be sure to take note of application deadlines and submission requirements for your prospective programs.

Curriculum Overview: What to Expect from Your Studies

Students interested in a health and human services degree program can expect a curriculum that combines theory, practice, and interdisciplinary insights to equip them to serve the public effectively. 

To give you an idea of what type of classes you’ll take, here’s a look at the core courses for the University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services program:

  • HHS 200: Introduction to Public Health

  • HHS 210: Intro to Social Work

  • HHS 230: Research Methods in Human Services

  • HHS 310: System of Care

  • HHS 406: Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

  • HHS 410: Quantitative Research and Statistics

  • HHS 442: Medical Ethics

  • SOC 200: Understanding Society

There’s also an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree in health and human services. Here’s what the core curriculum looks like with Youngstown State University’s Master of Health and Human Services degree:

  • CJFS 6942: Research and Statistics in Health & Human Services

  • HHS 6930: Health Informatics

  • MGT 6930: Managing and Leading in Organizations

  • MGT 6941: Managing Organizational Talent

  • MGT 6947: Managing Information & Technology

  • HHS 6971: Optimizing Performance & Commitment

  • HHS 6955: The Impact of Health Informatics on the Quality of Health Care Service

  • HHS 6949: Community Health Practice

  • HHS 6953: Health Behavior

  • HHS 6958: Health Services Issues

  • HHS 6962: Health Care Reform

Interdisciplinary learning is a central component of a health and human services degree. Most programs integrate concepts from psychology, sociology, and public health sciences, helping students connect ideas across different disciplines. This ultimately enables them to address real-world challenges in their future careers.

Students in the undergraduate health and human services program can also expect to take general education courses, such as English, public speaking, biology, and mathematics, to sharpen their critical thinking and analytical skills. 

In addition to courses, you will likely need to complete an internship or field experience during your undergraduate or graduate degree. These opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned in your classes to address real-world problems in social services. You might spend a semester or two working in government, nonprofit, or healthcare settings to gain skills and experience you can add to your resume that’s sure to impress future employers.

Schools have varying graduation requirements, so thoroughly review a prospective school’s curriculum and contact their program director for more information.

HHS Certifications

For many careers in health and human services, earning a specialized certification is a smart way to showcase your expertise. It not only deepens your knowledge but can also improve your job prospects and boost your earning potential.

Below are some certifications that can benefit students pursuing a health and human services degree:

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): This certificate prepares you for a career in addiction counseling, focusing on core areas like client screening, assessment, treatment planning, and recovery support. It's a great fit for anyone who wants to work directly with individuals facing substance use challenges.

  • Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES): This certification is ideal if you’re focused on health education and promotion. The CHES certificate recognizes professionals skilled in designing, delivering, and evaluating effective health education programs across communities and organizations.

  • Certified Case Manager (CCM): The CCM credential is intended for those pursuing a career in case management. It prepares you to coordinate care for individuals with complex medical, social, or behavioral needs. The CCM is widely recognized across the health and human services field.7

  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS): This certification is for individuals in recovery or living with a mental health condition who want to help others on similar journeys. It qualifies you to provide peer-led support services in behavioral health and recovery settings.

Comparing HHS Degrees with Other Social Sciences Disciplines

While a health and human services degree shares the common goal of improving public well-being with fields like social work, psychology, and public health, each takes a distinct approach to education, training, and practice.

Here is a quick look at other social science fields and how they differ from HHS degrees:

  • Social work

    A social work program prepares students for licensed positions in social services with a strong emphasis on clinical and case management skills. 

    Social workers typically work one-on-one with clients or families and often pursue higher education with a Master of Social Work (MSW) to become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW). 

    On the flip side, a human services program casts a much wider net. With this degree, you’ll be well-prepared for a variety of roles in community programs, healthcare, education, and beyond. While social work may focus more heavily on therapeutic approaches and policy advocacy, human service programs have a wider range of support-focused careers.

  • Psychology

    Psychology degrees tend to hone in on the study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes. Although a psychology program can be ideal for students who aspire to become psychologists or therapists, it does require graduate education for clinical practice. 

    Human services, on the other hand, is far more hands-on than psychology, blending the study of human behavior and practical application. Human services programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to work directly with individuals in need, often without requiring extensive continuing education or clinical experience.

    However, human services students can still expect to learn psychology concepts throughout their curriculum, as it’s crucial to understand the emotional and behavioral needs of the communities they’ll serve in the future.

  • Public health and human services

    Public health and human services degrees share significant overlap with HHS, but they also have distinct focuses. 

    Public health centers on population-level interventions, such as disease prevention and health promotion. In contrast, health and human services focus on providing direct support to individuals and communities in need through advocacy, case management, and community resources. Both degrees aim to improve well-being, but human services focuses more on one-on-one impact, while public health strives for systemic changes.

Next Steps Toward a Future in Health and Human Services

A health and human services degree offers a flexible and meaningful pathway for students interested in helping others. With its diverse career opportunities, this social sciences degree can open doors to roles in social services, healthcare, education, and many other fields. 

If you’re ready to change lives, start your search by exploring health and human service programs and attending webinars, open houses, and other events at prospective schools. This way, you can learn more and find a program near you that fits your needs.

FAQs and Common Concerns

Still have some questions about a degree in health and human services? Take a look at the most commonly asked questions about this degree program:

If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree in health and human services, you can expect to spend four years completing coursework and other requirements before you cross the stage. 

If you go the graduate degree route, those typically take two to three years to complete, depending on course requirements and your desired semester course load. However, keep in mind that you might be able to shorten the length of your prospective degree if accelerated or online options are available.

There are a vast number of career opportunities you can pursue with a health and human services degree. You can pursue roles in community health, case management, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Potential human service careers to consider in this field include becoming a community health worker, social worker, health educator, case manager, or probation officer.

A common misconception surrounding human services degrees is that they offer limited career options. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually one of the most flexible social sciences degrees you can get. There is also the concern that, while the field can be rewarding, it doesn’t offer high-earning salaries. However, many careers in human services can offer competitive wages, especially if you have relevant experience or a graduate degree.8 

Additionally, the national average salary for human services graduates is $50,000 per year, with the top 10% earning over $101,000.9 The demand for compassionate and skilled human services professionals is high. While the work can be emotionally challenging, it can also be very impactful and fulfilling. If you enroll in a health and human services program and need some additional direction on what career to pursue, reach out to your school’s career services to get help from an advisor.

If you have additional questions or concerns about a health and human services degree, please consider reaching out to an admissions officer or visiting an open house or webinar to learn more about the program.

Sources

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm 

2https://www.indeed.com/career/case-manager/salaries 

3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm 

4https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm# 

5https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm 

6https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm 

7https://ccmcertification.org/get-certified# 

8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm 

9https://www.niche.com/colleges/topic/m/social-services/

About the Authors

Written by:

Taneia Surles , MPH

Taneia Surles, MPH, is a writer, editor, and public health professional. She is currently a full-time SEO writer at a mental health startup. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has written for publications like AARP, Business Insider, Breastcancer.org, Everyday Health, Health.com, and Healthline.

taneia surles

Taneia Surles , MPH

Contributor

Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham, MPH

Reviewed by:

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML, is a program manager at one of the largest academic medical centers in the country. In her current role, she aligns and expands programming with needs identified in the federally mandated community health needs assessment, and deploys organizational resources to support community health improvement. Prior to this role, she was a community health educator for an advocacy nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. She has co-authored multiple research papers on criminal justice and substance abuse, and will be presenting on law enforcement assisted diversion at the 2023 American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Ms. Henkin holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master in Law (ML) from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Ithaca College.

Opinions and information published by the author on MastersPublicHealth.com are of her own and do not necessarily represent the views of opinions of her employer.

Kerra Henkin headshot

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Contributor

Education: Community health education

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