Master of Science in Human Services

Turn Your Passion for Helping Others into Lasting Impact

A master's degree in Human Services empowers you to lead with confidence, advocate for those in need, and shape programs that improve lives. Through advanced professional preparation, field experience, and ethical leadership, you'll graduate ready to make a meaningful difference in your community and throughout your career.

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Overview

The Master of Science in Human Services at Albertus Magnus College prepares compassionate professionals to become leaders in behavioral health, social services, community organizations, and nonprofit agencies. Accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE), the program combines evidence-based practice with ethical leadership, counseling skills, and community engagement to prepare graduates for meaningful careers that improve lives.

Designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the curriculum develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess client needs, implement effective interventions, advocate for vulnerable populations, and lead within multidisciplinary human service organizations. Students gain a strong understanding of counseling theories, case management, psychosocial assessment, program evaluation, and organizational leadership while learning to navigate today's complex social and behavioral health systems.

Small class sizes, individualized faculty advising, and a required field experience provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Throughout the program, students strengthen their professional judgment, cultural competence, and commitment to ethical practice while building the confidence to serve individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of public and private human service environments.

Program Opportunity

The demand for skilled human services professionals continues to grow as organizations seek leaders who can address behavioral health needs, coordinate community resources, and advocate for diverse populations. Albertus prepares graduates for advanced practice in mental health agencies, healthcare systems, schools, correctional facilities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community-based programs. Whether your goal is direct client service, program leadership, or organizational management, this degree equips you with practical experience and professional skills that create opportunities for long-term career growth and community impact.

Student Spotlight

Sharon Gentles

“Albertus professors are people you can talk to, you can relate to them. They see your potential and they bring that out.”

Hear Sharon's Story
Sharon Gentles
M.S. in Human Services

Learning Through Service

Students complete a supervised field experience that integrates classroom learning with professional practice. Working alongside experienced practitioners, students develop advanced counseling, assessment, advocacy, and leadership skills while building valuable professional connections within the human services community.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from a USDE- or CHEA-recognized institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and appropriate undergraduate preparation in psychology, human services, social work, or a related field. Admission also includes an essay, résumé, recommendations, interview, and supporting documentation. Students may begin the program in August or January.

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Program FAQs

Quick answers to the questions prospective students ask most.

How many credits is the program?

The Master of Science in Human Services is a 39-credit program.

When can I start?

Students may begin the program in August or January.

What is the class format?

Classes meet in person in the evening and run in 8-week modules.

How long does the program take?

The standard timeline is 18 months.

Is the program accredited?

Yes. The program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a USDE- or CHEA-recognized institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and appropriate undergraduate preparation in psychology, human services, social work, or a related field. Admission also includes an essay, résumé, recommendations, an interview, and supporting documentation. See the Graduate Admissions page for deadlines and the process.

Is field experience required?

Yes. Students complete a supervised field experience in a professional human services setting, working alongside experienced practitioners.

What careers does the degree prepare me for?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as human services manager, case manager, community program director, social service administrator, mental health advocate, family services coordinator, crisis intervention specialist, and nonprofit program manager.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  • Advocate for clients by effectively utilizing community resources and human services networks.
  • Analyze social, cultural, political, and environmental factors that influence individuals, families, and communities.
  • Assess behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors to develop appropriate intervention and treatment goals.
  • Apply evidence-based counseling, assessment, and psychosocial intervention strategies to support diverse client populations.
  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of counseling theories, treatment approaches, and service delivery models.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional practice consistent with legal standards and the principles of the human services profession.

Program Data

The Master of Science in Human Services is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). In keeping with accreditation requirements, the program publishes its enrollment, retention, graduation, and placement data. The figures below come from the program data sheet prepared by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, last updated May 4, 2023.

Enrollment and demographics (headcount at census)
MeasureFall 2023Spring 2024Fall 2024Spring 2025Fall 2025Spring 2026
Total enrollment252212887
Female88%91%100%100%100%100%
Students of color72%77%83%88%100%100%
Retention and outcomes
MeasurePeriodResult
Fall-to-spring retention rate2023–202489%
2024–202583%
2025–202675%
150% graduation rateFall 2021 cohort75%
Fall 2022 cohort83%
Fall 2023 cohort70%
Positive outcomes rate2023 (11 graduates surveyed)100%
2024 (5 graduates surveyed)80%
2025 (4 graduates surveyed)100%

Fall-to-spring retention rate: share of students who first matriculated in MSHS in the Fall term and returned for the following Spring term.

150% graduation rate: share of students who completed the program within 2 years of first matriculating (18 months is the standard timeline).

Positive outcomes rate: based on results of the First Destination survey conducted annually by the Office of Career & Professional Development.

Program Director

Carol R. Huckaby
Carol R. Huckaby, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Director of the Master of Science in Human Services

Purposeful Vision & Direction

At Albertus Magnus College, purpose means using your knowledge to improve the lives of others. The Master of Science in Human Services empowers students to become compassionate professionals who advocate for equity, strengthen communities, and lead organizations committed to serving those in need. Graduates leave prepared not only with advanced professional skills, but with the confidence and ethical foundation to create lasting, positive change.