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Master of Science (MS) in Human Services

School of Public Service Leadership

Social and Community Services specialization

Strengthen your ability to advocate for and facilitate positive change in your community with this Social and Community Services master's specialization. The curriculum is designed to increase your understanding of such critical issues as cultural awareness, utilization of community resources, social change, and public policy. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing management or community outreach positions in public or private organizations focused on serving community needs.

This specialization is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling professions. If you are seeking information on professional licensure, please see our licensure FAQ.

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Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 48 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
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Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Credit: $456 §

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§ New prices may apply July 9, 2012. Icon indicating PDF

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Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Add a concentration to gain deeper expertise

    Delve more deeply into a specific knowledge area by earning a concentration that will be included on your transcript and can enhance your career opportunities. If you have elective courses in your degree program, you may be able to use them to fulfill both your degree and concentration requirements at the same time. However, completing a concentration may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

    Concentrations available as part of this specialization include:
    • Fire Service Administration
    • Forensics
    • Health Policy and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Public Administration
    • Public Health
    • Public Policy and Management
    • Nonprofit Management and Leadership
  • Expand your career options with additional specializations

    Increase your knowledge and career options by earning multiple specializations as part of your bachelor's or master's degree program at Capella. If you have elective courses in your program, you may be able to use them toward earning another specialization. However, completing additional specializations may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior
  • HS5007 - Introduction to Research Methodology
  • HS5318 - Scope of Human Services
  • HS5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS5401 - History of Social Welfare
  • HS5402 - Social Change and Public Policy
  • HS5423 - Philosophy of Social Work
  • HS5436 - Utilization of Community Resources
  • HS5993 - Human Services Integrative Project*

Three Elective Courses, 12 quarter credits

  • Choose any graduate course(s).
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Single Parents Don't count yourself out!

November 23, 2010Shawnelle Just as I was about to submit my application for Grad school I found out I was expecting. Obtaining my Master's degree was something I said I wanted to accomplish since I was in high school. When my son turned one I was determined to accomplish this goal again. I heard about Capella through a friend who was also searching for an online program. I researched the school for myself & found that they are accredited here in Virginia, so I applied. It was very convenient, yet still challenging. I worked full time, was a single mom, and still managed to complete my program in 3 years while only taking 1 course at a time. I am proud to say I even graduated with a 4.0 GPA. If I can do it...so can you!

greatclass

November 22, 2010melody My only gripe about this class and other masters class's is there is no seminars. I wish we had one hour a week to meet if we want to and bounce ideas from the eachother, and find out exactly what is expected. sometimes the directions are not easy to understand, and you feel you are doing great and find out you are off target. Much is subjective. I would really suggest getting a study buddy. I did and it made a world of difference, not many want to take the time though. Good luck. anything worth something is hard. melody 50 in MN

Love My Experience

November 23, 2010JoAnn I am finally getting my Master's after a long and thoughtful process. Capella is the perfect fit with my busy family, work, and lifestyle. I am posting this at almost 11PM! I can fit in my coursework at MY convenience. The dialogue with classmates is enriching, and much deeper than it would be in a "real" classroom. The curriculum builds on each other, and it has been a fabulous learning experience for me. I would highly recommend Capella!

It can be done...

November 24, 2010Sonja Though I have not been in school for 24 years, I had a blast the past nine weeks. From registration to the end of my first class, there's been a great outline for me to follow with Capella University. Whatever assistance was needed, I received; from submitting personal information, accepting financial aide, navigating the course room, to researching references, receiving guidance from any help source, and submitting assignments, I was obliged with it all. By setting goals and guidelines, having understanding and patience, and learning to master these objectives, this master's degree will be obtained!

Great exerience

September 19, 2011Anthony i graduated in March with a masters in human services. Its was a great experience and i actually miss it. I am going to do a certificate program or maybe a doctorate ( wow did i say that?).

I am really enjoying my experience

November 23, 2010Linda This has been a very rewarding experience, although challenging. I am moving toward a Master's Degree in Human Services and am enjoying it. This has been an interest of mine for so many years and now I am finally working towards reaching my goal. All I can say is I have no regrets. I am currently taking History of Social Welfare, which is a very interesting course. I would recommend this course as well as the instructor, Dr. A. - he has been wonderful. Linda

Capella Online

December 11, 2010Linda This learner has enjoyed the ease of completing courses for my degree in Human Services. It has been challenging at times due to a visual problem that occured early on. Each day, this is getting better. This learner is glad that she did not give up and are still moving forward. It is nice to be able to complete my degree at home. This learner enjoys the discussion area where each student gives their thoughts on the lessons. I would highly recommend Capella University to anyone wanting to advance in their degree.

Just wondering...

April 24, 2011Yvette With a degree such as this one, I was just wondering what are the career posibilities? I do know that it does not lead to licensure (for instance social work). But where exactly can this degree be utilized?

Social and Community Service

December 25, 2011LelaG I recently completed a BA in Human Services and would like to further my education. I am interest in Social and Community Service. Is this a certificate or degree program?

Jobs

June 26, 2011Leanne What kind of jobs did you all get with this degree? I have a bachelors in human services and am a social worker..i was looking into this degree to try and be a social worker director eventually. Do u think that this degree would work?
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs

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