

Saint Leo’s high-demand online human services degree program is an interdisciplinary applied program that promotes service to others. It fosters an understanding of the causes and consequences of individual and social problems and prepares students for rewarding careers in which they can make a positive impact on various communities in need.
The theoretical foundation of the curriculum is systems theory, which provides a framework for understanding human behavior and social service delivery systems. The BA in Human Services program emphasizes the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as an understanding of the principles of interpersonal behavior in the social environment, including the impact of cultural diversity.
Additionally, the curriculum includes an advanced field placement and a comprehensive exam on the students practical knowledge and educational background – both designed to ensure students are fully prepared to embark on successful opportunities within the broad scope of human services.
Instructors in this program come from a wide range of backgrounds and have many years’ worth of practical experience within the varied field of human services, allowing them to communicate this valuable practice to students. Small class sizes offer personal attention from instructors, enabling students to flourish in an online environment.
The online human services degree program emphasizes the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as an understanding of the principles of interpersonal behavior in the social environment, including the impact of cultural diversity.
This interdisciplinary applied program promotes service to others. This human services degree explores the causes and consequences of individual and social problems, preparing you for a career making positive impacts on various communities in need.
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Human Services students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
With hands-on work, learn the importance of human services in the real world and your ethical responsibilities as a practitioner. Our students have interned at a variety of non-profit, for profit, and government agencies such as Genesis Counseling Center, the YWCA, Transitions Family Violence, Children, Family, and Youth Services, Hampton Department of Human Services (Foster Care), Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities, York County of Social Services (Senior Care Program), Natasha House, Menchville House, Samaritan House, to name a few.
Work with faculty on research and present at the Southern Organization for Human Services conference and other conferences.
Meet recruiters, alumni, and professionals working in the field.
Participate in regional or international active learning experiences that may include presentations from community partners, tour of agency, and community service project for clients, such as visiting the Goodwill, Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, Bermuda College, Social Service Agencies in Bermuda, Cuba, etc.,
Learn essential human services skills such as interviewing, assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral, care coordination, goal setting, group facilitation, writing/documentation, and presenting.
Most graduates find entry-level human services positions in profit, not-for-profit and government organizations.
Career | Growth | Salary |
---|---|---|
Caseworker | 12% (Faster than average) | $51,760 per year $24.88 per hour |
Substance Abuse Counselor | 23% (Much faster than average) | $47,660 per year $22.91 per hour |
Community Outreach Manger | 15% (Faster than average) | $69,600 per year $33.46 per hour |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Examples of positions held by recent graduates include:
Saint Leo University’s College of Education and Social Services couples a transformative liberal arts tradition with highly specialized training in the education and social services fields. Through close faculty mentorships, practical field internships, and applied learning experiences, we prepare students for careers in education, social work, criminal justice, and human services. Our faculty remain active in their respective fields as researchers and practitioners, giving students close access to a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience.
With the ever-changing needs of today's students, we provide flexible degree programs. These include programs at University Campus and education centers with evening and weekend options, as well as online offerings. These degree programs are grooming the next generation of educators and social service specialists—a new breed of professionals with the talent and resolve to make a difference in the world.