Top 10 Accelerated Human Services Degrees Online for 2026

Earning an accelerated human services degree online allows students to complete their education more quickly while maintaining personal and professional responsibilities. These programs combine flexibility with career-focused training, preparing graduates for roles in counseling, community support, and social services. Keep reading to discover some top accelerated online options in human services.

What Is an Accelerated Human Services Degree?

An accelerated human services degree is an online or hybrid program designed for students who want to graduate faster than traditional timelines. Typically completed in under four years, these programs streamline coursework through condensed schedules, transfer credit options, or year-round study. They prepare graduates for careers in counseling, social services, and community support.

How Fast Can I Complete a Human Services Degree Online?

An online human services degree can often be completed in as little as 18 to 36 months through accelerated formats. Program length depends on transfer credits, prior coursework, and whether students study full-time or part-time. These condensed options allow motivated learners to finish faster than the traditional four-year timeline.

Best Fast-Track Online Human Services Degrees

Explore these accredited online and hybrid accelerated human services programs, designed to help you graduate faster and start serving communities.

1. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers fully online associate's and bachelor's human services degrees. Students can complete this in as few as 18 months � thanks to its flexible Empowered Learning, self-paced assessments, and generous transfer credit policies. Designed for working professionals, the programs develop real-world communication, crisis response, and leadership skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,314
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Western Governors University

WGU's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in health and human services is built on a self-paced, competency-based model that lets students accelerate by demonstrating mastery of course material. As a result, 63% of students complete the program in 24 months.

Focused on real-world healthcare and human services skills, the curriculum emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and practical learning for working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,658
• Program length: 24 months
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU's online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in human services emphasizes practical skills in case management, program evaluation, and advocacy to prepare graduates for community-based careers. The curriculum integrates real-world scenarios and flexible scheduling, supporting both first-time students and transfer learners seeking to make an impact in social service settings. The school also has a generous transfer credit policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,200
• Program length: 10 months with maximum transfer credits
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. University of Arizona Global Campus

UAGC offers a 100% online Master of Arts (MA) in human services requiring 33 credit hours. Coursework is delivered one class at a time over six-week intervals, enabling efficient, focused study.

Adult learners benefit from flexible pacing, continuous start dates, and tailored electives in areas like nonprofit leadership and program evaluation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,926
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a 100% online MA in human services counseling with various specializations, such as executive leadership, crisis response, and marriage and family studies. Coursework consists of 30 credit hours delivered in eight-week sessions with no set login times.

The accelerated track is ideal for busy professionals seeking flexibility and choice in their learning path.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,362
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. Walden University

Walden's 100% online BS in human services offers remarkable flexibility. Most students may transfer up to 135 quarter credits, including credits earned from work experience or professional certifications via prior learning assessments. The program also includes optional concentrations � such as human services leadership or disability studies � that add career-focused value without extending your timeline.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,762
• Program length: 12 to 15 months with maximum transfer credits
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Columbia Southern University

CSU's Bachelor of Science program is fully online. It allows students to leverage an exceptionally generous transfer policy of up to 90 semester hours toward the 120-credit degree, based on prior college, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (often shortened to DST), or military education.

Concentrations in criminal justice, health care, mental health, and substance abuse and addiction provide focused skill-building tailored to human services careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,760
• Program length: Eight to nine months with maximum transfer credits
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Eastern Illinois University

EIU's MS in human services is an applied, flexible graduate program that is available fully online, hybrid, or in person. It emphasizes experiential learning, leadership development, and community-focused research.

Undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA, at least 60 credit hours, and 15 credits in human services can enroll in the Accelerated Graduate Program, allowing up to nine shared credit hours that count toward both bachelor's and master's degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,679
• Program length: Eight to ten months
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Gordon State College

Gordon State's FastForward BS in human services is a fully online, accelerated completion pathway with three entry terms per year. It offers half-semester courses and enables students who already hold an associate degree in human services to finish their bachelor's in as few as nine semesters � with even faster progress possible via transfer credit.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,628
• Program length: 27 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Herzing University

This online bachelor's in health and human services lets you transfer up to 90 credits toward the 120-credit degree. The program equips students with skills in behavioral health theory, nonprofit management, grant writing, and legal advocacy. It also supports future advancement with dual-credit pathways to graduate programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,450
• Program length: 36 months
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate each school using clear, consistent criteria to help readers identify the most reputable and efficient degree options available.

• Accreditation: We only include schools that hold recognized regional accreditation, ensuring degrees meet rigorous academic and professional quality standards.
• Program length: We prioritize programs that can be completed in an accelerated timeframe, helping students graduate sooner and enter the workforce faster.
• Affordability: While tuition varies, we highlight schools that provide strong value through transfer credit policies, flexible formats, and competitive overall costs.

FAQs About Accelerated Human Services Degrees

Find helpful answers to frequently asked questions about accelerated human services degrees to guide your educational decisions.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Human Services?

A degree in human services opens doors to diverse careers supporting individuals and communities. Graduates often work in social services, case management, counseling support, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy roles. With additional training, they may advance into leadership positions, policy development, or specialized areas like mental health or substance abuse services.

What Is the Highest Paying Job in Human Services?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying roles in the human services field are social workers and counselors, with a median annual wage of $57,480. For similar jobs, social and community service managers earn significantly more, with a median annual wage of $78,240, reflecting the higher responsibility and leadership demands of management positions.

Is a Degree in Human Services Worth It?

A degree in human services is worth it for those passionate about helping others and strengthening communities. It provides essential skills for careers in social services, counseling support, and nonprofit leadership. Graduates often find rewarding opportunities where they can directly impact lives while advancing professionally in meaningful, service-oriented roles.

Are Accelerated Human Services Programs Harder Than Traditional Ones?

Accelerated human services programs are not necessarily harder, but they are more intensive. Students complete the same coursework as traditional programs in a shorter time frame, requiring strong time management and dedication. For motivated learners, the faster pace can be rewarding, allowing them to graduate sooner and begin helping communities.

Can I Transfer Credits Into an Accelerated Human Services Program?

Yes, many accelerated human services programs allow students to transfer prior college credits, reducing overall coursework and completion time. Some schools also award credit for professional training, certifications, or military experience. These policies make accelerated degrees more accessible, cost-effective, and flexible for adult learners seeking to build on their prior education.

Explore Accelerated Degree Options

Accelerated human services degrees help you graduate faster and start making a difference. Explore more flexible online programs at Learn.org today.