Is 30 Too Old to Get a Human Services Degree?

What Will I Learn In a Human Services Degree Program?

Human services degree programs teach students how to advocate for and meet the needs of various members of their communities. They often are a blend of courses in public policy, cultural awareness, case management, and more.

Typical courses in a human services degree program include:

• case management
• criminal justice
• crisis intervention
• child and family welfare
• law and ethics

Many human services degree programs allow students to choose a concentration. For example:

• child and family services
• community organization
• gerontology
• leadership and administration
• violence intervention and prevention

Some degree programs may also require human services majors to participate in an internship or fieldwork experience.

What Can I Do With My Human Services Degree?

A human services degree is an excellent, broad degree that can serve as the foundation for many careers within human services. Careers span a variety of responsibilities and client types.

We've listed some common career options for human services majors below. Note that some career options may require an advanced degree or additional certification.

Probation or Parole Officer

Probation and parole officers work with people who have been convicted of a crime and are under supervision instead of being in jail. They monitor clients and help connect them with resources.

Almost all probation and parole officers work for either their state or local government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for probation and parole officers are expected to increase by 3% by 2032.

Social and Community Service Manager

The responsibility of social and community service managers is to coordinate programs that support public well-being. They plan, oversee, and increase awareness of these programs, as well as analyze data to help programs work more effectively.

Social and community service managers may work for non-profit organizations, government organizations, and nursing homes or residential care facilities. The BLS estimates that jobs for social and community service managers will increase by 9% over the next decade.

Social Worker

Social workers are responsible for assisting and supporting people and communities in need of help. They may respond to crises, help clients adjust to life changes, monitor client progress, and maintain client records.

There are many different kinds of social workers, including:

• Child and family social workers: Child and family social workers help families and protect children. They may help connect families to resources or work with parents to be reunited with children who have been removed from their care.
• Medical social workers: Healthcare social workers primarily help clients who have healthcare needs that affect their whole lives. They may help these individuals find resources or adjust to living in an assisted living facility.
• Mental health social workers: Mental health and substance abuse social workers assist those struggling with mental health or addiction. They connect these people with resources to help them manage their illnesses.
• School social workers: School social workers work within a school setting to help advocate for student needs. They may help establish individual education plans or help manage students with behavioral issues.

Some types of social workers, called clinical social workers, must have master's degrees. A bachelor's in human services is a great stepping stone toward a Master of Social Work.

Social workers usually work for family services organizations and government organizations. According to the BLS, jobs for social workers are expected to grow by 7% over the next ten years.

Substance Abuse Counselor

As the name suggests, substance abuse counselors assist people with substance abuse or behavior issues. They may:

• evaluate clients
• develop treatment plans
• provide counseling services

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors may work in outpatient centers, family services, doctors' offices, hospitals, and residential facilities. The BLS estimates that jobs for these counselors will increase by 18% over the next decade.

FAQs About Starting a Human Services Degree at 30

Starting a new degree program at any age can raise questions, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about starting a human services degree at 30.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Human Services Degree at 30?

Students may find several benefits to starting a human services degree at 30. These include:

• a better understanding of yourself and your goals
• increased experience and skills
• a unique perspective
• financial aid opportunities specifically for adult learners

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Human Services Degree?

Often, you will be able to apply transfer credits toward your human services degree. This is especially true for general education courses, so long as you earn those credits through a legitimate, regionally accredited institution.

Can I Complete My Human Services Degree Online?

Several colleges and universities offer accredited human services degrees online. However, keep in mind that online programs may still require some amount of hands-on experience.