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Online Human Services Degree

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we believe in the power of service to transform lives — not just the lives of those we serve, but our own as well. IWU's human services associate degree online is designed for individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities through caring, service-oriented careers. Whether you're breaking into the field or looking to advance in your current role, this online human services degree gives you the comprehensive education you need to turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding profession.

Why Pursue My Human Services Degree Online at IWU?

This online associate degree in human services is available fully online, giving you the flexibility to fit your education around your life and commitments. Over 27+ months and 20 carefully curated courses, you'll build a thorough understanding of human needs and the professional frameworks used to address them — from trauma informed care principles and motivational interviewing basics to human development across the lifespan and crisis intervention.

Your tuition rate is locked in from your start date, so you'll never face unexpected increases while you study. IWU's Christian faculty bring the same biblical worldview found on the main campus into every course, helping you integrate your faith into a fulfilling career in human services.

What Will I Learn in This Human Services Associate Degree Program?

When you enroll in IWU's human services associate degree program, you'll develop a well-rounded understanding of the principles and practices that define the human services field. Through human services classes online, you'll build critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making, all grounded in cultural competence and professional standards.

This human services degree online equips you with foundational knowledge in social, community, and educational services — preparing you to address and manage the complex needs of individuals and communities across a variety of settings. Whether you're interested in work as an intake coordinator, community outreach worker, or case manager, this program lays the groundwork you need.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.

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Tuition & Aid

60 Credit Hours

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$325/ Credit Hour

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Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Coursework in this online human services degree covers how to:

  • Promote personal growth in yourself and in the individuals and communities you serve
  • Apply trauma informed care principles and crisis intervention theories to support individuals, families, and groups
  • Practice motivational interviewing basics to encourage positive change in clients
  • Understand human development across the lifespan and how it shapes human needs and behavior
  • Navigate the basics of the current criminal justice system
  • Engage in lifelong learning and professional self-care
  • Integrate Christian faith into your profession and daily practice

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

GEN-111,PSY-150,SOC-150,CRJ-181,SOC-152,HMSR-220,PSY-250,SOC-210,POL-200,ECO-205,ADC-210,CRJ-268

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Administrative Support Associate
  • Case Manager
  • Employee Relations Associate
  • Flight Attendant

Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program FAQs

IWU’s Human Services faculty bring extensive real-world and academic expertise to the classroom. Dr. Mark Berry holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and has deep experience in pastoral counseling, conflict management, and ministry leadership. Dr. Margaret Bryce specializes in coaching, burnout prevention, and leadership development, and is an ICF-accredited coach who works with professionals in high-demand service roles. Dr. Jenny McGill brings global experience in intercultural engagement and international education, having worked with students from more than 60 countries and conducted research at the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. Together, faculty combine academic rigor with practical experience to prepare students for impactful careers in human services.
Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office by phone or email or access support through their student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days, though timelines may vary during peak enrollment periods.
IWU’s Human Services program is designed for working adults and combines theory with real-world application. Courses are delivered in accelerated 5–6 week formats and focus on areas such as crisis intervention, advocacy, interviewing skills, and program planning. Assignments emphasize real-world scenarios, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn in professional settings.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of human services careers, including social and community service management, case management, substance abuse counseling support roles, youth services coordination, behavioral health support, family services coordination, victim advocacy, and gerontology services. The program equips students with skills in communication, ethical decision-making, and program development, making them valuable in nonprofit, healthcare, government, and community-based organizations.
Key courses include Leading Change in Human Services, Program Planning and Evaluation in Human Services, and Interview Skills in Human Services. These courses develop leadership, program development, and interpersonal communication skills essential for success in the field.
Many graduates advance in their current roles or transition into new positions within human services. Others pursue graduate education in fields such as social work, psychology, or public administration.
This program is primarily coursework-based and does not include traditional clinical or student teaching requirements. However, students complete applied projects and case-based assignments that connect learning to real-world human services work.
Yes. IWU’s Human Services programs are fully online with no required in-person residencies. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule, with optional live sessions for additional engagement.
Most courses run 5–6 weeks in an accelerated format.
Students may take one course at a time or multiple courses depending on their schedule. The flexible format allows working adults to balance education with other responsibilities.
Students progress independently but engage with peers through discussions, group work, and networking opportunities within each course.
Courses are primarily asynchronous, with optional synchronous opportunities for engagement.
Students should expect to dedicate several hours per week per course to readings, discussions, and assignments.
Completion time varies by program level and transfer credits. Many students complete undergraduate programs in approximately two to four years.
Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year.
Students receive onboarding instructions, access to the learning platform, and support from advising and student services.
Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career development services.
No formal internships are required, though applied learning opportunities are embedded in coursework.
Yes. Up to 75% of undergraduate requirements and 50% of major coursework may be transferred, subject to evaluation.
Yes. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may allow students to earn credit for relevant professional experience.
Yes. Students complete a capstone project focused on career planning, leadership, and applied human services strategies.
IWU integrates a Christ-centered perspective with practical, career-focused learning in a flexible online format designed for adult learners.
Self-motivated students, working adults, and those passionate about service and leadership excel in this program.
Students benefit from a structured yet flexible online environment, peer interaction, and strong support services.
Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, particularly in discussions of ethics, service, and leadership.
IWU’s online human services programs prepare students to serve diverse and vulnerable populations, including individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing instability, or food insecurity; children and youth in educational and community settings; adults with disabilities and older adults; individuals facing mental health and substance-use challenges in non-clinical roles; justice-involved individuals and reentry populations; and culturally diverse communities.
Yes. The program emphasizes real-world human services environments such as nonprofit organizations, faith-based ministries, community agencies, and public service settings. Students learn how to provide case management support, outreach, and resource coordination in settings like shelters, community centers, and social service agencies.
This program equips students with essential skills for entry-level human services jobs, including client communication, documentation, case management support, program intake, and service coordination. Graduates are prepared for roles such as human services assistant, program aide, residential support staff, intake coordinator, family support worker, and outreach specialist.
Coursework is grounded in recognized human services ethics, including National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) standards, which emphasize client dignity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Students also engage with social justice principles aligned with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and integrate Christian ethical perspectives such as servant leadership, compassion, and integrity. Applied ethics topics include cultural responsiveness, advocacy, and mandated reporting.

Program Requirements

  • Proof of standard high school diploma or GED certification
  • Completion of 60 credit hours
  • Completion of the required core (major) courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and a minimum of 15 hours of the core (major) taken at Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Completion of 24 hours of general education requirements as specified
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required in order to receive a diploma

Accreditation

  • Completion of 60 credit hours
  • Completion of the required core (major) courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and a minimum of 15 hours of the core (major) taken at Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Completion of 24 hours of general education requirements as specified
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required in order to receive a diploma

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to build a career around helping others, IWU's human services associate degree online gives you the skills, the values, and the flexibility to do it on your terms. Explore human services classes online, learn more about program requirements, and take the first step toward a career that makes a difference.

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