Why ODU for Human Services?

ODU's online human services bachelor's program will prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of community service agencies. 

You will learn:

  • the roles and functions of the human services professional;
  • characteristics of human growth and development;
  • characteristics of human services agencies;
  • theories and skills of human services; and
  • basic skills related to program evaluation, grant writing, and fundraising.

You will also learn the ethical, legal, and multicultural issues related to being a human services professional.

When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in human services.

Interested in becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor?

Our human services program is approved by the Virginia Board of Counseling and the Virginia Certification Board as a provider of addiction education leading to Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. After graduation from ODU, you will be required to complete the residency requirement and take the exam set by the Virginia Board of Psychology.

Outside Virginia? Contact your state board regarding didactic requirements for specific credentials. The CSAC credential is recognized by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and is eligible for reciprocity.

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A Well-Rounded Human Services Education

You'll learn professional writing skills in many of your human services classes. This will prepare you for the documentation required in the human services field.

When you graduate with your bachelor's degree, you will have a thorough understanding of common documentation such as legally defensible case notes and justification for service billing.

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Program Information

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

​To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us and 120 credit hours total.

This program requires a supervised internship in the last semester. If you have direct work experience in human services, you may be able to submit a portfolio in lieu of the internship.

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

In order to work as a substance abuse counselor, you must be licensed or certified. Some states accept national certification with reciprocity agreements, while others require licensure at the state level. Education and residency requirements vary by state.

We encourage you to contact your state's licensing authority to determine specific requirements. Learn more about state authorization and licensure disclosures

If you have questions about how this degree can help you reach your career goals, please contact us using the form above.

Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Minimum
30 Credit Hours
Total
120 Credit Hours

​To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us and 120 credit hours total.

This program requires a supervised internship in the last semester. If you have direct work experience in human services, you may be able to submit a portfolio in lieu of the internship.

ODU has a signed military pathway agreement for this program. This agreement may grant academic credit to U.S. military service members and veterans for their experience and training.

In order to work as a substance abuse counselor, you must be licensed or certified. Some states accept national certification with reciprocity agreements, while others require licensure at the state level. Education and residency requirements vary by state.

We encourage you to contact your state's licensing authority to determine specific requirements. Learn more about state authorization and licensure disclosures

If you have questions about how this degree can help you reach your career goals, please contact us using the form above.

Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

I wanted to get a degree and experience all life has to offer at the same time. ODUGlobal meant I didn't have to wait until graduation to have these moments.

Zara Kelly '24
BS in Human Services, BS in Leadership (IDS)
Continue the journey

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$408 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$439 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. 

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Human Services

Our graduates work as human service practitioners, case workers, counselors, and advocates for families and individuals struggling with:

  • mental illness and intellectual or physical disabilities
  • substance abuse
  • aging and gerontology
  • domestic violence
  • youth services
  • parole, probations, and correctional issues
  • vocational rehabilitation
Social and Human Service Assistants
Growth
7.9%
Median Salary
$41,410
Social and Community Service Managers
Growth
8.2%
Median Salary
$77,030
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Growth
11.6%
Median Salary
$55,960
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Growth
3.6%
Median Salary
$61,800

Bright Outlook

Employment of counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
— Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, April 2024

Education Enrollment Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Missy Magerkorth
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
educationonline@odu.edu
Courtney Allunario
Courtney Allunario
Enrollment Coordinator
1-800-968-2638
educationonline@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program is available completely online, which means you can apply to ODU as a freshman.

Already have college credits? Before you apply, our enrollment team can provide a free transfer evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to ODU.

No matter where you're starting, we'll help you succeed from application to graduation.

Get Guaranteed Admission to ODU

ODU has partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. 

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.

Apply Now
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