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Human Services Online Program

Program Options

Degree completion

  • For students with some college credits
  • Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU
OR

Full program

  • A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
  • 120 credit hours

Bachelor of Science

A part ofDarden College of Education & Professional Studies
Department of Counseling & Human Services
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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 with a major 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.

Want to learn more? Contact us!











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A Well-Rounded Human Services Education

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

You'll graduate with your bachelor's degree and a thorough understanding of documentation such as legally defensible case notes and justification for service billing.

Ranked #9

Best Online Human Services Degree Programs, 2022 - Intelligent.com

Ranked #1

Best Online Mental & Social Health Services School in Virginia
and #4 nationwide, 2021 - CollegeFactual.com

Get Guaranteed Admission at Old Dominion University

We've partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. The Guaranteed Admission Agreement is intended to ease the transfer process between these select colleges and Old Dominion University.

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission at ODU

Required Courses

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

This program requires a supervised internship in the last semester. Already have direct work experience in human services? You may be able to submit a portfolio in lieu of doing the internship.

Talk with our enrollment team to determine how your credits will transfer.

Human Services Sample Curriculum

Online Learning Environment

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.

Taking Classes Online

Bright Outlook

Employment of counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
— Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, March 2023

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
Explore Career Data for Your Region at Our Career Coach Website

Calculating Cost

  • In-state Virginia Residents$374 per credit hour*
  • Out-of-State Students$407 per credit hour

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

These tuition rates are effective Summer 2022 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

ODU Tuition and Financial Aid

State Licensure

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. Use our licensure disclosure directory link to find contact information for your state.

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

View state licensure information Learn about state licensures and authorizations

Sound Interesting?Let’s Get Started

How 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.

Apply Now Request Info

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.

Meet Your Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Julie Elopre
Name
Julie Elopre
Job Title
Enrollment Coordinator
Phone Number
1-800-968-2638
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