Human Services Leadership Bachelor's & Certificate Programs
Program Overview
Offered 100% online, our human services leadership bachelor's degree program for adult & continuing studies students focus on developing advanced skills grounded in theory, research, and best practices in human services. With this new skill set, you will be able to successfully navigate complex organizations that are constantly changing in response to external and internal pressures.
The human services leadership bachelor's degree program is designed to prepare individuals working in nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, health care organizations, and state and local governments where interpersonal work with individuals is the main focus.
You can earn your degree through three flexible pathways, all offered 100% online in a part-time format. Choose the option that meets your personal and professional goals.
Enroll in the human services leadership bachelor's degree program and complete your degree 100% online.
Take advantage of our 4+1 accelerated advantage and earn your bachelor's degree plus master's degree in 5 yearsinstead of the typical 6 years, allowing you to advance in your career faster while saving you money.
Start in one of our two human services certificate programs - human services foundations or human services leadership- and roll your credits into the bachelor's degree. Certificates are offered at a discounted tuition rate per credit so starting the program this way will afford you significant savings.
View the academic catalog [PROVIDE LINK TO CATALOG, CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE] for curriculum and coursework requirements for the human services leadership bachelor's degree.
If you’ve ever thought about earning your master’s degree, take advantage of our accelerated graduate program options. Once admitted into the program, you will take up to 9 credits of graduate-level courses that will count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees. Complete your master’s degree in as little one year in one of the areas below:
You may apply once you reach 90 credits in your bachelor’s program or upon Associate Dean approval. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to apply. [IS THIS APPLICABLE TO HSL BA?]
If you're not ready to commit to a bachelor's program, you can start in one of our two 100% online, 9-credit human services certificates. Both of these certificates emphasize current and emerging administration and leadership roles in the human services field. You will be provided with academic and practice foundations that will support you as you advance in your current employment, focus on a new career pathway, or continue your studies.
Every course you take is eligible to seamlessly roll into the bachelor's program, affording you significant savings as certificates are offered at a discounted tuition rate per credit.
Note: Transfer credits may impact the ability to pursue the certificate options towards degree completion.
Certificate options include:
Human Services Foundations Certificate (9 credits):
The 9-credit human services foundations certificate focuses on the development of the human services profession, models of effective organization and administration, and the basic principles of change and administration in communities and organizations. Loading... for continuing studies students.
Human Services Leadership Certificate (9 credits):
The 9-credit human services leadership certificate focuses on multicultural and multidisciplinary approaches, ethical issues and standards, strategic planning, and how current and emerging issues impact policymaking and leadership. Loading... for continuing studies students.
NOTE: This program is also offered at the graduate level for students who have a bachelor's or master's degree. Please see our Graduate Studies academic offerings for details about the graduate-level human services certificate program.
Submit official transcripts from any high school, college, or trade school attended, if applicable
You are able to transfer up to 90 credits from accredited institutions. For graduation, you must complete at least 30 credits at Widener, and 50% or more of the major courses must be completed at Widener.
Personal statement: Please explain why you are interested in this certificate program with particular emphasis on your area of specialization. (Applicants should limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.)
All official transcripts
Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
Though the human service certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid if taken alone, they are offered at a discounted tuition rate. We can advise you on program and payment plan options that will meet your needs.
We also recommend that you:
Explore tuition remission benefits through your employer.
Check out our employer partnerships for discounted tuition rates for local organizations and corporations. If you don't see your organization listed, reach out to your HR department to advocate for a partnership.
Transition your discounted certificate credits to one of our associate's or bachelor's degree programs to save money on completion of your degree. You may also take these certificates as part of a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program, which are eligible for federal financial aid. Please make an appointment with one of our Continuing Studies Academic Advisors to choose the option that works best for you!
For working adults that don't have much time in their schedule, this stackable certificate is the perfect solution for continuing your education. At Widener, you have the option of easing back into classes without making a full commitment while simultaneously earning discounted credits that can be rolled in to select master's degree programs. In turn, you will be able to advance in your career while saving money along the way.
A Faculty of Expertise
Your classes are comprised of a diverse adjunct faculty with advanced degrees who are experts in the human development and leadership areas. Despite the virtual environment, you'll never feel far from your professors. Our faculty are always there to lend a helping hand and go the extra mile to guide you in your educational journey.
Learn on Your Time and Terms
These fully online certificates and bachelor's degree programs offer you the convenience and flexibility of completing coursework when you want, where you want. You are no longer tied to a chair in a classroom and are free to study at any time, whether in the early hours of the morning or late at night. Widener offers the chance to learn on your time and your terms.
Your Inside Track to Success
Your Inside Track to Success
Our goal is to place students on the inside track to personal and professional success.
Outlook & Outcomes
Potential Careers
Family Support Worker
Social Service Liaison
Case Management Aide
Assistant Case Manager
Child Advocate
Gerontology Aide
Industry Growth
It's projected that social and community service managers is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Apply
Applying online is easy—and it's free! Have questions about your individual requirements? Request an in-person or virtual meeting with an admissions advisor for guidance prior to submitting your application.