Industry Growth
Employment of social and community service managers is expected to increase by 9% by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
Adult & Continuing Studies Program
Human Services Undergraduate Certificates
Rise in your human services leadership career with online certificates that prioritizes innovative administrative trends in an ever-growing and diversifying field.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Certificates
100% Online
Credits
9
Avg. Time to Completion
1 Year
College/School
Explore the Undergraduate Human Services Leadership Certificates
Offered 100% online, our human services leadership certificates focus on developing advanced skills grounded in theory, research, and best practices in human services. With this new skill set, you'll be able to successfully navigate complex organizations that are constantly changing in response to external and internal pressures.
These certificates are designed to prepare individuals working in nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, health care organizations, and state and local governments to excel in their interpersonal work with individuals. Choose from two unique programs to begin your education:
You'll graduate with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to make confident business decisions and advance in your current employment or focus on a new career pathway.
NOTE: These certificates are 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.
Human Services Undergraduate Certificate Options
This 9-cred certificate 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.
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This 9-credit certificate focuses on multicultural and multidisciplinary approaches, ethical issues and standards, strategic planning, and how current and emerging issues impact policymaking and leadership.
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Career Outlook & Outcomes for Human Services Leaders
Why Study Human Services Leadership at Widener?
Fuel Career Growth at Your Own Pace
For working adults who don't have much time in their schedule, these online programs are the perfect solution for continuing your education and learning on your time and terms.
Pursuing a human services certificate can introduce you to new skills while save money on discounted credits that don't require a commute! It's never been easier to get started on the next leg of your educational journey.
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and expert faculty who are leaders in the human development sector. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Human Services Program Highlights
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- All official transcripts from any high school, college, or trade school attended, if applicable
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Personal statement (see below)
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
These programs accept students on a rolling basis; there is no deadline for application.
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.
Learn more about applying as an international student
*Visa and financial aid not available for international undergraduate certificate students in 100% online courses.
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student
Certificate programs are ineligible for federal financial aid, but submitting a FAFSA is still a requirement for qualifying for private scholarships from Widener.
Paths to Savings
Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners
Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.
Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
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Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies
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Hyatt Hall
- 610-499-4507
- gcs@widener.edu
- 610-499-4369
Sharmane S. Walker
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
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Hyatt Hall, Office #211
- (610) 499-4394
- sswalker@widener.edu