Graduate Studies

Human Services Certificate Programs

Advance your role in human services as you learn about emerging administration and leadership roles in an ever-growing diverse field.

Community service manager sits down with members of the community

Program Overview

Offered 100% online, our graduate-level human services certificate programs focus on two specific areas: 

•    Human Services Foundations
•    Human Services Leadership

Through these programs, you will develop 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.

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 advanced in your current employment, focus on a new career pathway, or continue your studies. 

The certificate courses and program are 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.


NOTE: This certificate program is also offered to students with a high school diploma who do not have a college degree or are in the process of earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. Please see our Adult & Continuing Studies academic offerings for details about the human services certificate programs for continuing studies students.

Program Options

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...

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 policy making and leadership. Loading..

Complete the online certificate programs in human services foundations or human services leadership and then easily transition to either the organizational development & leadership master's degree or the allied health education master's degree

The transition is simple; students enrolled in the certificate will only have to complete a short application and will have all their discounted certificate course credits applied to the degree program.

You can even complete a master's degree by combining (or "stacking") certificates and taking a capstone course. Completing a master's degree program this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses cost 50 percent less than master's courses.

Admissions Information

No application deadline (rolling admissions)

PER CREDIT TUITION COST 

See the Graduate Tuition & Fees page for the per credit tuition cost for certificates offered through the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies.  

WAYS TO SAVE

Though the human services certificates 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 master's programs to save money on completion of your degree. 

Program Highlights

Ease Back Into Your Studies

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 certificate 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. 

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 

AVG Salary

$74,000

per year (2021 median pay for social and community service managers)

Take the Next Steps

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.