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First, some facts. Of the Human Services graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 638 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Human Services graduates have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 34% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Human Services graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 62% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCampus Missionary Intern Baptist Collegiate Ministry Aug 2020 - May 2021 Community Navigator Appalachian Mountain Project Access Oct 2021 - Jul 2022 Childcare Worker  Forest Hills Baptist Church Aug 2022 - Jan 2023 Crew Mate  Trader Joe's Oct 2022 - May 2024 Youth Success Coach Nations Ministry Center Jan 2023 - May 2024 ABOUTExperienced graduate with a demonstrated history of working with non-profit organizations and the healthcare industry. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The job market for graduates with degrees in Human Services shows a diverse range of pathways but tends to reveal a significant divide between professions directly aligned with the field and those that merely touch on relevant skills without full application. Through analysis of various job positions held by individuals with this degree, two primary categories emerge: those that are highly relevant to Human Services and those that bear only tangential connections.
The most common job titles among Human Services graduates include social workers, case managers, counselors, and positions within educational settings, such as school social workers and teachers. These roles utilize the principles and knowledge that students gain during their academic journey, focusing heavily on the core themes of community support, advocacy, and client management. For example, jobs like case manager or social worker typically require skills in communication, empathy, and the ability to navigate social service systems—exactly what a Human Services degree aims to cultivate. As seen in several individuals' career paths, these positions often lead to a structured and impactful career path, directly connecting their work to the ideals of helping others and promoting community welfare.
On the flip side, a notable number of graduates find themselves in roles that are only peripherally related to Human Services. Positions such as sales associates, administrative roles, or customer service positions tend to dominate the employment landscape alongside the more specialized jobs. While some skills – like communication, empathy, and organizational skills – gained from a Human Services degree can enhance performance in these roles, the essence of these jobs lacks direct relevance to the human services principles taught in their courses. Individuals in these jobs may not utilize their specialized knowledge on a daily basis, relegating the degree to merely a footnote in their professional journeys.
In sum, graduates’ employment in Human Services-related fields often closely corresponds with their academic training and aims to leverage their degree effectively in meaningful and impactful ways. However, it is disconcerting to observe that many other graduates have found themselves in roles that, while potentially benefiting from skills acquired through their education, do not fundamentally utilize the core competencies and knowledge from their Human Services degree. This divergence reflects broader trends in the labor market where specific degrees may not guarantee direct employment within their field, necessitating ongoing discussions about career readiness and alignment of educational objectives with real-world job opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Human Services graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates who studied Human Services, you see a wide variety of outcomes. Many of these individuals, especially those who graduated within the last decade, appear to have taken on roles that are directly related to social work, counseling, and community service. Right after graduation, it seems that a good number of these grads start in entry-level positions such as case management, outreach positions, and internships that allow them to gain critical experience in the field. For instance, a significant number of individuals began their careers as interns at various organizations, which is typical of those entering a field that relies heavily on hands-on experience.
As time goes on, like 5 to 10 years post-graduation, many graduates are moving into more specialized roles, such as therapy, program management, or higher-level case management positions. Some have even climbed up to leadership roles as program directors or managers within established organizations. However, it’s also crucial to note that while many found meaningful jobs within the Human Services field, there are others that diverged from this track and found themselves in unrelated positions—be it customer service, logistics, or administration—which could suggest a degree of misalignment with their educational focus or simply a necessary adaptation to job market realities. Unfortunately, this might reflect challenges within the field of Human Services itself, such as a lack of job availability or funding in certain areas.
In summary, Human Services graduates often have promising starts with internships and entry-level positions that lead them directly into relevant careers. Over time, there's a noticeable trend toward specialization and leadership roles for many. But just as many venture into unrelated fields, which highlights both the versatility and potential unpredictability of job markets post-graduation. If you're considering this major, it's essential to be proactive about gaining experience through internships and networking to better position yourself in the job market after graduation.
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other fields, but that doesn't mean it’s a walk in the park. You’ll find that the coursework is often relatable and practical, focusing on topics like psychology, counseling, and community programs, which can make it engaging. However, you'll still need to put in the effort, especially when it comes to essays, group projects, and maybe some hands-on experiences. If you're someone who enjoys helping others and is willing to dive into some social and ethical issues, you might find it a bit easier to get through than more technical degrees like engineering or physics, but it still requires dedication and commitment!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Human Services.
When looking at the LinkedIn profiles of these Human Services graduates, it’s clear there's a mix of career trajectories concerning salary potential. A few, like the 2015 graduate who became a Chief Executive Officer and another as a Director of Operations, likely enjoy decent pay, given the managerial roles they occupy. In contrast, many others are in roles typically associated with lower salaries, such as case managers or social workers, which often start at lower entry-level pay rates. For instance, several graduates in social work and support positions indicate they might be financially struggling given the common challenges faced in non-profit sectors or public services.
Overall, while some graduates have clearly moved up into more lucrative positions, many others are still in or starting careers that generally don't pay well. If you're thinking about going into human services, it’s essential to weigh these potential earnings against your passion for helping others. Some sacrifices may come in the form of salary, but there can be immense personal rewards in making a difference in people's lives.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Human Services. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Human Services (ordered by the average relevance score of their Human Services graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Old Dominion University
|
82 | 32 |
 Springfield College
|
82 | 16 |
 California State University, Fullerton
|
80 | 16 |
 Western Washington University
|
78 | 13 |
 Columbia College
|
77 | 13 |
 Southern New Hampshire University
|
60 | 11 |
 University of Phoenix
|
59 | 57 |