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Master of Arts in Human Services, M.H.S.
Program Locations
Our Master's Degree in Human Services is available fully online. Students may be advised through any of the following campus locations:
About this Program
The Master of Arts in Human Services degree at Wayland Baptist University prepares students for careers in a variety of social service systems, such as health and social services or non-profit organizations. This program is geared towards diversity and versatility in a complicated and changing world, and is designed to help students recognize areas of need in society while also giving them tools to help meet those needs and advocate for others. Students in Human Services want more than just a career; they tend to seek emotionally rewarding occupations that provide help and resources to some of the most vulnerable populations in society.
The M.A in Human Services degree at Wayland provides students with advanced skills and knowledge for understanding people, society, and how to help others. Our program trains students to become informed, ethical professionals who respect the dignity and diversity of the people they serve. The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on current knowledge in related fields like sociology, counseling, criminal justice, non-profit management and public administration. It is also flexible, allowing students to tailor their specialization courses toward their area of service. We also focus on social justice to provide students with the tools needed to make changes within social structures that institute inequalities. Additionally, the capstone component gives students opportunities to put theory into practice through real-world learning experiences.
Students with an M.A. in Human Services may work in the following fields: Department of Human Services, Case Management, Administration for Children and Families, Foster Care, Women and Family Protective Services, Non-Profit Organizations, Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Centers, Health Services, etc.
Students pursuing the M.A. in Human Services degree may also specialize in one (or more) of the following areas:
Helping Professions Administration
Counseling (Non-Licensure)
This specialization is geared towards people who want to work in a helping profession but don't want to be licensed as an LPC or MSW. This specialization provides the flexibility to work with multiple agencies and utilize basic counseling skills, particularly in areas of victim advocacy, working with vulnerable populations, youth advocacy, behavioral health, and mental health fields. Students interested in becoming licensed professional counselors should pursue the Master of Arts in Counseling degree.
Sample Courses:
CNSL 5308 - Addictions Counseling
CNSL 5318 - Psychopathology
CNSL 5319 - Human Sexuality
Criminal Justice
This specialization examines the connection between society and the law by exploring the relationship between social services organizations, community-based organizations, and the criminal justice system. In addition to developing a deeper understanding of how these relationships interact within society, students will be equipped to respond and advocate for positive change through advocacy and rehabilitation practices.
Sample Courses:
CRIJ 5306 - Community Based Corrections
CRIJ 5309 - Domestic Violence
PUAD 5308 - Crisis Communication and Leadership
Sample Courses:
CNSL 5341 - Crisis Counseling
HMNS 5311 - Navigating Mental Health Emergencies
HMNS 5312 - Victim Advocacy
PUAD 5307 - Emergency Management
Helping Professions Administration
This specialization is geared towards students looking to gain additional skills for job promotion and mobility in helping profession agencies. Students will develop skills in managing human services staff and agencies, providing leadership and growth opportunities for their organization, and strengthening interpersonal and external working relationships.
Sample Courses:
HMNS 5310 - Case Management
LGLS 5303 - Employment Law
PUAD 5322 - Facilitative Mediation
Marriage and Family Studies
This specialization focuses on families and interpersonal relationships, both within the home and as a part of their community. Students will acquire skills to address the many challenges people face within relationships. This can include dating relationships, marital relationships, children with disabilities or behavioral issues, substance abuse issues, and other family/relationship concerns.
Sample Courses:
CNSL 5317 - Child Counseling
HMNS 5312 - Victim Advocacy
HMNS 5320 - Human Diversity
SOCI 5304 - Social Problems in America
Possible Careers
- Advocacy for prevention of abuse for children, adults, older adults or people with disabilities
- Care management and activities in assisted living or nursing homes
- Case management in area agencies on aging or activities in senior centers
- Case management for alcohol or drug prevention
- Community health education in hospitals and federal, state and local health departments
- Preparation for graduate education in various Human Services-related fields
- Social Service in mental health or vocational rehabilitation agencies
- Specialization within various private sector or non-profit settings or entrepreneurial occupations
