OVERVIEW
An Online Health Services Degree That Sets You Up
For Success
Professionals with skills in health and human services are some of the most in-demand workers around—prepared with a B.S. in Health and Human Services degree from WGU, you can be too. This degree is your step forward to a career where you can help people live better and healthier lives and drive optimal community outcomes.
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services degree will prepare you to drive change in the field of healthcare as well as facilitate changes in your community. You'll be equipped to advocate for patients and clients in a variety of settings. You'll also be armed with the latest theories on:
- Value based care systems
- Community and public health strategies
- Communication of health plan information to patients
- Promotion of client centered holistic care
- Strategies on how to be a change agent for integrated care management
Compare this degree: The B.S. Health and Human Services program is one of many undergraduate degrees at WGU. Not sure this is the right program for you? You may also be interested in our B.S. Business – Healthcare Management degree program, or our B.S. in Health Information Management degree program.
95%* of students finish similar programs faster than the traditional
4 years
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance when you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,085
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students reduce the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Graduates who recommend WGU
97%
The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation.
COURSES
Health and Human Services Courses
Program consists of 35 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services curriculum was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the professionals on our Health Professions Program Council, ensuring that you learn important healthcare best practices and keep up with the latest trends in the industry—the kind of expertise you need for a successful career in health services.
Courses in this program provide you with realistic experiences as a health services professional via virtual simulation. You’ll gain field experience in a variety of contexts, depending on your professional career goals in the health services industry.
The health and human services program prepares students for responsibilities in patient-focused health care, leadership, communication, cultural awareness, person-centered care coordination, and more.
The B.S. in Health and Human Services program is an all-online program that you'll complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty.
35 Courses
Program consists of 35 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a field experience project applicable to the field of health services that aims to expand the body of knowledge in the profession. All students will be required to pass a background check prior to completing the field experience portion of the program. Also, most of your courses can be accelerated based on your prior knowledge and hard work.
“The completion of my WGU BS degree has motivated both my children to go back to school and finish their degrees. They're saying 'well if Mom can do it.' I am happy at this point in my life to be able to still influence my children in a positive way."
—Jayne Harrower
B.S. Health Services Coordination
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Why WGU?
Affordability
WGU tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. That means if you want to move faster through the online health and human services program, you'll pay less.
On Your Schedule
Continue working at your job and keep up with your family responsibilities all while earning a degree. You don't have to take time off work or rearrange your shifts—at WGU you don't have to log in to classes at a certain time, and your assignments don't have deadlines. You can work any time, any where.
Accelerated
When you earn your degree from WGU you can take your existing knowledge and put it to use. You can move through your courses as quickly as you show mastery in the material. WGU also has a generous transfer policy for students, helping them graduate faster.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Healthcare Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Health and Human Services Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Exclusive $3,000 Health and Human Services scholarship available to applicants.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Services Designed to Fit Your Life
Online. Flexible. Student-obsessed. There are lots of things that make our programs a great fit for today’s working students—and that make WGU a different kind of university.
Our degree programs allow you to speed up your progress—no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start. Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the online course material, take the online assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.
"I had a great educational experience at WGU, and the course instructors had a positive impact on the study curriculum. Each course was very organized, easy to follow and learn, and the educators are very attentive. I gained a greater understanding of research that is aimed at establishing facts and quality improvement.”
—Nasiba Ruziyeva
B.S. Nursing RN-BSN
CAREER OUTLOOK
Choose a Profession Where Patient Care and Health Management Go Hand in Hand
There are many roles in the healthcare field that involve helping patients, without directly caring for their medical needs. With a health and human services degree, you can work with exciting and diverse teams, bringing support to many and making an impact on lives and communities.
This program prepares you for responsibilities in:
- Patient-focused health care
- Leadership, communication
- Cultural awareness
- Person-centered care coordination
After earning your degree, you’ll be able to work directly with patients and families to provide support, address early intervention issues, develop a process to intervene with high-risk patients, identify and close patient care gaps, provide outreach to patients, coordinate care transitions, develop a process for medication reconciliation and adherence, and coordinate referrals and test results.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
12%
The number of positions for health educators and community health workers is expected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Gain an Advantage in Today’s Fast-Growing Patient Care and Coordination Professions
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services is designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s fast-growing patient care and coordination job market. This program incorporates several career-boosting competencies, including courses in the areas of substance abuse, epidemiology, cultural awareness and diversity, equity and inclusion, pediatrics, care of aging adults, and more.
The B.S. in Health and Human Services degree prepares you to stand out in the job market by utilizing a cutting-edge technology platform that simulates in-person field experience. The result? You get hands-on experience, without the time commitment of an internship. If you choose to advance your career even further, this degree program lays the perfect foundation for a future MBA in Healthcare Management, a Master of Health Leadership, or a Master of Health Administration degree. And with additional preparation, the B.S. in Health and Human Services can help you sit to become a Board Certified Patient Advocate.
Possible Jobs
- Health Care Coordinator
- Patient Advocate
- Health Services Manager
- Patient Educator
- Community Health Worker
- Mental Health Aid
- Family and Human Development Worker
- Social and Community Services Manager
Possible Work Settings
- Acute Care Hospital
- Nursing Home
- Extended Stay Facilities
- Home Care
- Wellness and Outreach
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a bachelor's degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to This Degree
To be considered for enrollment into the Bachelor of Science Health and Human Services program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Previous misdemeanor or felony convictions may affect eligibility for healthcare employment.
Safety Notice: WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. Interactions might include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, laboratory experiences, project development, or conducting research.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
Learn more about the B.S. Health and Human Services admission progress and program.
More About the Health and Human Services Program
- General Program Questions
- Expert Panel
- Dr. Richard Merkin Scholar
The degree was developed with financial support from the Merkin Family Foundation and is possible thanks to the following expert panel members:
- Nancy A. Myers, PhD – Vice President, Leadership and System Innovation Health Research & Educational Trust, American Hospital Association
- Cassie J. Alexander – Program Director, Public Health Technology, Itawamba Community College
- David Wagner, MHCM – Chief Compliance Officer, Genuine Health Group
- Colleen Swedberg, MSN, RN, CNL – Vice President of Strategy, St. Vincent’s Health Partners
- Denise Patriaco, RN, APN-C – Administrative Director, Accountable Care Organization, Hackensack University Medical Center
- Johnpaul King RN, MSN – Nursing Director, Affinity Living Group
- Cindy Tack, LCSW, MS – Senior Director, Clinical Initiatives, MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization
- Charisse N. Hunter, MHA, RN – Vice President, Population Health, Somatus, Inc
Completion of this program awards the honor of “Dr. Richard Merkin Scholar."
This honor appears on the academic transcript or the certificate of completion depending on the program and acknowledges the achievement of specific skills related to key contemporary concepts for the transformation of healthcare. Graduates of such programs may use the email tagline “Dr. Richard Merkin Scholar” in addition to including it in resumes, CVs, bios, and social media professional profiles.
Dr. Richard Merkin has been a pioneer in healthcare innovation and transformation. Richard Merkin, M.D. is the CEO and founder of the Heritage Provider Network. He has focused on the efficient delivery of high quality patient outcomes while emphasizing early and preventative interventions. Under his stewardship, the Heritage Provider Network has become the largest physician-owned and operated integrated healthcare delivery system in the United States with over 50 related healthcare companies.
Dr. Richard Merkin scholars demonstrate competency in many cutting edge areas including:
• Decision-Making with Evidence-Based Practice
• Helping Individuals and Families Meet Healthcare Goals
• Transition of Care
• Care Planning and Service Delivery
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?