In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for your human service degree.
About the Human Service Degree Program
Your desire to serve others is a big part of your life. Maybe you’ve seen the need for helping someone, or you’ve had a positive experience yourself. Whatever the reason is you’ve decided to pursue a human service degree, you’ve chosen a worthy path. At Wayne State, you’ll develop your human interaction skills and a broad foundation rooted in psychology and sociology. With your human service degree, you’ll be prepared to do your best in helping others cope with certain situations and even help them better understand what is happening in their lives.


Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: Bachelor's in Human Service (B.A. or B.S.)
Hours required:
For major: 56
General studies: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
Popular minors: Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Public and Global Health, Family Life Studies
School: Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department: Counseling
Accreditation: Council for Standards in Human Service Education
Program Admission: Admission to WSC does not constitute admission to the human service program. Learn the requirements for counseling program admission.
Nationally Ranked Program

No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2018
College Affordability Guide

Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2018
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2018 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits (AP and ROTC), including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.

No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
College Factual

Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
College Factual
Wayne State College performed very well in a recent ranking of Human Development & Family Studies programs. College Factual ranks programs offered by four-year colleges and universities and has recently updated its rankings. WSC’s programs in this category have been ranked #1 in Nebraska for 2019. This makes us the best in the state.
Human development and family studies looks to understand how people develop and relationships form in society. It studies the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of people throughout different stages. Classes you may take when studying HDFS could include: child guidance and parenting, contemporary family issues, multiethnic society, early childhood education, human sexuality, child development, lifespan development, psychology, and sociology.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries. Learn more about College Factual.
Scholarships and Aid
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the human service degree program.
Skills Learned
- Interviewing and interpersonal communication
- Self-awareness and empathy
- Problem assessment and intervention
- Ethical issues in human services
- Understanding social problems and human behavior
- Substance abuse and addictive disorder awareness
- Human sexuality competence
- Administration and evaluation of service programs
- Abnormal and social psychology
- Understanding social welfare and service programs
- Listening and communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Possible Careers
- Mental health aide
- Substance abuse professional
- Child and family support worker
- Case worker
- Family services worker
- Social worker
- School aide
- Rehabilitation support staff
- Career coordinator
- Program coordinator
Employers
- Counseling centers
- Community outreach centers
- Boys and girls homes
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Wellness centers
- Social and family services
- Correctional facilities
- Behavioral health facilities
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Government /federal agencies
- Non-Profit organizations
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with small class sizes and personal attention, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the human service degree program.

Tobin Streff
Instructor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education as a human service major by participating in clubs, organizations, art shows, internships, and more.

Clubs and Organizations
- Active Minds – a student club that promotes mental health awareness and positive mental health, and educates peers
- Chi Sigma Iota - an international honor society for professional excellence in counseling
- Tau Upsilon Alpha – a national honor society for human services

Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

Opportunities
- Conferences and trips – Conduct ongoing research projects and present your findings at the American Counseling Association conference, the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) conference, and the Nebraska Counseling Association conference. Advocate for a variety of issues when you attend the annual Legislative Day on the Hill and spend time with hundreds of professionals while networking and opening the doors for future opportunities.
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, or be part of a support system for new students, all while gaining valuable experience for your resume.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.

Internships
Before graduating with human service degree from Wayne State College, you’ll complete an internship at a local agency to gain field experience and earn credit toward your degree. Career Services is available to help students find internship opportunities.