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.
Human Services Degree
About the Human Services 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 with a human services professional yourself. Whatever the reason is you’ve decided to pursue a human services degree, you’ve chosen a worthy path. At Wayne State, you’ll develop your human interaction skills and a broad educational foundation rooted in psychology and sociology. With your human services degree, you’ll be prepared to do your best in helping others work through 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: 36
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
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, 2022
College Affordability Guide
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2022 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. College Affordability Guide focuses not only on the financial cost of colleges, but on the opportunity cost: what happens to students once they're enrolled. Do they graduate? Can they pay back their loans? Their analysis is designed to find schools that are affordable not only for the average student, but for lower-income students as well.
Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits, 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.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
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 techniques
- Problem assessment and intervention
- Ethical issues in human services
- Substance abuse and addictive disorders
- Understanding social welfare
- Interpersonal communication
Possible Careers
- Mental health aide
- Substance abuse professional
- Child and family support worker
- Case worker
- Family services 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.
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
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.