7 Top Bachelor’s in Human Services Programs Across Texas

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/Counseling from Texas universities creates diverse career opportunities where you can make a real difference in your community. Your passion for counseling, social work, or community outreach can turn into a career that helps others deal with life’s challenges.

The demand for human services workers in Texas is huge. This makes it a smart choice for your future career. East Texas A&M University’s programs lead to careers as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors or Qualified Mental Health Professionals. Your career options will be plentiful after graduation. The flexibility of these programs is remarkable – take LeTourneau University’s Bachelor of Human Services degree that you can complete 100% online through accelerated 7-week courses. You can focus on Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice based on what interests you most. Let us show you eight excellent programs that could kickstart your career in this fulfilling field.

East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University offers a detailed human services degree program based on counseling principles that prepares you for various career paths in helping professions. The program’s location near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex makes it stand out with its practical approach and multiple specialization options.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Human Services at East Texas A&M help students develop significant counseling and interpersonal skills needed to support communities effectively. This degree stands out from general programs by offering multiple program emphases. Students can tailor their education toward specific career goals in mental health, college student affairs, or state services.

Graduates become eligible for valuable credentials, including the Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor or the Qualified Mental Health Professional-Community Services. The program gives you the essential skills to:

• Communicate empathetically using advanced helping and interpersonal techniques
• Understand human development, behavior, and nature versus nurture dynamics
• Recognize and address marginalized populations’ experiences
• Promote positive interactions between groups to support structural and functional change
• Develop specialized professional skills in human services roles

The College of Education and Human Services houses the human services major and maintains a 97% pass rate for students taking original statewide certification examinations.

Curriculum highlights

The program blends core counseling courses with specialized electives from psychology and sociology. Students must complete two prerequisites (PSY 2301 and SOC 1301), eight required classes, and a specialized program emphasis. The emphasis includes four upper-level counseling classes and three upper-level courses from psychology and sociology.

Required counseling classes (24 SCH) include foundational courses such as:

• COUN 301: Orientation to Counseling Profession
• COUN 315: Philosophy of Helping Relationships
• COUN 317: Introduction to Assessment
• COUN 409: Group Leadership
• COUN 410: Introduction to Counseling Theory/Methods
• COUN 412: Career Development
• COUN 426: Cultural Enrichment
• COUN 452: Internship in Human Services

Students can choose specialized electives covering parent and family dynamics, drug and alcohol addiction, student services, and domestic violence. Psychology and sociology electives include options in abnormal psychology, lifespan development, marriage and family, and racial and ethnic diversity.

Career opportunities

A human services degree from East Texas A&M opens doors to entry-level jobs in several high-demand fields. Graduates often work as:

• Mental Health Technicians or Qualified Mental Health Providers
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors
• Student Affairs professionals in colleges and universities
• Child protective services workers
• Probation and parole officers

Students planning to become Licensed Professional Counselors or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas will find this program provides an excellent foundation for advanced degrees.

Tuition and financial aid

East Texas A&M has one of the most economical human services programs near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Texas residents pay $4,212 for 12 credit hours, while non-residents pay $9,108.

The total yearly cost with room and board comes to $25,362 for in-state students and $37,662 for out-of-state students. Financial aid can reduce the average net price to between $10,169 and $20,245, based on family income.

Financial aid options include:

• Need-based scholarships and grants (average first-year award: $11,703)
• Merit-based scholarships (average first-year award: $4,003)
• Federal loans (median federal loan debt at graduation: $20,500)
• Work-study opportunities

The university meets about 50% of students’ financial aid needs. About 78% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid. Students should complete their FAFSA (school code: 003565) or TASFA early to get the most financial aid.

Texas A&M University–San Antonio

The Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Texas A&M University–San Antonio gives you the skills to make positive changes in communities of all types. Students benefit from a learning approach centered on their needs and get complete preparation for entry-level jobs and graduate studies.

Program overview

The Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology houses the B.S. in Human Services program. Faculty members prepare students to serve growing and diverse communities. Students benefit from the department’s steadfast dedication to knowledge expansion through scholarly work, reflective practices, and student-focused learning.

This degree readies you for entry-level positions in community service settings. You’ll also build a solid foundation to pursue graduate degrees in Clinical Mental Health or Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Students develop core competencies needed for human services professionals:

• Interpersonal skill development
• Understanding of social and cultural issues
• Group theory and process
• Career and lifestyle development
• Program development and evaluation
• Fundraising and grant writing
• Practical field placement opportunities

Curriculum highlights

Students need 120 total credit hours split into four main areas:

• Core Curriculum: 42 credits
• Required Support Courses: 15 credits
• Major Courses: 42 credits
• Electives: 21 credits

Required support courses cover management principles, social psychology, psychology of adjustment, social problems, and personal/community health.

Major coursework consists of 14 specialized human services courses. These courses cover topics like group processes, human growth and development, ethics, substance use prevention, interpersonal skill development, crisis intervention, and field internships. Key courses include:

• EDHS 3322: Introduction to Human Services – Students learn foundational knowledge about the profession, its history, and various sectors using human services professionals
• EDHS 3331: Ethics in Human Services – Students explore ethical issues including client dignity, diversity, autonomy, and social justice
• EDHS 4311: Crisis Intervention – Students develop critical skills for emergency situations
• EDHS 4350: Field Internship – Students gain supervised practical experience in real-life settings

Graduation requirements include 36 advanced credit hours, with 30 upper-division hours. Students must complete 25% of total semester hours at A&M-SA to meet residency requirements.

Career opportunities

Graduates find positions in:

• Non-profit organizations
• Community service agencies
• Government sectors

The program’s internship component helps students adjust to training sites and build professional relationships through supervised practice with children, adolescents, and families. This experience becomes a great way to get employment after graduation.

Students wanting to advance their careers can use this degree as a stepping stone toward graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health or Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.

Tuition and financial aid

Full-time undergraduate Texas residents pay $8,032 in tuition and fees. Total estimated attendance costs vary:

• $25,804 for on-campus residents
• $27,540 for off-campus residents
• $20,560 for students living at home

Non-resident undergraduate students pay higher tuition and fees of $18,878.

Students have excellent financial support options. 97% of students receive some form of financial aid, and the university awards over $1.40 million in scholarships annually. Additionally, 76% of undergraduate students qualify for the Pell Grant.

Students should submit their FAFSA or TASFA by January 15 priority deadline to maximize financial aid opportunities. The General Scholarship application window stays open until June 30 each year.

The Jaguar Guaranteed Tuition Plan offers additional savings by locking in your tuition rate for four academic years (8 long semesters), protecting you from future increases.

LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University’s Bachelor of Human Services program stands out with its Christian principles and “shalom-seeking” approach to criminal justice and human services. This faith-based program differs from other Bachelor programs in Human Services/Counseling throughout Texas. Students learn to address both practical and spiritual needs of the people they serve.

Program overview

The human services major gives you the skills to help individuals and families during crucial moments in their lives. You’ll learn how to connect at-risk individuals with community resources they need to thrive. The program blends Christian faith with professional practice to prepare you for ethical and compassionate service in a variety of settings.

Students can complete their degree entirely online through accelerated 7-week courses. The interactive environment works with your schedule. This setup lets you balance your education with other commitments while getting detailed professional preparation.

Curriculum highlights

The Bachelor of Human Services needs 120 total credit hours split into these components:

• Required Major Courses (36 hours)
  • Human Services Major Core (27 hours)
  • Major Electives (9 hours)
• General Education Courses (33 hours)
• Theology and Vocation Courses (12 hours)
• General Elective Courses (39 hours)

Core coursework builds a solid foundation in psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. Key required courses include Introduction to Human Services, Case Management, Theories and Techniques of Counseling, Social Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Students must take one introductory criminal justice course (Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, or Criminal Law) and finish with a capstone course on Personal and Professional Ethics.

The curriculum combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge. Students develop expertise in counseling techniques, case management, addiction treatment, and understanding domestic human trafficking. A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required for all major courses, with at least 21 upper-level hours in the major.

Career opportunities

A human services degree from LeTourneau creates paths to careers in healthcare and social assistance. Graduates often work in:

• Child welfare services
• Elderly care
• Substance abuse counseling
• Case management
• Social work
• Rehabilitation services
• Missions work

The program shows strong results with a 97% graduate placement rate and a 97% response rate as of 2024. The degree also prepares students well for graduate studies in counseling, social work, or related fields.

Tuition and financial aid

The tuition rates depend on how you take classes:

Residential undergraduate students pay $18,735 per semester for 12-18 credit hours. The total cost reaches about $55,308 with room, board, and fees. Online undergraduate rates vary by course level:

• Course numbers 1000-2999: $380 per credit hour
• Course numbers 3000-4999: $410 per credit hour

Many financial aid options help reduce these costs. Academic scholarships range from $10,000 to $20,000 yearly based on performance. LeTourneau also provides specialized scholarships:

• Church Matching Grant
• Missionary and Pastors Dependents Grant
• National Merit Scholarship
• Specialized scholarships for Psychology students

Submit your FAFSA early (school code: 003584) to get the most financial aid. The average net price ranges from $18,128 to $29,219 after aid, based on family income.

The university shows its dedication to affordable education through strong financial support. About 62% of first-year students receive need-based aid, averaging $25,378.

Nelson University

Nelson University’s Bachelor’s in Human Services program combines faith-based education with hands-on skills training. Students learn to meet both spiritual and social needs of vulnerable populations. This unique approach sets the program apart from other Bachelor programs in Human Services/Counseling in Texas by naturally blending Christian faith with social justice principles.

Program overview

The human services major at Nelson University lets you choose from four specialization paths: Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice. The program includes mandatory practicums that give you ground experience. You’ll develop academically, professionally, and spiritually to create positive change in the lives of marginalized and vulnerable people.

Nelson stands out because of its steadfast dedication to Spirit-led education, small class sizes, and strong faculty-student bonds. The supportive Christian environment helps you develop critical thinking abilities, leadership skills, and ethical decision-making frameworks.

Curriculum

The program builds a strong biblical foundation in human services among specialized courses in your chosen concentration. Your studies will cover:

• Generalist social work and related disciplines
• Research methods and policy analysis
• Human behavior theories
• Clinical skills assessment
• Diagnostic techniques

The curriculum spans research-informed practice, values and ethics, professional history and philosophy. Students get practical experience through field practicums and internship opportunities. Every student must complete supervised fieldwork in social service settings, whatever their specialization.

Career opportunities

Graduates find work in private and public human service agencies. Career paths vary by specialization:

• Case managers and social services coordinators
• Community outreach specialists
• Nonprofit leadership roles
• Social workers and child welfare specialists
• Mental health facilities staff
• Faith-based organization positions

Social Work track graduates often work as social workers, case managers, or child welfare specialists. Many students continue their education with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Nelson’s alumni excel in graduate programs and become outstanding professionals in their human services fields.

Tuition and financial aid

Nelson University’s undergraduate tuition costs $25,064 yearly. This amount is less than the national average for private institutions ($47,097). On-campus students pay additional housing fees ($1,635 to $2,600 per semester) and meal plans ($2,165 to $2,775 per semester).

The university makes education available through various financial aid options. The net price varies based on family income:

• $17,856 for families earning $0-$30,000
• $20,082 for families earning $30,001-$48,000
• $21,800 for families earning $48,001-$75,000

Students can access scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans[181]. Federal loan recipients typically graduate with $24,725 in federal loan debt. Monthly payments average $262 (based on 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest).

Students should submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by these deadlines: March 15 (priority deadline for fall), May 1 (fall semester), September 1 (spring semester), or February 2 (summer semester).

University of North Texas

The Human Services Management and Leadership (HSML) program at University of North Texas prepares future leaders for nonprofit and social service organizations. This bachelor’s degree combines theory and hands-on experience to help you succeed in management positions throughout the growing social services sector.

Program overview

UNT’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management and Leadership offers a budget-friendly path to meaningful careers in social services. The School of Behavioral Health and Human Services runs this program to shape human service practitioners into leaders through education, research and service.

Leadership development sets this program apart from others. Students become curious explorers who master service delivery, program management, and leadership skills. The program ranks #1 in Texas and #41 nationally among human services programs.

Curriculum highlights

Students develop skills through courses in volunteer management, social work, sociology, rehabilitation studies, business, and applied gerontology. The program requires courses from at least two areas: social work, addictions, and rehabilitation studies.

You can boost your career prospects with specialized certificates. Students who complete 12 hours in approved specializations get certificates in applied gerontology, substance abuse treatment, or alternative dispute resolution.

Key courses typically include:

• Active Listening in the Helping Professions
• Introduction to Social Work
• Disability and Society
• Rehabilitation Service Delivery Systems
• Human Diversity for the Helping Professions

Career opportunities

The program prepares you for leadership roles throughout the human services sector. Popular career paths include:

• Social and community service managers
• Health educators
• Training and development managers
• Mental health and substance abuse specialists
• Fundraisers
• Counselors
• Arbitrators

Graduates find success in family services, youth programs, child advocacy, senior services, public welfare, and nonprofit organizations. Students gain real-life experience through internships in the Dallas-Fort Worth job market while building professional networks.

Tuition and financial aid

Texas residents pay $8,319 in tuition plus $2,845 in fees. Out-of-state tuition costs $18,399 with the same fees. Books and supplies average $1,120 per year.

Texas residents living on campus can expect to pay around $28,494 in total. UNT helps make education affordable by offering $450 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. Seven out of ten UNT students receive some form of assistance.

UNT’s $70 million scholarship fund shows its commitment to affordable education. Students can choose from several payment plans and tuition options. Texas residents can lock in their tuition rate for four years through the Save and Soar Tuition Plan.

Texas State University

Texas State University offers two paths to a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services – the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) major. These programs equip you to help people and families deal with life challenges through different educational approaches.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits Texas State’s BSW program, getting you ready for generalist social work practice. The program works in three phases. You’ll start by declaring social work as your major, then move to Phase II after finishing core requirements. Your skillset will grow to include effective communication, active listening, problem-solving, research, and policy analysis.

The HDFS major takes a different approach by teaching you to work with children and families from multiple perspectives. HDFS students typically graduate in 3.8 years, making it the quickest way to start your human services career.

Curriculum highlights

The BSW program needs 120 semester credit hours and comes with hands-on experience through a 400-hour block internship in Phase III. You’ll need to keep your Texas State GPA at 2.50 or higher in supportive courses and 2.75 in social work courses to graduate.

HDFS majors take courses in human development, family sciences, and practical applications. The core classes cover Lifespan Development, Child Development, Adolescent Development, and Family Theory. You can also pick 12 hours of career-focused courses in areas like early childhood mental health, grief counseling, or child life specialization.

Career opportunities

BSW graduates can jump into entry-level social work jobs and apply for state social work licensure. HDFS graduates find work in four main areas:

• Education (childcare centers, preschools, family life education)
• Health (child life specialist, behavioral technician, early intervention)
• Entrepreneurship (childcare center director, family life coach)
• Community-Based Social Services (adoption agencies, youth development, gerontology)

Both degrees set you up well for graduate studies in social work, counseling, or therapy.

Tuition and financial aid

Texas residents pay $9,221 yearly for tuition, while out-of-state students pay $21,521. Other costs include housing ($11,762), books and supplies ($780), personal expenses ($2,730), and transportation ($1,660).

The good news is Texas State gives out over $370 million in financial aid and scholarships each year. Your family’s income affects the average net price:

• Under $30,000: $12,144
• $30,000-$48,000: $12,576
• $48,000-$75,000: $16,117
• $75,000-$110,000: $21,528
• Above $110,000: $23,150

The Bobcat Promise program helps make college possible whatever your financial situation. Remember to submit your FAFSA by April 15 to get the most aid possible.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University’s Department of Counselor Education offers a Human Services minor. This program serves as a perfect add-on for bachelor’s degree students who want to develop skills in working with people.

Program overview

The Human Services minor gives you the skills you need to work with people across professional settings. Students complete 18 semester hours that introduce them to helping professions, especially counseling and its applications. The program lets students experience hands-on courses, supports their job preparation, and enhances their self-awareness and communication skills.

Curriculum highlights

Students can choose from required basics and flexible elective options:

Required course:

• COUN 3321: Introduction to the Helping Relationship (3 hours)

Select 3-4 courses from:

• COUN 3322: Career Development
• COUN 3331: Introduction to Principles of Counseling
• COUN 3332: Therapeutic Play Skills
• COUN 4379: Wellness Counseling

Students can pick family-focused courses like Close Relationships (PSYC 3365) or Marriage and Family (SOCI 3341) to complete their remaining 6 hours.

Career opportunities

SHSU’s Career Success Center helps students through personal appointments for resumes, mock interviews, job search strategies, and headshots. Students gain valuable experience from workshops, career fairs, employer spotlights, and on-campus interviews. These resources prepare them for human services roles while building professional networks.

Tuition and financial aid

Texas residents pay $11,370 yearly in tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate studies. Non-residents pay $23,520. The total costs, including housing, books, and personal expenses, reach $28,600 for residents and $40,750 for non-residents.

SHSU makes quality education available through significant financial support. About 64% of undergraduates receive aid, with average awards of $13,679. The university gives out roughly $200 million in aid each year. SHSU maintains one of Texas’s lowest in-state tuition rates among four-year institutions.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Human Sciences and Professional Studies runs seven Bachelor of Science programs. These programs create professionals who make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and businesses in communities worldwide.

Program overview

SFA’s human sciences programs go beyond traditional classroom learning. Students get hands-on experience through service learning, internships, and observations. The faculty cares about your success at SFA and beyond. They share their professional experiences to help you understand what it’s like to work in the ground environment. Students can practice their skills in unique learning spaces like the Lumberjack Express, where they get practical cooking and food service experience. Construction management students also build tiny homes that help community members who face mental health challenges and homelessness.

Curriculum highlights

Students can earn their Bachelor of Science in family sciences online with several concentration options. The school also offers degrees in aviation sciences, construction management, dietetics and nutritional sciences, food and nutrition, hospitality administration, and interior design. The hospitality program lets you focus on culinary, lodging, meeting planning, restaurant, or travel/tourism. The human services major helps you develop leadership skills in interview techniques, administration, social advocacy, child development, substance abuse intervention, planning, and report writing.

Career opportunities

Our graduates build rewarding careers working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. They often work in state and government agencies, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, health care facilities, and community organizations that serve populations in need. Social work graduates find roles in child and family agencies, employment organizations, medical facilities, mental health centers, police departments, courts, prisons, political organizations, and substance abuse programs.

Tuition and financial aid

Texas residents will pay $11,506 in tuition and fees. Border-state residents pay $12,436, while out-of-state students pay $24,070. The total cost comes to $29,936 for in-state students who live on campus – this includes housing and food. SFA provides several financial aid options. The average net price ranges from $10,757 for families earning under $30,000 to $21,919 for families earning over $110,000. About 60% of students get financial aid, with packages averaging $13,732.

Begin Today

Your path to a rewarding career helping others starts with picking the right Bachelor’s program in Human Services in Texas. Eight outstanding programs share common elements that make them excellent stepping stones for your future.

These programs give you plenty of options to choose from. You can focus on counseling, social work, community outreach, or substance abuse prevention – Texas universities have specialized tracks that match your career goals. On top of that, many schools offer flexible learning options. Look at LeTourneau’s accelerated 7-week online courses or Texas State’s quick 3.8-year average completion time.

The hands-on experience built into these programs gives you a big advantage. You’ll gain ground experience through field placements, internships, and capstone projects while putting your knowledge to work. This means you’ll graduate with both your degree and valuable experience employers want.

Texas offers strong career prospects for human services graduates. You can become anything from a mental health technician or case manager to a social worker or nonprofit leader. These degrees also work great as springboards to advanced studies if you want roles that need graduate-level credentials.

Money matters won’t hold you back. East Texas A&M helps with about 50% of students’ financial needs, and Texas A&M–San Antonio reports 97% of their students get some form of aid. Most schools offer plenty of scholarships, grants, and payment plans to help you afford your education.

Your perfect program depends on more than just the curriculum. Think about campus culture, location, specialty options, and student support services. Public and private schools have different tuition rates, but financial aid packages often bring down your actual costs.

Human services jobs keep growing all over Texas. The field just needs qualified professionals who know their stuff and care about people. Each program we looked at has its own strengths but shares one goal: getting you ready to make a real difference in people’s lives.