Overview
Ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference where it matters most? SUNY Oneonta’s online M.A. in Human Services will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills to navigate complex social challenges, advocate for diverse communities and create more effective human services. You can tailor the program to your interests and career goals by choosing one of two tracks: Community Organization and Leadership or Gerontology.
Who Should Apply
Working professionals in human services fields seeking to advance their careers
Adult learners who have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or a related major and are seeking a career change
Recent graduates or college seniors in psychology, sociology or a related bachelor’s degree programs who are interested in continuing their education
Department
Program Type
Area of Study
Delivery Mode
What You'll Learn
Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you will explore program evaluation, organizational leadership, advocacy and community engagement while building expertise in research, assessment and intervention strategies. With a focus on applied learning, the program integrates real-world case studies, fieldwork opportunities, and research projects to ensure graduates are prepared to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
A thesis is not required, but it is available as an option for students planning to undertake doctoral studies in human services or related fields. In this track, you will focus on an independent research topic and develop a research thesis under the guidance of a thesis chair and committee you select. Students not undertaking a thesis will complete capstone coursework emphasizing community-based learning opportunities.
Classes will be offered online in either 7.5- or 15-week increments and are asynchronous, with no "live" meeting times, so you can access readings and assignments on your own schedule and work at your own pace.
Program Details
Spring or Fall
Rolling: Apply anytime
1 year (three semesters)
$14,130 (NYS residents)
$16,950 (out-of-state residents)
Spring or Fall
Rolling: Apply anytime
1 year (three semesters)
$14,130 (NYS residents)
$16,950 (out-of-state residents)
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) enables you to leverage skills and knowledge acquired through life or work experience and apply it toward your degree. Up to 15 CPL credits (half of the total required) may be granted toward the Human Services M.A. Contact the Dean of Graduate Studies at GradSchool@oneonta.edu to inquire about qualifying CPL credits for this program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for roles in nonprofit and governmental organizations, social services, mental health agencies, advocacy groups and community development programs. Career opportunities include:
Requirements
Choose the track that interests you and see the list of required courses:
How to Apply
Submit your graduate application and the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Submit the following required materials:
- Have your previous school send us your transcript showing a B.A. or B.S degree in human services, social work, psychology, sociology or a related field with a GPA of at least a 2.8
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals and interest in human services
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Resume/CV
Accelerated Option for Undergraduate Students
Earn your bachelor’s AND your’ master’s degree in as little as 4.5 years! SUNY Oneonta students majoring in Sociology or related fields may apply to the accelerated program by their junior year unless you opt for a thesis pathway instead of the standard non-thesis option. If you qualify for this program, you will be able to complete a B.S. in Sociology or a related major (based on advising) in your senior year while simultaneously taking up to four graduate courses counting toward the M.A. during the spring semester.
You will receive your undergraduate diploma at the end of May, with four of the 10 required graduate courses completed. You will then continue in the graduate program, taking two courses in the summer, and finishing with four courses in the fall, unless you opt for a thesis pathway instead of the standard practicum. You will receive your graduate diploma at the conclusion of the fall term, in December.
Contact
Admission and Application
Welcome Center
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States
Program Specific Questions
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