A Health and Human Services Degree: How to Help Others and Change the World

What Is a Health and Human Services Degree?

You want to help people. You want to make the world a little bit better. But how? There are so many problems, and the world seems so large. Where do you even start? How about right here in your own community? Earning a health and human services degree can equip you with the skills and knowledge to empower positive change, one person at a time. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of pursuing this degree path, from gaining a deeper understanding of social issues to opening doors for meaningful careers. You’ll learn how health and human services professionals walk alongside vulnerable populations, advocate for the marginalized, and connect people with resources. If helping others is your passion, keep reading to discover how this degree can help you live out your purpose and create change.

Why Pursue a Career in Health and Human Services?

A health and human services degree prepares you for a career helping others through social services, community outreach, public policy, and healthcare. There are many paths to choose from. You could provide direct patient care as a nurse, therapist or social worker. Or take an administrative role coordinating services and programs. Some degrees focus on public health education or shaping health policies and legislation.  

With a health and human services degree, you’ll gain knowledge in sociology, psychology, ethics and public policy. You’ll learn how to assess people’s needs, connect them with resources and navigate complex healthcare and social support systems.  

Many career opportunities exist in both government and private organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare and social assistance are projected to grow by nearly 20% over the next decade.  A health and human services degree can open doors to meaningful work improving lives and strengthening communities. The specific role you play depends on your interests, values and the types of populations you want to serve.

Do you want to advocate for disadvantaged groups or promote wellness on a broader scale?  Are you drawn to hands-on caregiving or shaping policies and programs? A health and human services degree provides a solid foundation for various career paths. With the right experience and advanced education, you can find work at many levels, from entry-level support staff to leadership roles as a director or executive.

The work isn’t easy, but for the right person, a career in health and human services can be profoundly rewarding. You get to make a real difference in people’s lives and help build a healthier, more just and equitable society. For many, that’s worth the challenges and sacrifices. If you want to empower change and help others reach their full potential, this could be the right field for you.

Health and Human Services Degree Programs and Career Paths

Help Others in Meaningful Ways

A career in health and human services allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives every single day. Whether you’re a social worker helping families in crisis, a healthcare administrator improving access to medical care, or a public health educator promoting wellness, you have the opportunity to help others in meaningful ways.  

Job Security and Growth

Careers in health and human services are in high demand and that demand is only projected to increase over the next decade.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in healthcare, social services, and public health are expected to grow by 10-30% between 2020 to 2030.  This level of growth means that health and human services degrees can lead to stable, well-paying jobs with opportunities for career advancement.

Work in a Field You Care About

For many, a career in health and human services is a calling.  If you’re passionate about helping others, promoting social justice or public health, or making a difference in your community, health and human services could be the right field for you.  Pursuing work you find meaningful and impactful leads to higher job satisfaction and motivation.  

A degree in health and human services opens the door to a world of opportunity.  You can help improve people’s lives, find a stable and growing career, and work in a field you care deeply about.  While the work isn’t always easy, the rewards of empowering change and promoting well-being are well worth the effort.