Email Print

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services

School of Public Service Leadership

General Human Services specialization

The General Human Services PhD specialization is designed for professionals in a wide range of human services and health care fields who wish to advance their knowledge and careers, and contribute to the field through doctoral research. The core courses provide an overview of the human services field's most relevant content, including adult development, diversity, ethics, strategic planning, and the impact of today’s changing health care industry on human services. A wide range of elective courses provides you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of human services, such as counseling, family therapy, public safety, or social services. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing higher education faculty or human service leadership positions in social service, education, government, public safety, health care, and military organizations.

Concentration options: As part of this specialization, you can choose to earn a concentration in the following areas:

  • Fire Service Administration
  • Forensics
  • Homeland Security
  • Public Administration
  • Public Health

Contact an enrollment counselor for details.

Residency Requirements: Three three-day colloquia (PSL-R8921, PSL-R8922, PSL-R8923).

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
As a PhD learner, you will attend three three-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program, in addition to your online courses. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond. Learn more about residential colloquia:
Capella's Public Service Challenge

You make a difference in the lives of others.

Now we want to make a difference in yours.

Show us how you contribute and you could win a $10,000 Capella Scholarship.

Capella's Public Service Challenge

Comments on this specialization

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Next Start Date: September 13, 2010
Quarter - Coursework: $4,485
Up to 3 courses per quarter
Quarter - Comps/Diss: $3,945

78% of our learners receive aid.

Estimate your cost and aid now.

Photo of Capella University learner or alum Photo of Capella University learner or alum


Required Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS8002 - Advanced Research in Adult Human Development and Behavior
  • HS8120 - Families, Systems, and Health Care
  • HS8300 - Diversity in the Workplace
  • HS8502 - Health Care Strategic Planning and Management
  • HS8505 - Ethics and Decision Making in Health Care
  • HS8106 - Epistemology of Practice Knowledge
  • HS8100 - Fundamentals of Social Science Research*
  • HS8111 - Quantitative Research Methods in the Human Services*
  • HS8112 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
  • HS8113 - Advanced Study in Research Methods*
  • HS9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
  • HS9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • HS9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Fourteen Elective Courses

  • Choose any graduate courses.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions

Receive via email a full description of all Capella University courses.


Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD





Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs

Contact an Enrollment Counselor

Email Us

1.866.933.5976

Request a University Guide Start your admission application