20 Best PhD in Human Services

Located in West Lafayette, Ind., Purdue University is unique in that it actually has an airport on campus. Yes, you can fly directly to Purdue without needing to uber an hour from a regional airport. With a doctorate in organizational behavior and human resource management, you will be trained on how to create an effective organization and manage employees so you can lead your company toward success.

The 48-credit curriculum requires managerial skills coursework, research methods coursework, major coursework, and minor coursework. As part of the requirements, you will need to successfully pass the preliminary exam prior to completing your second year at PU. Additionally, you will submit and defend a dissertation proposal and defense toward the end of the program.

PU ranks No. 4 on the list of Best Production/Operations Management Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to PU, you must supply the office of admissions with two recommendation letters, transcripts, GRE scores, and a statement of purpose. If accepted, you will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher during your studies.

If you love snow, then you’ll love the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The Midwest university has an epic snowball fight every year on Bascom Hill that has become a tradition between competing dorms. Bring your trays and buckets and prepare to hurl snowballs at your fellow students in a friendly school tradition.

This doctorate degree in management and human resources will train students in five separate areas: organizational behavior, human resources, organization theory, entrepreneurship, and strategy. During the tenure of the program, you will work with faculty on research projects while also taking courses that will enhance your management and human resources skills.

Fifty-one semester credits are needed to complete the program with a minimum of 32-credits having to meet the residency requirement. During the coursework, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in the program. As part of the curriculum, you will enroll in 18-credits in research methods and statistics, complete a two-day preliminary exam, and prepare a dissertation defense.

UW ranks No. 13 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for admission and supply the university with GRE scores. 

Ohio State University has some of the most iconic alumni of any school, especially in athletics. It has graduated the likes of golfer Jack Nicklaus and the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Located in Columbus, it is one of the top universities in the nation. It currently sits at No. 4 on the list of Top Operation Management Programs in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

A doctorate in management and human resources will teach you how to understand, identify, and improve the effectiveness of HR practices and effectively manage different functions and activities in an organization. 

Eighty-credits are required to be completed before earning your PhD. There are five separate categories of the curriculum process. Twenty-one credits must be completed from seminars, 12 credits from statistics courses, 12 credits from outside disciplines, 20 elective credits, and 15 dissertation credits. You will also need to complete an assistantship during your first two years, write a research paper, complete an examination, and independently teach one course.

All applicants are required to take the GRE and submit all documentation required by the office of admissions. Getting into OSU as a postgraduate student is extremely competitive, so be sure to put a lot of effort into the application process and your entrance essay.

Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is one of the top 10 oldest universities in the U.S. Its New Brunswick campus in New Jersey is one of the more popular RU campuses and is represented by students from 115 different countries and all 50 U.S. states. With a doctorate in industrial relations and human resources, you will further analyze the dynamic global economy and study employment relationships and how they impact organizations, workers, and society.

The 72-credit curriculum includes a six-credit master’s thesis (if not already completed) and an 18-credit doctoral thesis, which will be completed during the final two years of the program. Many of the credits will require seminars, fieldwork, a dissertation, and research methods in the field. Nine of the credits will also touch on advanced-level statistics and elective coursework.

RUNB ranks No. 22 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. A terminal master’s degree is not required for admission into the program. Along with the application, you will be required to submit two official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores from within the last five years, a 500-word personal statement, a writing sample, and a resume.

Texas Tech University is one of the biggest campuses in the country. Located in Lubbock, the campus covers nearly 2,000 acres of land! It is also the home school of Super Bowl-winning quarterback and MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

A doctorate in family and consumer science education is available in both an online and hybrid format. The PhD prepares you for a leadership role in higher education and professional institutions. As part of the program, you will work with a faculty member who will serve as your mentor and help guide you through the coursework and projects. 

The 72-credit curriculum includes courses such as Techniques of Supervision, History and Philosophy, Curriculum Development, and Special Topics: Critical Science.

As part of the application process, you must submit a professional vitae, which is a multi-page resume that gives an extensive listing of all your experiences and skills. You will also need to submit a written statement of professional goals, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and official transcripts. An interview is also required with a department faculty member.

Many inventions have come out of the University of Illinois, including Wrigley Gum, Tide, Pantene, Kleenex, Cascade, Cottonelle, and Cheerios. Included in that list is the website YouTube, which was engineered by UI students. The Urbana-Champaign campus is the home campus for UI and offers a doctorate in human resources. This program provides in-depth and advanced studies in employment relations, focusing on work practices and organizational performance as well as behaviors that drive workplace success.

The curriculum includes anywhere from 48 to 64 hours. Additionally, two of the courses must come from outside of the discipline, and electives and theory courses in a social science discipline must be approved by the college. Additionally, you will need to take a one-year sequence in statistics as well as courses that focus on industrial relations theory and human resources theory.UIUC ranks No. 14 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you are admitted to UIUC after earning your bachelor’s degree, you must complete your master’s degree within four semesters of your initial enrollment. For all admissions questions, you can contact an admissions counselor or attend one of the information sessions that the university holds throughout the year.

You may love the Midwest and glorious scenic campuses like the University of Minnesota, but might be concerned about walking outside and going to classes with below-zero temperatures. Not to worry. UM has skyways, underground walkways, and tunnels that connect buildings, so you don’t have to freeze to death commuting on foot. 

The Twin Cities campus is located in Minneapolis and offers postgraduate students the opportunity to study for a doctorate in OLPD human resources development. This degree will train students on how to increase productivity in the workplace and how to communicate and manage complex social environments.

The 72-credit curriculum can be completed in three to five years. The program will culminate with a 24-credit thesis that must be taken after you successfully complete the preliminary oral examination. This thesis will need to be taken over two terms.

UM ranks No. 27 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. You will need to have a master’s degree to be eligible for admission and have a graduate GPA of at least a 3.4. The office of admission also mandates that GRE scores be submitted along with your application and transcripts.

The home of the Hoosiers, Indiana University in Bloomington is the perfect school if you love college basketball. The school lives and breathes it during the season, and it is one of the most exciting environments to be a part of come home games.

A doctorate in organizational behavior and human resources management will teach you not just leadership techniques and strategies towards making an organization run smoothly, you will also study behavior patterns in work settings that focus on explaining, predicting, evaluating, and influencing human behavior within an organization. The doctorate will also study developing and implementing a strong staff and managing compensation and labor issues.

The curriculum entails three phases towards completion of the degree. The first phase focuses on satisfying all prerequisite courses and core courses needed to move on to the major itself. The second phase includes courses in the major, any minor courses needed to be taken, methods and analysis courses, and a teaching developmental component. The final phase focuses on the dissertation and proposal defense.

The office of admissions requires you to submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, GRE scores, and transcripts as part of the documentation needed with the application.

Studying a doctorate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago gives you the chance to learn new and advanced content in one of the biggest cities in the world. A doctorate in business administration with an emphasis in human resource management will allow you to research and study organizational behavior in an organization and learn how to handle all the complex challenges occupying the workplace today.

The five-year program requires a preliminary exam and a dissertation during the final two years. During your final year of dissertation, you will teach a course and produce a proposal defense. The first two years of coursework will require electives, seminars, statistics courses, and research methods courses. You will also complete a qualifying research paper during your first two years of studying.

UIC ranks No. 60 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Applicants must meet all the prerequisite required baccalaureate work and supply the office of admissions with three letters of recommendation, a 500-word personal statement, GRE scores, a writing sample, and official transcripts. To be eligible, you will be required to have at least a 3.0 in your final 60 hours of coursework.

Studying at the Anschutz Medical Campus at the University of Colorado Denver gives you beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains in Aurora, Colorado. If you love to ski and experience beautiful views, you will love this school. It provides postgraduate students with a doctorate in education and human development, which trains you to work in institutions of all levels and learn professional development strategies.

The 75-credit curriculum begins each fall and provides concentrations in seven different disciplines. As part of the coursework, you will be required to satisfy 12 credits in foundational courses, 18 credits in research methods, 18 credits in your concentration area, and 27 credits in your dissertation. As part of the foundational courses, you will study instruction in higher education, epistemology,learning, and equity and diversity.

As part of the admissions requirements, you must hold a master’s degree and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing rigorous research. Along with the application, you are to submit a statement of purpose that discusses your reason for furthering your education, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a current resume, and GRE scores. You will also be asked to complete an interview with a department member.

The University of Pittsburgh is home to the second-largest university building in the world! The Cathedral of Learning is so famous that it actually has been in several films, including “Sorority Row”, “Wonder Boys”, and “Mothman Prophecies.”

A doctorate in organizational behavior and human resource management focuses on key focal issues related to the management of work in organizations. It studies the role of social responsibility and behavior and how that can drive overall success. It also looks at a variety of societal influences toward impacting an organization.

Eighteen overall courses will need to be completed, followed by a full-time dissertation during the final two years of the program. This program will also include: an exploration of critical thinking, a thorough examination of research methods, a research paper with faculty guidance, a dive into major concentrations, a comprehensive independent study, and service as a teacher assistant.

UP ranks No. 18 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. You will need to have completed a graduate degree and meet the satisfactory score requirement for your GRE. Additional documents needed with your application include official transcripts, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Located 135 miles north of New York City, SUNY Albany has over 1,200 world-class faculty who have real-world experience in the subjects they teach. Ranked No. 68 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report, it offers a doctorate in educational policy and leadership. This degree prepares you to manage and administer policy at educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

The 69-credit program requires you to enroll in pre-core courses, core courses, research sequence courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and support discipline courses. Concentrations are offered in educational policy; global and comparative educational policy; higher education; and school leadership. 

As part of the support discipline requirement, you will need to take four or more classes in philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology, and political science. There is also the opportunity to study abroad and take advantage of SUNY’s international research education program.

As part of the admissions requirements, you will need to submit official transcripts from all institutions you attended, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement of goals, a resume, an educational leadership essay, and GRE scores. The program also offers internships and clinical experience opportunities that can fulfill postgraduate credit requirements.

Michigan State University has a truly decorated list of alumni, including NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, actor James Caan, and entrepreneur Eli Broad. Earning a doctorate in human resources and labor relations will give you the advanced skills you need to effectively communicate with employees and manage relationships in the workplace. You will learn to engage and analyze complex labor issues and implement successful problem-solving techniques.

As part of the curriculum, you will need to incorporate five courses from other disciplines into your studies and research. The guidelines also require a comprehensive examination assessing your skills at the end of the program, an independent paper demonstrating scholarly competence, and a dissertation that contributes to the field. As part of the successful completion of the program, you must demonstrate full mastery of research methodologies and statistical methods.

MSU ranks No. 34 on the list of Top Public Universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you wish to apply to MSU, you are required to have a graduate degree and submit to the office of admissions your GRE scores, official sealed transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a writing sample, and a personal statement.

Located in Hattiesburg, Miss., the University of Southern Mississippi has an impressive alumni list that includes Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, singer Jimmy Buffett, and famous chef Cat Cora. A doctorate degree in human capital development will teach you the essential tools you need to improve performance in your organization using the talents of your employees. 

The primary focus of the curriculum is to enhance your knowledge in change leadership, human capital analytics, organizational culture, performance improvement, and workforce development. Courses are eight weeks in length and are taught through a hybrid method, providing a mixture of online coursework with on-campus training. You will enroll in 12 core credits, 15 elective credits, and 27 research core credits. The program will culminate with a dissertation as part of the research core requirement.

In order to be eligible, you are required to have at least a 3.5 GPA in your graduate coursework and have an above-average GRE score. Along with your application, you will need to submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of qualification that specifies areas of interest and career goals. This statement should be three to five pages in length and be double-spaced. All general prerequisite course requirements must all also be met.

Arizona State University is one of the most diverse schools in the nation. More than 150 countries represent the student population at ASU. The Tucson campus offers a doctorate of behavioral health with a clinical or management emphasis. 

The purpose of the postgraduate degree is to prepare future health managers for the challenges that lie ahead in the rapidly-changing medical marketplace. You will learn about the challenges related to medicine as well as how to be a successful health care administrator. 

The 84-credit curriculum includes 14 classes, with each class lasting seven-and-a-half weeks in length. As part of the core course requirement, you will enroll in classes such as Quality and Performance Measurement, Behavioral Health Entrepreneurship, and Population Based Health Management. You will also need to satisfy concentration credits, elective credits, an internship, and an applied project, which culminates the program.

If you are interested in applying to ASU, you must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution and have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 in your last 60-hours of coursework. Additionally, you will need to supply the office of admissions with a personal statement, an updated resume, one letter of recommendation, and official transcripts. The university also requires a video interview to be conducted as part of the admissions process.

Located in Pasadena, California, Saybrook University was established to challenge the idea that humans needed to be broken down into different parts and separated from the rest of the world to be understood. By being a part of SU, you will be part of a school whose mission is to help students achieve their full potential and achieve success after graduation.

A doctorate in transformational social change will prepare you to acquire the necessary skills to be a successful policy advocate and leader in a nonprofit organization. It develops your skills in areas such as human rights, community building, peace, the environment, and social justice.

The program requires you to complete 68 to 83 credits of coursework. You will enroll in 14 research course credits, 30 to 42 core credits (which includes a dissertation), 12 to 15 transformational social change credits, and 12 elective credits. Courses are interactive and can be taken online.

SU does not require its applicants to submit GRE scores for review. If you wish to apply to SU, you will need to have a master’s degree and meet all the documentation requirements laid out by the office of admissions. For questions regarding the application, contact an admissions counselor on the SU website.

Located in San Diego, Ashford University ranks No. 9 on the list of Top PhD/Doctorate Programs in Organizational Leadership Online, according to CollegeValuesOnline.com. This doctorate in human services will develop your leadership skills, so you can guide human services organizations in the right direction.

The 62-credit program curriculum includes 33 core credits, three research credits, 11 capstone and dissertation credits, and 15 specialization course credits. The program requires that you maintain a 3.0 GPA during the tenure of the program and complete an in-residence workshop. 

Courses can be taken online and last six to nine weeks in length. Specializations can be chosen in mental health administration, nonprofit management, and standard human services. Core courses will focus primarily on human services and organizational leadership.

AU mandates that all applicants meet three levels of admissions requirements in order to be fully admitted to the school: conditional, provisional, and full. As part of the conditional requirements, you must provide proof of a master’s degree from an accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 3.0 in your studies. For all other requirement conditions, visit the AU website for information or contact an AU counselor.

Concordia University in Chicago is a private university with just over 6,000 students enrolled. The online doctorate in health and human performance will prepare you for leadership roles in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, human performance, and other related disciplines. Each class is eight weeks in length and is asynchronous, allowing you to work at your own pace.

The 69-credit curriculum is interdisciplinary and has small class sizes, averaging 15 students per class. You will be required to take 30 credits in the health and human performance specialization, 18 credits in research and statistics, 12 credits in foundational courses, and nine credits devoted towards your dissertation. You will also be required to complete a comprehensive examination prior to earning a degree. Most students are able to complete the program in three to four years on a full-time track.CUC ranks No. 72 on the list of Best Regional Universities Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. In order to be eligible for admission, you are required to hold a master’s degree in health science, exercise science, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, you will need to submit a copy of your GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a resume, and official transcripts.