Master of Human Services Administration

Become an integral leader within your organization.

Antioch’s Master’s degree in Human Services Administration (MHSA) prepares service-minded practitioners who seek the skills and knowledge to lead in organizations where they can help have a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether you want to advance your current career or pursue a role as an executive director, grant writer, or program manager, our master’s degree program could help you meet your educational goals. Social service agencies, like many other institutions, are experiencing a shortage of qualified leaders as existing staff retire. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This degree is offered by AU Online.

Program Overview

Classes offered within the MHSA program challenge and prepare leaders to think creatively. Students learn human resources development, agency funding strategies, how to manage diverse populations of employees and clients, and how to improve and expand the quality of service in a variety of fields, from social service organizations to nonprofits to human resources. This program incorporates a blend of management studies and human development courses to help you effectively lead, manage, and meaningfully interact with others in your organization and community. Our MHSA program is designed for busy adults.

  • 100% asynchronous online learning with 24/7 access to your class and resources
  • One course at a time – balance work, college, and family – because all aspects of your life matter
  • Faculty are active practitioners and engaged in your learning
  • GMAT and GRE scores are accepted but not required.

Online MHSA Degree Requirements

Program Length:
  • 33-semester credit program completely online
  • Classes begin every 7 weeks, with multiple entry points
  • At one course per term, earn your degree within two years

With six entry points each year, you never have to wait long to start your graduate studies.

Take your next step – talk to our admissions team.









Explore Our Anytime Open House

Get to know our Master of Human Services Administration (MHSA) degree program by viewing the brief videos below.

In the 2-minute video on the right, Dr. Mary Ann Short, Chair of the MHSA program, provides her personal reflections on MHSA students and MHSA program content.

Additional Program Details

Triple-bottom line thinking is an approach we’ve been perfecting for over 165 years. Antioch’s first president, Horace Mann, was a nationally known abolitionist and social reformer. Antioch was an early adopter of progressive and innovative education – a philosophy that resonates today.

Antioch University’s faculty are active practitioners in their field. They are engaged and present throughout the class. Video, audio, guest speakers, and other tools keep things vibrant and moving forward.

Students engage and interact with each other throughout the courses. Classmates are encouraged to get to know one another, share personal experiences, and network.

Students in this program participate in online learning activities organized within small- and large-group learning communities. Antioch University Online is a 100% online learning environment, and therefore, in addition to having traditional learning skills, students are expected to have basic technological skills, compatible computer hardware, operating system, and internet connectivity upon entrance into the program. LEARN MORE

Human Services Administration requires broad and relevant knowledge and skills that enable and promote service delivery to a range of individuals and communities. Shared competencies among service providers create a framework for training and preparing professionals to meet the needs of diverse communities. The Master of Human Services Administration competency areas are:

  • Systems and Strategic Thinking (ST) – Explore conceptual framework and language to explain the complexity of organizational systems.
  • Self-Development (SD) – Develop clarity of and commitment to one’s leadership mission and values and the skills to put mission and values into practice.
  • Collaboration and Group Dynamics (CGD) – Create a common mission, vision, values, and norms, finding common ground while respecting and incorporating human differences.
  • Financial Management (FM) – Exercise and apply strategies to manage the internal financial controls, including accounting, financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, and donor systems, and establish strong systems of donor stewardship.
  • Human Resource Development (HRD) – Evaluate and develop strategies to achieve strategic organizational goals while supporting employee development and success.
  • Research and Information Design (RID) – Evaluate and apply skills of gathering, organizing, and interpreting information and metrics to promote sustainable systems, make informed organizational decisions, and mitigate risk.
  • Purposeful Systemic Change (CHNG) – Exercise appropriate leadership to identify and promote organizational development and continuous improvement efforts to transform organizational structures, processes, and culture.

Hear Directly From Our Students

Hear from our students as they answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Why should I choose this program?

Asynchronous, Remote Learning

How do you connect with faculty?

Concentrated Learning: 3-Semester-Unit Class in 7 Weeks

Building Bonds: Online Student Community

Is the technology user-friendly?

More Questions

What are the most valuable lessons you have learned?
How did this degree impact my current position?
How do you balance priorities?
What advice do you have for new students?
Meet some of our graduates

Admissions

How to Apply

Antioch University particularly seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to building a student population diverse in gender, ethnicity, age, class, physical abilities, learning styles, sexual orientation, professional backgrounds, religious backgrounds, and community experiences.

  1. Online Application (No Application fee) 
  2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants who have not finished their degree must do so before the first day of their desired start term.
  3. Current resume.
  4. GMAT scores are accepted but not required.
  5. Essay: Please describe your personal and professional goals, why you are interested in this program, and how it will help you achieve your goals. Why is this the right time for you?
  6. Additional requirements for international students:
    • Reading & Writing in English Proficiency Assessment (if applicable) or TOEFL score of 550 “paper-based,” 214 “computer-based,” and 79 “internet-based” or higher.

Please submit all materials to: Antioch University Admissions Office 900 Dayton Street, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 –OR– [email protected]. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.

Deadlines

SemesterApplication DeadlinesStart Date
Fall BOctober 18October 21
Spring AJanuary 3January 6
Spring BFebruary 28March 3
Summer A 2025May 1May 5
Summer B 2025June 25June 30
Fall A 2025August 21August 25
Fall B 2025October 18October 20
Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details.

Cost and Aid

Tuition
ProgramCost
Master in Human Services Administration (MHSA)$614 per semester hour
MA in Nonprofit Management$614 per semester hour
Master of Business Administration$614 per semester hour
View the Cost of Attendance Components
Financial Aid

Many AU students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AU.

Start your Antioch Journey

Take your next step – talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.