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Build professional skills that fit your career goals with a DHS
The Capella DHS is a flexible, online degree program designed to help you gain advanced knowledge of human services fundamentals. Our program specialization lets you focus on an area of the field you’ve chosen for your career.
DHS program overview
This program emphasizes both fundamental knowledge in human services and the practical skills to help you put that knowledge to work. It provides the opportunity to develop a professional, specialized skill set that can help prepare you to make an impact in today’s human services environment.
In the DHS program, your core courses help build a foundation of knowledge and strengthen your skills in key areas of human services. From there, you’ll move into the coursework for your chosen specialization to grow your expertise and advance toward your final project.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
View full admission requirements for each specialization: Leadership and Organizational Management
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
The total cost of your DHS program will depend on your scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.
With the Capella Tuition Cap, you always know the maximum total tuition you’ll pay for your degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Find detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for a DHS specialization: Leadership and Organizational Management.
Want to specialize further in DHS?
Every professional journey is different. A specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced expertise for the next phase of your career in human services.*
- Learning outcomes
- Career exploration
Leadership and Organizational Management
- Build effective human services organizations
- Learn to lead ethically to improve organizations and communities
- Apply audience-appropriate writing strategies to clearly communicate with multiple stakeholders
Leadership and Organizational Management
- Program specialist
- Program supervisor
- National field director
- Director of youth services
- Community development specialist
- Director of social services Director of outreach
- Program manager
- Director of advocacy
*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.
Which is better for a DHS – FlexPath or GuidedPath?
Your lifestyle and learning preferences will factor into choosing a path for your doctorate in human services. FlexPath gives you the freedom to set your own deadlines and complete coursework at your own pace, while GuidedPath offers a more structured approach with a fixed weekly schedule.
- Complete your assessments at your own pace
- Engage one-on-one with faculty to receive feedback
- Get support from coaches when you need it
- Pay one tuition fee per 12-week billing session; books, supplies and other fees apply
- Complete weekly assignments with preset deadlines
- Participate in weekly discussion posts with your classmates and faculty
- Connect with academic advisors to help keep you on track
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
Find out if FlexPath is right for you
Not sure about FlexPath or GuidedPath? Our Path Finder Quiz evaluates your learning style to help determine which learning format is better suited to your personal and professional goals.
Why choose the DHS program at Capella University?
Doctoral support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide and advise you through every step of your educational journey. From writing assistance to career planning and tech help, you’ll get support from coaches, mentors and tutors to help you work through your capstone courses.
Multidisciplinary approach
By collaborating with professionals in other fields, you’ll develop a holistic approach to planning and implementing strategic and effective practices within your community or organization.
Relevant applicable learning
Learn from our scholar-practitioner faculty, who are actively involved in their professions and can provide real-world insights on turning theory into practice. You’ll also engage in simulated on-the-job situations, which lets you practice what you learn in a realistic, controlled environment.