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The Master of Human Services Leadership (MAHSL) at School of Adult Learning and Education (SACE) represents the next evolution of our established Master of Human Services (MAHS) program. MAHSL is designed to meet the growing need for visionary, ethical, and effective leaders in the human services field. Building on a strong foundation of service, advocacy, and community engagement, the MAHSL prepares graduates to lead organizations, influence systems, and drive meaningful changes in diverse communities. The MAHSL program will enhance the change agent in graduates to lead effectively within today’s complex human services environment.
This updated program emphasizes leadership development, strategic thinking, and practical application, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex social challenges and guide teams with confidence and compassion. Through a blend of theory and real-world experience, students will deepen their understanding of human services while gaining the tools to shape policy, improve service delivery, and promote equity and inclusion.
Whether you are advancing your current career or stepping into a new leadership role, the MAHSL program at School of Adult Learning and Education (SACE) are empowered to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact. MAHSL will motivate you to LEARN, LIBERATE and LEAD with a perseverance.
The Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership (HSL) Program (replaces MAHS) and is designed for working adults to help them conceptualize real world challenges and enable them to engage creatively and strategically with the communities and agencies they serve. This dynamic and transformative leadership program offers a robust curriculum that is devoted to preparing human services workers to initiate and manage change as well as advocate for those populations that have been traditionally marginalized. The HSL Program uses social justice, intersectional, and integrative perspectives that give students an opportunity to learn how to recognize and confront social inequities and systemic oppression by formulating and evaluating relevant policies. In addition, the program enhances students’ leadership skills by inviting them to critically reflect upon their own strengths, weaknesses, and experiences when it comes to navigating systemic change. This interdisciplinary program includes courses that prepare students to be professionally agile by exposing them to a variety of theoretical and experiential human services models. The Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership degree requires 36 hours of academic credit, a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (B) or better and can be completed in three full-time semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
The mission of the program is to enhance the academic, administrative, and mental health service delivery capacity of students in the field of human services by teaching them the skills to lead sensitive conversations within their agencies and communities. Moreover, the program aims to empower, educate, respect, and improve the quality of important relationships in constituents’ lives through training and research.
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSL 610 | Grant Writing and Fundraising for Human Services Practitioners | 3 |
| HSL 611 | Inclusionary Politics, Social Justice, and Leadership | 3 |
| HSL 612 | Human Development Theories and Application | 3 |
| HSL 613 | Leading Ethically | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSL 620 | Restorative Justice, Conflict Mediation, and Negotiation | 3 |
| HSL 621 | Organizational Leadership and Consultation in Human Services | 3 |
| HSL 622 | Applied Research Methods | 3 |
| HSL 623 | Non-Profit Management, Leadership, and Social Enterprise | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSL 630 | Leading Conversations about Addictions and Compulsive Behavior | 3 |
| HSL 631 | Human Resource Management and Consultation for Nonprofit Professionals | 3 |
| HSL 632 | Evaluating Social Policy and Program Development | 3 |
| HSL 633 | Special Topics in Human Service Leadership (Capstone) | 3 |
Applicants must possess an earned B.A., B.S., BHS, or BSW degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education in human services or a related field (e.g., sociology, psychology, or criminal justice, social work, etc.) and have graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75 or better. Applicants must also have at least one year of volunteer or paid work experience in the human services field. Special consideration will be given to those who are currently working in a full-time supervisory or administrative position in a human services agency (or in special circumstances an approved intern position) to be eligible for admission consideration
Graduates of the MAHSL program have obtained employment in various fields such as:
Common Career Titles:
Key Employer Types:
APPLY TO MASTER OF ARTS IN HUMAN SERVICES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
DELIVERY: Face-to-Face Instructional delivery
ACCELERATED or TRADITIONAL: Accelerated
SCHEDULE: Saturday and Evening Classes
LENGTH: 3 Semesters
PROGRAM CREDITS: 36 Credits
ENROLLMENT CYCLES: Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 15 (Fall) and November 15 (Spring)
The HSL Program uses social justice, intersectional, and integrative perspectives that gives students an opportunity to learn how to recognize and confront social inequities and systemic oppression by formulating and evaluating relevant policies. In addition, the program enhances students’ leadership skills by inviting them to critically reflect upon their own strengths, weaknesses, and experiences when it comes to navigating systemic change. This interdisciplinary program includes courses that prepare students to be professionally agile by exposing them to a variety of theoretical and experiential human services models. The Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership degree requires 36 hours of academic credit, a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (B) or better, and can be completed in three full-time semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
After completing this program and earning your Master of Arts in Human Services Leadership degree, you will be able to:
Mary Lee, Class of 2019
Degree: Master of Arts in Human Services
My journey with Lincoln University has been truly life-changing. I am proud to be a graduate of both the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Human Services, and I can honestly say that choosing Lincoln University was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Before transferring to Lincoln, I attended another university where I often felt like just a student ID number rather than a person. There was little sense of connection or belonging. My husband earned his Master's degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, and as I watched his experience unfold, I became intrigued by the supportive environment and opportunities he described. After much prayer and reflection, I decided to make a change and enroll at Lincoln University's School of Adult and Continuing Education (SACE).
From the moment I arrived, I knew I had found my academic home. At SACE; you are not just another student, you are family. Professors, staff, and fellow students know you by name and genuinely care about your success. The faculty are knowledgeable, accessible, and invested in helping students reach their fullest potential. Their encouragement and support inspired me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. Lincoln University provides an environment where student success comes first. The opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and academic achievement are abundant. Beyond earning a degree, I gained confidence, leadership skills, lifelong relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Today, being recognized as a Lincoln alumna is both an honor and a privilege. I am proud to be part of a legacy rooted in excellence, resilience, and service. The Lincoln experience extends far beyond the classroom it transforms lives.
To anyone considering furthering their education, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore Lincoln University and SACE. If you are looking for a place where you will be supported, challenged, valued, and known by your name, not your number, Lincoln University is the place for you.
"Lincoln University did more than help me earn my degrees; it gave me a community, a purpose, and a place to call home.” At Lincoln University and SACE, I discovered what every student deserves: to be known, supported, and valued—not as a number, but as a person."
Applicants must possess an earned B.A., B.S., BHS, or BSW degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education in human services or a related field (e.g., sociology, psychology, or criminal justice, social work, etc.) and have graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.75 or better. Applicants must also have at least one year of volunteer or paid work experience in the human services field. Special consideration will be given to those who are currently working in a full-time supervisory or administrative position in a human services agency (or in special circumstances an approved intern position) to be eligible for admission consideration.
Applicants must submit:
The MAHSL program accepts up to six graduate school credits in the fields of Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or other approved disciplines from an accredited institution, providing each course is completed with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Lincoln University’s tuition and fees are set annually by the university and remain affordable and competitive.
2025–2026 Academic Year
Learn more about tuition and fees online.
Discover federal and state financial aid options that may be available online.
You are strongly encouraged to upload your supplemental documents to the student portal. You may also email documents to sace@lincoln.edu or mail to:
Lincoln University
School of Adult and Continuing Education
Attention: Office of Admissions
3020 Market Street, Fourth Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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