Trauma-Informed Practice, CAS

Contact:

Dyane Watson, Department Chair and Professor of Practice

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

315-443-6170

dkwatson@syr.edu

Description:

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Trauma-informed Practice is structured for students currently enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy or Masters of Social Work residential programs, or the Marriage and Family Therapy online program who intend to expand their knowledge and skills in the field of trauma response and intervention. The core courses and elective options address the theoretical foundations of trauma, as well as evidenced-based trauma-informed practice approaches and techniques.

Courses in the Trauma Informed Practice CAS may be delivered either residentially and/or through the distance education format and sections may be restricted or reserved for certain populations. Applicants are encouraged to contact their advisor and/or the MFT Department Chair for information regarding course offerings.

Please note, completion of the Advanced Certificate in Trauma-informed Practice program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure as a social worker, marriage and family therapist, or any other profession licensed under Title VIII of the Education Law, nor does it authorize a certificate holder to engage in those scope-restricted professions.

Admission:

Completed bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.4. Enrollment in the Marriage and Family Therapy or Masters of Social Work residential programs, or the Marriage and Family Therapy online program. GRE’s are not required.

Eligibility requirement: To be awarded a C.A.S., a student must be matriculated in the certificate program for at least one semester. Matriculation may not be backdated.

Financial Support

No financial aid is offered to students in the Trauma-informed CAS program.

Requirements

The curriculum includes two 3-credit courses, to be chosen from a group of five courses (Group A), and three 3-credit courses, to be chosen from a list of courses that include trauma-informed content (Group B).

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the differences between single-event trauma and complex trauma

2. Describe the historical context of the trauma field

3. Demonstrate knowledge and emerging skills in the area of assessment of complex trauma, including the use of various assessment tools

4. Demonstrate knowledge and emerging skills in the area of trauma-informed intervention, including the ability to match interventions appropriately to the type(s) of trauma experienced

5. Demonstrate an understanding of trauma-informed intervention for diverse populations

Program Requirements

Group A Courses (choose 2 course from this group):
MFT 603 - Introduction to Trauma Studies 3 credit(s)
MFT 643 - Family Therapy with Complex Trauma 3 credit(s)
SWK 738 - Core Concepts in Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents 3 credit(s)
SWK 740 - Treatment of Complex Trauma with Individuals 3 credit(s)
Group B Courses (choose 3 courses from this group):
MFT 642 - Therapy with LGBTQ Couples and Families 3 credit(s)
MFT 686 - Play Therapy with Children and Families 3 credit(s)
PHP 605 - Science and Practice of Mindfulness 3 credit(s)
SWK 682 - Introduction to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies 3 credit(s)
SWK 727 - Family Violence: Policy, Practice and Research 3 credit(s)
SWK 735 - Principles and Methods of Social Work Practice with Black Families 3 credit(s)
PHP 609 - The Impact of Addictions on Families and Relationships 3 credit(s)
OR
PHP 618 - Alcohol, Other Drugs, Sex and Gambling: Dynamics of Addiction 3 credit(s)
OR
MFT 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
OR
SWK 781 - Alcohol and Other Drugs in Human Service Settings 3 credit(s)
MFT 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)
OR
SWK 724 - Psychopathology 3 credit(s)

Total Credits: 15

Certificate Awarded:

Certificate of Advanced Study

Transfer Credit:

Per University Rules and Regulations, a maximum of three credits from a combination of transfer and/or external examinations/extra-institutional and experiential learning will be accepted toward a C.A.S.

Satisfactory Progress:

Per University Rules and Regulations, graduate students must earn a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree or certificate and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.