Offered through the Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Trauma-Informed Practice is structured for clinicians, mental health professionals, and practitioners from allied disciplines to expand their knowledge and skills in the field of trauma response and intervention. Trauma-informed practice is based on an understanding of the vulnerabilities or triggers of trauma survivors that traditional service delivery approaches may exacerbate so that these services and programs can be more supportive and avoid re-traumatization.
The core courses and elective options in the CAS in Trauma-Informed Practice address the theoretical foundations of trauma in all of its forms, as well as evidencedbased approaches and techniques. According to the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC), trauma is not limited to experiences of violence, but includes physical, sexual and institutional abuse, neglect, intergenerational trauma, and disasters that induce powerlessness, fear, recurrent hopelessness, and a constant state of alert. The Falk College’s comprehensive CAS program includes focus on trauma related to dehumanizing, shocking or terrifying singular or multiple compounding events over time, including betrayal of a trusted person or institution and a loss of safety.
Completion of the Advanced Certificate 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.
Unique Program Features
Trauma-informed care provides a way for different agencies and groups to come together around a common concern. In a traumainformed framework, prevention programs, human services, government agencies, and civic groups work together to create healthier, safer, more healing and more productive communities. As individuals, groups, and organizations become aware of trauma and its consequences, new forms of collaboration emerge and people work together to prevent violence and trauma and to respond effectively when it does occur.
The CAS in Trauma-Informed Practice is interdisciplinary, offering students in one academic program the opportunity to take courses in other related academic areas (visit coursecatalog.syr.edu). Additionally, courses are taught by faculty from different departments, exposing students to a broad array of perspectives and approaches. Many of the classes offer applied knowledge such that students will learn how to both be aware of trauma and how to work with it in the field.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
According to the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, this field has reached a tipping point. While interest grew steadily from 2005 to 2010, there is currently an unprecedented interest in trauma-informed care and a need for it. Trauma-Informed Care is a fundamental framework for behavioral health systems nationwide today.
However, this increasing interest in and need for trauma-informed care takes place in an environment where there are not enough trained mental health professionals to meet the demand. The improvement of care and the transformation of systems of care depend entirely on a workforce that is adequate in size and effectively trained and supported.
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice will help address the extraordinary need for mental health and related services to trauma victims and their families, and will help address the significant shortage of trauma-informed practitioners in the mental health workforce by creating a steady volume of appropriately educated and trained professionals.
Course Requirements and Electives
The CAS in Trauma-Informed Practice requires completion of 15 credits of graduate study, including three required courses and two electives. All courses for the CAS are part of graduate degree programs offered through the Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as its School of Social Work and Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition. Graduate students enrolled at Syracuse University will be eligible to apply for admission to the CAS track, as will mental health and allied professionals.
Required courses span topics including trauma studies, family therapy, applied neuroscience in human services and treatment of complex trauma with individuals. Elective courses include areas such as violence, trauma and bullying, trauma treatment for children and adolescents, play therapy, dynamics of addiction, stress reduction and psychopathology, among others.
Admissions Requirements
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice is open to current graduate students at Syracuse University, current graduate students at other universities, and practicing mental health and allied professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement. Admissions requirements for this program also include TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.
Admissions Contact Information
Office of College Admissions
David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
(315) 443-5555
Falk@syr.edu