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Trauma and Bereavement (Graduate Certificate)

Trauma and Bereavement (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Trauma and Bereavement (Graduate Certificate)

Counselor, GRIEF, Social Work, counseling, death, dying

Are you committed to helping others heal from grief, trauma and crisis? Do you wish to develop the confidence to support others through crisis intervention? Build on your skills as you strive to be an engaged and empathetic mental health professional.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Trauma and Bereavement (certificate)

There is a growing need in society for health care workers and clinicians to be better prepared to help clients and patients experiencing trauma.

The School of Social Work graduate certificate program in trauma and bereavement provides students with enhanced knowledge about grief responses and the effects of trauma. Students have opportunities to research an often under-explored topic while helping transform the sociopolitical management of grief, traumatic losses and end-of-life issues in contemporary society.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (6 credit hours)
SWG 576 War and Disaster (3)
SWG 577 Traumatic Death: Theory, Counseling and Practice (3)

Restricted Electives (3 credit hours)
SWG 559 Spirituality and the Helping Professions (3)
SWG 655 Quality of Life, Mastering Mindfulness (3)
SWG 690 Reading and Conference (3)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
SWG 541 Field Practicum I (3) and SWG 542 Field Practicum II (3) or
SWG 584 Internship (6) or
SWG 641 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice I (3) and SWG 642 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice II (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For restricted electives, students choose one of the three course options listed above for three credit hours.

Students must complete one of the practicums and internship options from the Other Requirements list. Courses are selected in consultation with an advisor. Field practicums and internships must be preapproved with the academic unit. If selected, enrollment in SWG 584 Internship is for three credit hours and taken twice.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in fields such as psychology, sociology and social work.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. resume
  5. School of Social Work certificate application
  6. three references
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.

The personal statement, resume, School of Social Work certificate application (available on the department website), and three references (forms available on the department webpage) should be submitted to the School of Social Work.

The personal statement must be two to four pages, double-spaced; additional guidelines are listed on the application.

No more than two certificate courses may be completed before applying for admission to the certificate program.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions.
  • Apply professional values and ethics during the advanced direct practice internship.
Career opportunities

This graduate certificate program in trauma and bereavement prepares individuals to work in the field of death and dying, as well as with patients experiencing trauma and bereavement, in clinical, organizational and administrative settings.

Career examples include:

  • crisis response team member or leader
  • hospice or chaplaincy worker
  • medical or premed professional
  • therapist or counselor
Contact information

School of Social Work | UCENT 800
sswgradcerts@asu.edu
602-496-0800

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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