Child Advocacy (Certificate)
Child abuse and neglect continue to be among society's most pressing and preventable problems. For this reason, child advocates–trained professionals committed to the well-being of children–are in high demand. However, at present, many individuals working in this capacity are self-proclaimed child advocates. That is, they are dedicated to helping improve the life quality of children but do not have specialized training in the complex dynamics of child abuse and neglect. Increasingly, child advocacy also extends beyond protection to other domains of children's lives, spanning multiple systems, including education, mental health and juvenile justice. To effectively advocate in these areas, it is necessary to have an understanding of the child serving systems.
The Graduate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy offers both online and on-campus options and is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of the role of the child advocate as seen through the disciplines of law, social work and psychology. This unique perspective, encompassing these three areas of learning, equips graduates with the training that will enhance their skills in a variety of settings. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, students may transfer all 15 credits towards the Master of Arts in Child Advocacy, in accordance with all related graduate policy.
Along with the Child Advocacy (Certificate), the following options are available for graduate study: Child Advocacy and Policy (MA), Child Advocacy and Policy (MA) – ONLINE, and Child Advocacy, Public Child Welfare Concentration (MA). Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.

