The Undergraduate Certificate in Victims and Victim Services applies a multi-faceted approach to higher education that enhances analytical thinking and inclusive, relevant approaches to learning and the development of professional skills; and focuses on specific, yet comprehensive, substantive areas of law enforcement that students can apply to their current or future careers in the field.
Students completing the certificate program will have the knowledge and skills to evaluate, manage and respond to a variety of situations and issues that professionals in fields related to victims and victim services face. Specifically, they will possess technical, analytic, substantive and ethical proficiencies that will facilitate their professional interactions and development. They will understand the different environments and contexts in which victim advocates and other professionals in this field, and related ones, carry out their responsibilities.
Program requirements
Required courses
Students must complete all of the required courses below, totaling 12 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog.
Elective courses
In addition to the required courses listed above, students must complete 6 credit hours of elective courses. There are two elective categories: "Violence Focus" and "Professional Setting." The Violence Focus elective allows students to learn about an area of violence in a more in-depth capacity. The Professional Setting elective allows students to hone skills related to service delivery.
Violence Focus: students must complete one course (3 credits) from the list below.
Professional Setting: students must also complete one course (3 credits) from the list below.
Other electives not already listed may be considered but the student must receive approval from the academic advisor prior to enrollment.
View the admissions requirements for the School of Public Affairs.