Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies, Advanced Certificate (post-baccalaureate)

Program Contact

Karen Wolford, PhD., Program Coordinator
415 Mahar Hall
315-312-3457
karen.wolford@oswego.edu

The Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies program is in the Psychology department, which is one of eighteen departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Visit the program admissions page to apply.

Program Description

This program prepares graduates to become knowledgeable in cutting-edge trauma theory and contextual issues as well as historical and cultural events shaping the rapidly evolving area of trauma studies. Our graduates research the best evidence-based, neurobiologically informed, culturally appropriate treatments for psychological trauma to be able to deliver the best trauma-informed care recommendations, support and referrals within local agencies that serve trauma survivors.

We have designed our curriculum that also allows those who are pursuing degrees in mental health counseling to complete this certificate as part of that degree’s elective sequence. Those students will be required to take a cognitive behavioral therapy course as an elective. This interdisciplinary approach allows you to explore career possibilities within your own practice if you have a mental health counseling degree or with an agency serving those who have survived trauma. The unique aspects of this program prepare graduates to become experts in knowledge of trauma informed care based on the latest research.

Trauma Studies Certificate 15-18 cr

A. Required Courses 15 cr

PSY 551 - Trauma and Loss Credit: 3
PSY 552 - Introduction to Trauma Studies Credit: 3
PSY 554 - Trauma and Self-Care: Compassion Fatigue Credit: 3
PSY 559 - Ethno-Cultural Aspects of Trauma Credit: 3
This course will have multiple sections, each focused on special populations. Students may take the course twice for a total of six credits but only three credits will count towards the basic certificate. One section has optional international travel and the other has optional travel within the country, due to resource limitations it is likely that only one section may be offered in a given academic year.
PSY 595 - Graduate Field Placement (Trauma Studies) Credit: 3

B. Optional Elective 0-3 cr

CPS 514 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Credit: 3
PSY 553 - Cognitive Processing Therapy Credit: 3
PSY 555 - Trauma and the Military: Focus on Combat Trauma Credit: 3
MHC, Masters’ students must take CPS 514. Masters’ level mental health professionals and higher degree holding mental health professionals must take PSY 553. Additional electives recommended for work with special populations, such as women, children and military will be under advisement. Additional electives in History, Public Justice and CPS are available under advisement.