Child Advocacy Studies Training
Nationally Recognized Program
The Child Advocacy Studies Training certificate (CAST) is nationally recognized. It features evidence-informed courses that prepare students to competently carry out the work to advocate on behalf of children as victims and survivors of child abuse.
Get the knowledge and skills needed to address child maltreatment from an interprofessional perspective.
Learn to work in a collaborative team environment to better meet the needs of survivors of child abuse and their families in this nationally recognized by Zero Abuse Project Child Advocacy Studies.
Safer Communities
This certificate can compliment a bachelor or master’s degree in fields that need knowledge of child maltreatment and advocacy strategies such as: social work, nursing, criminal justice, education, and other fields that work with children and families.
CAST focuses on developing students’ understanding of the factors that lead to child maltreatment and the currently existing responses to incidents of child abuse and neglect. Students learn to work more effectively within multiple systems and institutions that respond to these situations. Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on experiences, students learn to provide a voice for vulnerable youth, ultimately working towards creating safer and more equitable communities.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
Three courses (nine credit hours):
Advocate. Support. Inspire.
- Distinguish criteria of child maltreatment
- Determine services and support systems for families in crises
- Assess and interpret outcomes of child maltreatment
- Explain roles of professionals across multiple disciplines addressing child maltreatment
- Apply evidence informed treatment models for child survivors of maltreatment
Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Certificate," term, then choose Child Advocacy Studies Training and complete the remainder of the form.
Cost
Credits to complete this program: 9 credit hours
| TN Residents | *eRate | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| $672 per credit hour | $835.50 per credit hour | $1,513 per credit hour |
| - The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses. - Additional fees may be required. - Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. - The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What accreditations apply to this certificate program?
The Child Advocacy Studies Training Certificate is nationally recognized by Project Zero Abuse.
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What are the job prospects with this certificate?
Employment of child, family, and school social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2019 to 2029. Child and family social workers will be needed to work with families to strengthen parenting skills, prevent child abuse, and identify alternative homes for children who are unable to live with their biological families.
The market for well-trained and highly qualified child and family social workers is strong and a projects a growth rate of 6 percent (roughly 19,000 new positions). Other professionals such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and criminal justice can gain a specialized knowledge to be better prepared to work with children and families.
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Does this certificate lead to certification or licensure in this field?
No, this program is a stand-alone graduate certificate that does not lead to certification or licensure in the field. However, because it is an evidence-based and nationally recognized program through the Zero Abuse Project, graduates gain a strong competitive advantage when seeking roles in child protection agencies and develop advanced competencies applicable to any setting involving child welfare.
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Is a master’s degree required for admission?
No, a master's degree is not required for admission.
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What are the prerequisites for this program?
Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet the ETSU Graduate School admission requirements. -
Does this certificate require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?
No, neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required for admission to this program.
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Are the courses for this certificate asynchronous or synchronous?
All courses are asynchronous.
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Does this certificate require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?
No, but those pursing a graduate degree with an internship requirement are encouraged to seek opportunities to apply knowledge from the certificate.
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What is the time to completion?
Full-time students can complete the certificate in two semesters.
Part-time students can take one (1) class per semester and complete the certificate in two (2) calendar years.
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When can I start?
Students may start in the fall or spring semester.
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Does your college/department offer scholarships?
Yes, you can view scholarship opportunities on the Department of Social Work website. Please visit the Paying for Graduate School website for more information and resources.