Child and Adult Advocacy Studies
Through the child and adult advocacy studies graduate certificate, you'll focus on ethical, realistic and culturally relevant information as you learn efficient, evidence-based methods for preventing and responding to maltreatment.
Build Community, Create Change
Many professionals or mandated reporters who work with vulnerable populations are inadequately trained in recognizing and addressing maltreatment. Judges, prosecutors, child protection attorneys, doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, law enforcement officers, clergy, teachers, child protection professionals and others can better serve their communities through education on child and adult advocacy.
As a student pursuing a graduate certificate in child and adult advocacy studies (CAAST) at USD, you will gain a foundation for responding to maltreatment. You will learn about the various responses to maltreatment and develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the most efficient responses. After completing the courses in this certificate, you will be better equipped to be an advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of maltreatment and fulfill the advocacy responsibilities required by your line of work. New CAASt Cohorts begin taking classes each January and graduate by the end of the calendar year.
Degrees & Offerings
Child & Adult Advocacy Studies
CertificateThrough the online graduate certificate in child and adult advocacy studies, you'll gain knowledge and develop skills related to advocacy on behalf of victims and survivors of maltreatment. This certificate is a great complement to a wide range of careers and educational backgrounds related to children, families and public service, including those in social work, nursing, counseling and psychology, criminal justice, education, law and others. Program requires an in-person practicum as part of the curriculum.
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
This certificate is offered online for flexibility and includes a practicum for hands-on experience.
With the state's only comprehensive health sciences school and medical school, USD is the region's leading institution for health care education.
Departments & Facilities
Public Health & Health Sciences
The Department of Public Health and Health Sciences emphasizes collaborative learning, equipping students with a rich understanding of the health care field and preparing them to excel in careers such as advocating for health policy, promoting health through education, managing health data analytics and leading collaborative health care teams. The department offers degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels.
Faculty & Staff
Kelly Bass
Darla Biel
Shana Cerny
Nikki Eining
Take Your Classes Online
We're committed to bringing our knowledge to you. USD serves the largest number of online students in the state of South Dakota. With competitive online tuition rates, we offer the same price whether you’re out-of-state or an in-state resident.
USD maintains a challenging and rigorous curriculum focused on preparing you to move forward in your career.
Enroll in an online class today!
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
