New Trauma Certificate Program Being Launched

The field of trauma has exploded in the last decade with advances in neurobiology, increased attention to evidence-based and evidence-informed intervention in trauma, and more widespread recognition of trauma in the general population. Because trauma is a critical emerging and rapidly evolving field, social workers need integrated up-to-date training in working with diverse populations who are affected by wide ranging traumatic experiences, including chronic interpersonal and/or community violence, natural disasters, combat trauma, and terrorism.

The new BUSSW Trauma Certificate Program has been conceptualized with these contemporary issues in mind. Students will learn to analyze conceptualizations of trauma and traumatic impact, apply current principles of intervention and program planning, and consider the larger social, cultural and political forces at work which shape both exposure to and recovery from traumatic experiences. A significant theme of the program is professional self-care, including the implementation of agency responses that are supportive of self care.

Students are invited to apply to the Trauma Certificate Program in their first year (or first term of completed field work for part-time students) with completion of courses and field work in the final year of the MSW. Trauma Certificate students will graduate with specialized knowledge in trauma-focused intervention at multiple levels of social work practice. The School will award a certificate to students who complete the required courses and trauma-focused field placement.

Students may apply to the program by contacting Doris McFarlin at 617-353-3752 or at mcfarlin@bu.edu for application materials. For general information on the program, please contact Professor Ellen DeVoe at 617-353-7885 or at edevoe@bu.edu.