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Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate

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Prepare to Support, Advocate and Serve

Eastern’s Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate prepares students to work with and advocate for victims of crime. Through interdisciplinary coursework in criminology, social work and related fields, students develop the knowledge, interpersonal skills and ethical foundation needed to serve individuals and communities affected by victimization.

The 15-credit certificate is designed for students interested in victim services, advocacy, social services, law enforcement, community organizations and related fields. It is also an option for professionals who are already working in victim services or adjacent areas and want to strengthen their knowledge and professional preparation.

Why Study Victim Services & Advocacy?

Victim services professionals play an important role in helping individuals navigate trauma, systems of support and the justice process. This work requires empathy, ethical reasoning, communication skills, cultural awareness and an understanding of interpersonal violence, advocacy frameworks and the victim’s role in society and the justice system.

Eastern’s certificate gives students the opportunity to build these skills through focused coursework, active learning, community engagement and applied practice.

Curriculum

The Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate requires 15 credits.

Required courses:

  • CRM 330: Victims & Society - 3 credits
  • SWK 460: Victim Advocacy in Practice - 3 credits

Elective options include:

  • SOC 312: Violence in Relationships - 3 credits
  • SWK 465: Understanding Trauma - 3 credits
  • SOC 209: Juvenile Delinquency - 3 credits
  • SOC 310: Women and Crime - 3 credits
  • SWK 345: Sexual Violence in Higher Ed - 3 credits
  • SOC 311: Drugs & Society - 3 credits

Students complete 9 credits of electives as part of the 15-credit program.

Who Should Enroll?

This certificate is a strong fit for students majoring in social sciences such as criminology, sociology, psychology or social work who are interested in working with and advocating for victims of crime.

It is also appropriate for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, social services, community advocacy, nonprofit organizations, higher education, trauma-informed support services or other fields where professionals interact with victims and survivors.

What You’ll Learn

Through the Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate, students will learn to:

  • Understand the experiences and needs of victims of crime
  • Build interpersonal skills such as empathy, conflict resolution and communication
  • Work effectively with diverse individuals, groups and communities
  • Understand interpersonal violence and advocacy frameworks
  • Explore the role of victims in society and the justice system
  • Practice ethical reasoning related to confidentiality, professional responsibility and advocacy
  • Strengthen career readiness for victim services and related fields

Program Highlights

  • 15-credit undergraduate certificate
  • Required coursework in victim services and advocacy
  • Electives across criminology, sociology and social work
  • Focus on interpersonal skills, ethics and career readiness
  • Designed for current Eastern students and professionals seeking development
  • Housed in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Social Work

Career Connections

Students who complete this certificate will be better prepared to pursue or strengthen pathways in areas such as:

  • Victim advocacy
  • Community and social service organizations
  • Individual and family services
  • Criminal justice agencies
  • Law enforcement support roles
  • Social work and human services
  • Nonprofit advocacy organizations
  • Trauma-informed support services
  • Campus and community prevention programs

Admissions

Students must be admitted to Eastern Connecticut State University to pursue the certificate. Students are required to apply for admission to the certificate program so faculty can assess their interest and readiness. Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA for successful completion of the program.

Prepare to Make a Difference

Eastern’s Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate helps students prepare for work that is both challenging and deeply meaningful. By combining liberal arts learning with specialized coursework in victim services, advocacy, ethics and interpersonal practice, the program equips students to support individuals, strengthen communities and pursue purposeful careers.

Learn more

For more information about the Victim Services & Advocacy Certificate, contact Rachael Pesta (pestar@easternct.edu), Associate Professor, Criminology or Sarah Nightingale (nightingales@easternct.edu), Associate Professor, Social Work