Certificate of Proficiency in
Victim Advocacy

The Certificate of Proficiency in Victim Advocacy provides a strong theoretical and applied foundation for those interested in assisting victims of crime. This interdisciplinary program builds upon the basic elements of the American criminal justice system by incorporating coursework from allied social sciences disciplines relevant to crime, courts, and human dynamics.

Degree Requirements

The curriculum includes 19-21 total hours depending upon which elective classes you decide to take.  All CJ students are encouraged to meet with a CJ faculty advisor annually for course and program advisement. The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences General Education Advisors can answer questions about general education requirements.

Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of “C” in all courses counted towards the completion of the certificate (no “C-” or lower grades allowed).

Program Requirements: Students obtaining this certificate are required to complete 19-21 credit hours.

• Required Core Courses (13-15 credit hours)

  • CJ 1010 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
  • CJ 2400 - Criminal Court Process (3)
  • CJ 3300 - Victimology (3)
  • CJ 2861 INT - Victim Advocacy Capstone (1-3)

   

  Select one of the following:

  • COMM 2110 HU CEL - Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (3)
  • PSY 2020 - Mental Health Awareness (3)
  • SW 2200 SS/DV - Issues in Diversity (3)

• Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

  Select six (6) credit hours from the following:

  • CHF 4400 - The Family in Stress (3)
  • CJ 1340 - Criminal Investigation (3)
  • CJ 2350 - Laws of Evidence (3)
  • COMM 2110 HU CEL - Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (3)
  • PSY 1010 SS - Introductory Psychology (3)
  • PSY 2020 - Mental Health Awareness (3)
  • PSY 3850 - Forensic Psychology (3)
  • SOC 1020 SS/DV - Social Problems (3)
  • SOC 3000 - Self and Society (3)
  • SW 1010 SS CEL - Introduction to Generalist Social Work (3)
  • SW 2100 SS - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3)
  • SW 2200 SS/DV - Issues in Diversity (3)