Program Overview

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Domestic Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The certificate program in domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy provides students with the experience and knowledge to intervene safely and effectively on behalf of survivors of gender-based violence. Graduates who have learned the dynamics of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence are better equipped to assist those suffering its negative physical and mental health consequences.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours

• Required Core (3 credit hours)
  • SWG 545 Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (3)
• Restricted Electives (6 credit hours)
  • SWG 546 Approaches to Teen Dating Violence Prevention (3)
  • SWG 618 Advanced Practice in Domestic Violence (3)
  • SWG 647 The Domestic Violence Movement: An Intersectional Framework (3)
  • SWG 648 Intimate Partner Violence Risk Assessment (3)
• Other Requirement (6 credit hours)
  • SWG 541 Generalist Practicum I (3) or SWG 641 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice I (3) or SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3)
  • SWG 542 Generalist Practicum II (3) or SWG 642 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice II (3) or SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3)

Additional Curriculum Information

For restricted electives, students select two courses from the approved course list. Other coursework may be used with the approval of the academic unit.

For the Other Requirement section, students must select one course from SWG 541, SWG 641 or SWG 643 and one course from SWG 542, SWG 642 or SWG 643. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.

The student's department-specific practicum experience credits may be substituted for those listed in the Other Requirement section with department approval.

All students are required to complete 300 hours (minimum) of domestic violence service through a practicum experience. Students should work with the academic unit in coordinating the practicum experience. Concurrent with the beginning of their practicum experience, students take the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention core course (SWG 545) to learn about the foundations for working with domestic violence victims. The coursework and practicum experience maximize experiential learning opportunities.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
  • U.S. applicants
  • International applicants
  • English proficiency
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and are degree-seeking graduate students.
• Experience in social work, social services or a related field is required.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person - 07/01 - Final
  • Session A/C: Online - 07/01 - Final
  • Session B: Online - 09/01 - Final
• Spring:
  • Session A/C: In Person - 12/05 - Final
  • Session A/C: Online - 12/05 - Final
  • Session B: Online - 02/01 - Final
• Summer:
  • Session A/C: Online - 04/01 - Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Implement evidence-based interventions when working with clients that are experiencing domestic violence.
• Apply advocacy skills when working with clients that are experiencing domestic violence.

Career Opportunities

Prospective administrators, helping professionals and community activists gain practical knowledge, implement interventions backed by evidence, and develop the tools and networks to create change for survivors, families and communities.

• Career examples include:
  • clinician or therapist
  • domestic violence or lay legal advocate
  • domestic violence support group facilitator
  • shelter case manager

Program Details

This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Domestic Violence and Evidence-based Practice. When you are an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, you help ensure their safety and empower them when they most need it. Enhance your skill set with this prestigious graduate certificate and equip yourself with the specialized knowledge and tools necessary to aid this vulnerable population.