Program Overview

Human Sexuality Studies (MEd)

Program Overview

The Master of Education (MEd) in Human Sexuality Studies is a graduate program that provides students with the expertise and dynamic skills necessary for an innovative career as a sexuality educator or therapist. The program is designed to challenge social norms, innovate across industries, and lead diverse people and groups with empathy.

Program Options

MEd in Human Sexuality Program Options

The MEd in Human Sexuality program provides knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a sexuality educator or therapist. This degree is ideal for practitioners.

• Foundational courses in history and ethics, cross-cultural perspectives, and relationships across the lifespan
• Professional core of courses that interest you most, such as clinical sexology, transgender communities, sexuality and technology, and beyond

Sex Therapy Specialization

Enhance your knowledge and sex therapy practice or related work (e.g., clinical research, intervention development) in the sex therapy specialization. International consensus is that sex therapy is considered a subdiscipline of other clinical disciplines (e.g., social work, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling).

• Note: To enroll in the sex therapy track, you must either already hold a licensable mental health degree or must enroll in one of our interdisciplinary programs. Licensable mental health degrees include: MSW, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, LEP, PPS, MA in Psychology, or an MA in Counseling.

Sexuality Education Specialization

Explore educational philosophy, teaching methodologies, and practical skills necessary to educate others about human sexuality in communities, schools, or universities. Students choosing this specialization often seek careers as community educators, teachers, educational consultants, curriculum developers, professional writers, or journalists.

• Emphasis on developmentally and culturally appropriate design, delivery, and assessment of educational interventions across the broad spectrum of human sexuality

Public Policy Specialization

Ready to advance your career at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and sexuality? The public policy specialization is for you.

• Policies set at the local, state, and federal levels impact the scope of individual rights, as well as access to information and quality services in the fields of sexuality, reproductive rights, and sexual health
• Gain greater understanding of the dynamic and complex policy sector and build skills to effectively advocate for positive change
• Conclude with a practicum component where you'll spend a year working in a professional setting that sets you up for success in the field

Non-Profit Management Specialization

The non-profit management specialization will advance your skills as a leader of non-profit and/or non-governmental organizations that work in the sexuality sector and related areas (i.e., reproductive justice, sexuality education, public education and information, healthcare, etc.).

• Enhance leadership and managerial skills, as well as the advancement and communications knowledge necessary to thrive given the increasing demands and challenges facing the non-profit sector
• Includes a practicum component where you'll spend a year working in a professional setting to get real-world experiences that set you up for success

Career Outlook & Outcomes

Industry Growth

Employment of marriage and family therapists, including sex therapists, is expected to increase by 14% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Potential Careers

• Clinical sexologist/sex therapist
• Sexual health educator
• Sexual health non-profit leader
• Policy advocate
• Community health leader
• Sexuality researcher

Why Study Human Sexuality at Widener?

Learn Beyond the Classroom

Our education emphasizes practical experience, so you'll complete a practicum requirement that applies your classroom knowledge to real-world clients, students, and organizations.

Connect With Committed & Engaged Faculty

Here, you'll find welcoming faculty mentors committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice.

Expand & Strengthen Your Professional Network

In addition to fostering relationships with faculty mentors, you'll build bonds with driven classmates and accomplished alumni by attending events, joining discussions, and participating in various clubs and organizations.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

• GPA of 3.0 or higher at the bachelor’s level
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Complete Widener's online application
• Resume
• $35 application fee
• Professional Goals Statements
• Personal Statement
• Three letters of recommendation: two academic and one professional/volunteer
• Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
• Personal or group interview (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for a fall semester start.

International Admissions

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.

Financial Aid

Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants.

Paths to Savings

• Graduate Assistantships
• Widener Scholarships
• Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
• 20% Discount for Widener Alumni

Program Cost

Human Sexuality Studies (MEd)

$1,000 per credit 47 total credits $47,000 total cost

Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.