Program Overview

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Sex Therapy Certificate

A sex therapy certificate from Widener will enhance your practical skills and experience as a clinician so you can address issues and empower clients around sexuality.

At a Glance

• Offered as: Certificate
• Credits: 27
• Avg. Time to Completion: 2 Years
• College/School: College of Health & Human Services
• Affiliation: Center for Human Sexuality Studies
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

In our sex therapy certificate program, you'll hone your clinical training towards a fulfilling career as a sex therapist. This program combines live (synchronous) and independent (asynchronous) coursework to provide flexibility to students working full time. Starting Fall 2025, all courses will be offered 100% online.

Your education will focus on serving diverse populations and addressing sensitive issues around sexuality. Through use of our valuable resources—including highly-trained faculty, a time-tested curriculum, dedicated learning spaces, and eLearning capabilities—you'll explore cutting-edge topics and deepen your interests.

Then, you'll take that expertise into the field in faculty-supervised field experiences. When you graduate, you'll be prepared to meet requirements for certification by the American Association and Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists and excel in the practice of sex therapy.

Sex Therapy Certificate Program Information

Curriculum & Coursework Requirements

The sex therapy graduate certificate program is cost effective, practical, and convenient—courses are offered in a blend of online and in-person weekend classes.

Coursework includes study of couples and relationship therapy, sexual dysfunctions and treatments, advanced skills with special populations, and more. You'll have many chances to practice what you learn in supervised group and individual field experiences.

View the academic catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the certificate in sex therapy.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Sex Therapy Students

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 wellness non-profit leader
• Community health leader
• Sexualities researcher

Why Study Sex Therapy 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. We'll help you find the best placement to fit your career goals and personal needs, and a faculty member will supervise and mentor you throughout your placement.

In addition to your field education, the Center for Human Sexuality Studies operates the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative (ISRC), where you can assist in applying research to shape innovation in sexuality education. You'll also find a plethora of research material in the library's Sexuality Archives that will aid in independent research projects.

Connect With Committed & Engaged Faculty

Here, you'll find welcoming faculty mentors committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Our faculty are highly-skilled practitioners and educators who can be found influencing policy, conducting de-stigmatizing sexuality research, and performing at our latest drag brunch. They're passionate about your personal success and provide mentorship, feedback, and support during your studies and even after graduation.

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, including Gamma Eta Rho - A National Honor Society in Human Sexuality, Human Sexuality Education Student Organization, and more.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

• Completed Application
• $35 Application Fee
• Personal Statement
• Mental Health License
• Liability Insurance
• Official Transcripts

Application Deadlines

We offer rolling admissions.

International Admissions

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

How to Apply as a Graduate International Student

• Complete your online application
• Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
• Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
• If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

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. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

• Must demonstrate financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Paths to Savings

85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid

Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.

Graduate Assistantships

Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.

Widener Scholarships

A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.

Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.

20% Discount for Widener Alumni

(some restrictions apply)

If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.

Program Cost

Sex Therapy Certificate

• $500 per credit
• 27 total credits
• $13,500 total cost

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