Introduction

The Graduate Certificate for Social and Behavioral Health with Military Members, Veterans and Military Families is administered by the College of Social Work. It provides MSW students with specific knowledge and skills necessary to interact in military and community settings where the needs of veterans and their families are met. The program is designed to develop competency in knowledge about the military and military culture, understand the signature injuries associated with different military conflicts and those associated with military life, and understand intervention and rehabilitation strategies that are effective when working with this diverse population.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about military culture, values of duty, courage, and selflessness associated with military service.
2. Students will understand the impact of resilience on soldiers and families. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the connection between resilience and prevention of combat related problems such as PTSD.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the differential impacts of military service for unique military populations.

Admissions Criteria

It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required application materials are received. Applicants should list the Graduate Certificate for Social and Behavioral Health with Military Members, Veterans and Military Families on the application under degree pursued. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Currently Enrolled Students in the Master of Social Work Program

Students in good academic standing may request concurrent enrollment. Interested students must contact the program coordinator to review the application process. 

Other Applicants

Applicants must follow the Application Requirements listed in the Degree-Seeking Admissions page in the Graduate Bulletin. 

Certificate Requirements (18 Hours)

The Certificate requires 18 credit hours of coursework. Four courses are required and two are electives chosen based on the student’s personal interests. These electives can be taken within the College of Social Work, or may be taken in other university units as approved by the Program Director.

Required Courses (12 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
SOWK 737	Overview of Social Work Practice with the Military, Veterans, and their Families	3
SOWK 738	Military Mental Health and the Impact of Trauma	3
SOWK 739	Intervention Strategies in Military Behavioral Health	3
SOWK 758	Family Dynamics and Substance Abuse	3
Total Credit Hours		12

Electives (6 Hours)

Select 6 credit hours of electives approved by the program coordinator. 

Note: Courses taken as part of another graduate degree program may, if appropriate, be applied to the certificate program. The Certificate of Social and Behavioral Health with Military Members, Veterans and Military Families is awarded upon completion of the student’s approved program of courses.