Trauma-Informed Care (Adv Cert)

This program is offered online.

The Advanced Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care addresses society's growing need for helping professionals who understand the dynamics and effects of trauma on individuals and communities. The certificate covers essential issues in trauma-informed care, including: the neuropsychology of trauma; effects of early childhood trauma and attachment; historical, intergenerational, and cultural trauma, and the interaction of trauma, faith, and spirituality. Special attention is paid to issues of context, including race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Delivered entirely online, primarily in a live-session format, this program is suitable for anyone in a helping profession, including pastoral ministers, professional counselors/psychotherapists, chaplains, spiritual directors, religious educators, and other helping professionals (nurses, social workers, teachers, etc.) who want to bring an understanding of trauma to their work.


Are you interested in attending the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education? Request more information or schedule an information session today.

Admissions requirements include the following:

  1. A Bachelor's degree
  2. Completed application
  3. Letters of recommendation from one academic and one professional supervisor/mentor
  4. Interview

The Advanced Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care comprises 15 credits and requires the following courses:

Course Title Credits
PCGR 6610Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care3
PCGR 7420Death, Dying, and Bereavement3
PCGR 6620Trauma and Society3
PCGR 6382Social and Cultural Foundations of Pastoral Counseling3
PCGR 6630Trauma, Religion & Spirituality3
Total Credits15

Students who complete this Advanced Certificate and later enroll in the M.A. in Pastoral Care may apply the credits earned as part of the Advanced Certificate towards the M.A. Such students may complete the M.A. in Pastoral Care with a Concentration in Trauma-Informed Care.