Domestic Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy (Graduate Certificate)
Prepare for leadership and advocacy roles in social work, victim services, nonprofit organizations and community-based violence prevention programs. This graduate certificate helps you step into work that supports survivors and their communities.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Domestic Violence and Evidence-based Practice.
Program description
ASU ranks No. 20 for best graduate social work program by U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
The graduate certificate program in domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy prepares you to intervene safely and effectively with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. You develop advanced knowledge of the dynamics of abuse, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based practices that promote safety, health and empowerment. Coursework and service-based learning strengthen your skills in coordinated intervention and survivor advocacy, preparing you to support individuals and communities affected by violence. The program builds your capacity to design evidence-based interventions, develop cross-sector partnerships, and promote survivor-centered care across practice and policy settings.
Why earn a domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy graduate certificate at ASU?
Unlike broader social work programs, this certificate zeroes in on domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy. You'll build real expertise through experiential learning and a practicum requiring at least 300 hours of domestic violence service. Along the way, you can become a verified advocate for victims of domestic violence in Arizona and tap into the Survivor Link AmeriCorps program for hands-on experience and professional networking.
Additional details
You can also engage with a statewide network of domestic and sexual violence advocates, widening the relationships and resources you can rely on throughout your career.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours) Restricted Electives (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Master of Social Work students who choose to apply an SWG-prefix practicum course toward the restricted electives requirement for the graduate certificate must complete one course from SWG 541, SWG 641, or SWG 643 and one course from SWG 542, SWG 642, or SWG 643. The student's department-specific practicum experience credits may be substituted for those listed in the restricted electives 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 of working with domestic violence victims. The coursework and practicum experience maximize experiential learning opportunities.
SWG 545 Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (3)
SWG 541 Generalist Practicum I (3)
SWG 542 Generalist Practicum II (3)
SWG 546 Approaches to Teen Dating Violence Prevention (3)
SWG 618 Advanced Practice in Domestic Violence (3)
SWG 641 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice I (3)
SWG 642 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice II (3)
SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3)
SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3)
SWG 647 The Domestic Violence Movement: An Intersectional Framework (3)
SWG 648 Intimate Partner Violence Risk Assessment (3)
For restricted electives, students select four courses from the approved course list. Other coursework may be used with the approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Implement evidence-based interventions when working with clients that are experiencing domestic violence.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program. Applicants interested in the domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy certificate are asked to attend an interview. The interview is a chance to help the student find an appropriate practicum experience to match the certificate requirements.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | Online | 07/01 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 09/01 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | Online | 12/01 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 02/01 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy graduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership and advocacy roles in social work, victim services and community-based organizations addressing domestic and gender-based violence.
Career examples include:
- clinician or therapist specializing in trauma and interpersonal violence
- domestic violence or legal advocate
- domestic violence support group facilitator
- nonprofit director or program coordinator in advocacy and prevention organizations
- policy analyst or community outreach specialist in gender-based violence
- research, training or evaluation specialist in victim services
- shelter or victim services case manager or program manager
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social Work
|
UCENT 810W
sswgradcerts@asu.edu
602-496-0800
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
