Domestic Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy ,Certificate
Advocacy, EVIDENCE BASED, Gender Issues, Homicide, Justice, Practice, Relationships, criminal, nonprofit
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Domestic Violence and Evidence-based Practice.
When you are an advocate for survivors of domestic violence, you help ensure their safety and empower them when they most need it. Enhance your studies with this specialized undergraduate certificate, and gain the foundational knowledge and tools necessary to aid this vulnerable population.
The certificate program in domestic violence intervention and victim advocacy provides you with the experience and knowledge you need to intervene safely and effectively on behalf of the survivors of gender-based violence, a vulnerable group that helping professionals are likely to encounter in all areas of practice. Professionals who are knowledgeable about the dynamics of intimate partner violence are better equipped to assist those suffering its negative physical and mental health consequences.
Evidence-based care is crucial in domestic violence settings. You engage in service-based and classroom learning to understand the role of evidence-based interventions in promoting survivor safety and client empowerment.
When you complete the program, you'll be a verified advocate for victims of domestic violence in the state of Arizona.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate requires 15 upper-division credit hours. Students will complete three credit hours of core coursework and 12 credit hours of elective courses. All courses must be passed with a grade of "B" or better. The comparable grade for an internship or practicum course is a "Y." Students need to allow at least one year to complete the certificate program. |
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SWU 416 Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention
During their first semester in the certificate, students enroll in SWU 416.
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:B
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B | 3 |
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SWU 412 Social Work Practicum I
or
SWU 484 Internship
Enrollment in SWU 412 is restricted to students majoring in the Bachelor of Social Work. Non-majors should enroll in SWU 484.
SWU 414 Social Work Practicum II
or
SWU 484 Internship
Enrollment in SWU 414 is restricted to students majoring in the Bachelor of Social Work. Non-majors should enroll in SWU 484. Other internship credit may be substituted with department approval. Please email survivorlink@asu.edu for additional information.
12 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:B
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B | 12 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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All students pursuing the certificate must have 56 credit hours of coursework completed with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply knowledge of human behavior in the social environment when working with individuals, families and groups.
- Implement evidence-based interventions, safety planning and utilize an evidence-based safety decision aid (myPlan, a tool to enhance risk assessment).
Graduates have the practical knowledge needed to support survivors of domestic and gender-based violence in a variety of community, nonprofit and human service settings. Their foundational advocacy and collaboration skills enable them to pursue entry-level or paraprofessional roles focused on safety, prevention and empowerment.
Career examples include:
- case management aide
- community outreach worker
- domestic violence or legal advocate
- domestic violence support group facilitator
- residential or crisis hotline advocate
- shelter case manager
- victim services assistant
- youth program assistant in a family violence prevention organization
School of Social Work
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UCENT 800
social.work@asu.edu
602-496-0800
Program term definitions
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.
