Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate
Empower your social work practice with specialized training in trauma-informed care. The Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate equips you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to support individuals, families, and communities affected by trauma. Discover how this program prepares you to make a meaningful impact through evidence-based interventions and critical assessment.
Program overview
The Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate (TTGC) is designed for currently admitted Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) students entering their concentration year. This 21-credit hour program provides in-depth training in trauma theory, neurophysiological responses to chronic stress, and trauma-informed intervention planning. Students will learn to identify, assess, and treat traumatic impacts while examining the social, cultural, and political factors influencing exposure and recovery.
Requirements
To complete the Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate, students must:
- Maintain good academic standing according to College of Social Work policies.
- Be enrolled as an MSSW student at the University of Tennessee and entering their concentration year.
- Successfully complete a total of 21 credit hours:
- Required core coursework in trauma theory, assessment/intervention planning, neurophysiology of trauma, social/cultural influences on trauma recovery
- Field placement (12 credit hours) focused on trauma-related practice
Application Information
To apply for the Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate:
- Submit the TTGC Application Form by the published deadline (typically during your foundation year or early concentration year).
- Provide a brief statement of interest outlining your goals related to trauma treatment.
- Secure approval from your academic advisor regarding eligibility for certificate coursework and field placement.
- Meet any additional requirements as specified by the College of Social Work (such as GPA minimums or prerequisite courses).
Program Chair
Emily Rodriguez, LCSW
Trauma Certificate Chair, Clinical Assistant Professor
865-974-4898
Why get a Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate?
Studying trauma treatment offers you the chance to build meaningful skills that address one of the most pressing challenges in social work today. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on field placements, you’ll gain the tools to respond compassionately and effectively to clients facing chronic stress, fear, or traumatic experiences. With access to faculty leaders and a supportive learning environment, you’ll be prepared to make a real difference—whether you’re working directly with individuals or advancing systemic change.
What You Can Do With a Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate?
Graduates are equipped for specialized roles supporting individuals and communities impacted by trauma.
Trauma Social Worker
Provide counseling and advocacy for clients coping with traumatic events; develop treatment plans focused on recovery.
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Respond to acute situations involving trauma; offer immediate support, resources, and referrals.
Clinical Case Manager
Coordinate care for individuals affected by trauma; connect clients with mental health services and community supports.
Advocate/Educator (Trauma-Informed Practice)
Promote awareness of trauma impacts; deliver training or workshops on responsive interventions.
Program Coordinator (Community Outreach)
Develop and implement programs addressing trauma recovery within organizations or agencies.
Group Therapist (Trauma Focus)
Group therapists lead sessions for individuals impacted by trauma, creating a supportive environment for sharing experiences and building coping skills. They facilitate healing through structured activities and peer support.
Featured Courses
SW 531 – Foundations of Trauma
Introduces students to theories of trauma and its neuro-biopsychosocial responses. Different forms of trauma-producing experiences, such as oppression, poverty, inter and intra personal violence, and human made/natural disasters are discussed. Using a strengths-based perspective, students are prepared to conceptualize experiences of trauma at the individual, organizational, and community levels.
SOWK 564 – Substance Use Disorders
Prepares students for evidence-based practice in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Presents an integrative biopsychosocial model for the understanding and treatment of substance use disorders.
SOWK 533 – Trauma Treatment with Adults
A concentration elective course. Emphasis is placed on understanding biopsychosocial influences on the incidence, course and treatment of PTSD and complex PTSD and the differential effect of these factors on diverse adult populations at risk. Will focus on the acquisition of diagnostic skills as they relate to comprehensive social work assessment of adults. Evidence‐based interventions to treat victims of trauma will be presented.
SOWK 529 – Beyond Combat: Military Social Work Practice
Draws from research data that explore the effects of deployment and combat stress on the physical and mental health of active duty U.S. service members and their families. Modalities grounded in a synthesis of trauma, attachment and cognitive-behavioral theories include individual, couple/family, group and clinical case management approaches. Attention to issues of diversity, ethics and use of “professional self” will be included throughout all clinical case discussions.
Admissions & Aid
UT and the College of Social Work both offer a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans for qualifying applicants.
