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Certificates in the School of Health and Social Services

A certificate is a cost- and time-effective way to specialize in a skill related to your degree or current career. The School of Health and Social Services (SHSS) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate certificates.

 

Undergraduate Certificates

Early Childhood Education Director Certificate (1739)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The Early Childhood Education Director Certificate prepares students to direct a child care center. Upon completion, students will be eligible to receive the Kentucky Early Childhood Director credential.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

A grade of "C" or above must be earned in the following courses required for this certificate:

Course List
FACS 191Child Development3
FACS 193Curriculum Development for Young Children3
FACS 335Infant/Toddler Development and Curriculum3
or FACS 336 Preschool and Kindergarten Children Development and Curriculum
FACS 299Administration of Early Childhood Programs3
Total Hours12

Family Home Visiting, Certificate (1701)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The Family Home Visiting certificate will prepare students to provide home visiting services. Potential clients include those needing parenting skills, those at risk for abusing and neglecting their children, and/or those who need other support services.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in the following FACS support courses required for this certificate: 

Course List
FACS 395Child and Family Stress3
FACS 494Parenting Strategies3
FACS 497Family Home Visiting3
Select three hours of electives chosen in consultation with departmental advisor. Below are some commonly used electives.3
FACS 311
Family Relations
FACS 391
Risk and Resilience
FACS 393
Role of Play in Child Development
FACS 495
Family and Relationship Violence
FACS 496
Addressing Challenging Behavior in Young Children
SWRK 326
Services for the Older American
SWRK 330
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
SWRK 356
Services for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families
SWRK 357
Case Management
SWRK 436
Services to Children
SWRK 450
Child Maltreatment
Total Hours12

Environmental Health, Certificate (1743)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

This 21 credit hour certificate program will equip graduates with public health protection skills for program design, implementation and the evaluation of policies and practices to assist in preventing or deducting environmental hazards on individuals and communities.

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Course List
Required Courses:
PH 280Introduction to Environmental Science3
or ENV 280 Introduction to Environmental Science
PH 385Environmental Health3
ENV 360Air Pollution Control3
ENV 380Principles of Environmental Toxicology3
ENV 410Water Treatment Processes3
ENV 460Environmental Management3
ENV 480Hazardous and Solid Waste Management3
Total Hours21

Some required courses may have pre-requisites that help fulfill Colonnade requirements. These prerequisites include CHEM 105/CHEM 106, CHEM 107/CHEM 108 and MATH 118 or higher.

Health Education and Promotion, Certificate (1741)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

This certificate program in Health Education and Promotion is designed to improve students' skills in program design, implementation and evaluation in diverse settings. Graduates from the program may pursue employment opportunities such as community/public health educators, employee wellness managers, health coaches and community health workers.

Program Requirements (21 hours)

This 21 credit hour certificate program is designed to improve students’ skills in program design, implementation and evaluation in diverse settings.

Course List
PH 383Biostatistics in the Health Sciences3
PH 384Introduction to Epidemiology3
PH 390Wellness and Fitness Assessment3
ENV 402Worksite Health Promotion3
PH 483Administration of Public Health Programs3
PH 484Community Organization for Health Education3
PH 485Fundamentals of Public Health Planning3
Total Hours21

Some required courses have prerequisites that help fulfill Colonnade requirements. These prerequisites include BIOL 131, HMD 211, MATH 109 or MATH 115 or higher and CPR certification.

Long-Term Care Administration, Certificate (1717)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

When students complete the LTCA Certificate Program in combination with the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and NAB accreditation internship requirements, they will be graduating from a NAB Academic Accreditation Program - one of less than 15 in the United States!  Find out more information about NAB academic approval by visiting www.nabweb.org .

Why a LTCA Certificate?

This certificate is an excellent addition to aspiring leaders in nursing, finance, accounting, social work, dietetics, management, healthcare and information technology. As career opportunities in long term care continue to grow, there is a greater demand than ever for individuals with some preparation for leadership roles in long term care organizations. As you advance your career and experience, the LTCA Certificate Program will help prepare you for many roles in long term care, with just a few of those listed below:

Dietitian, Director of Social Services, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Director of Nursing, MDS Coordinator, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Nursing Home Administrator, Director of Information Technology, Accounting Manager, Home Health, Business Office Manager, Dietary Manager, Health Informatics 

Program Requirements (15 hours)

The long-term care administration certificate, in conjunction with the undergraduate degree program in Health Care Administration is accredited through the National Association of Long Term Care Administrators Board (NAB). The certificate in conjunction with the undergraduate degree program in health care administration prepares students for careers in both long-term care administration and other adult care services. It follows a cohort model with students being enrolled every fall term. 

Course List
HCA 345Long-Term Care Administration3
HCA 355Nursing Facility Administration3
HCA 353Quality and Patient Safety in Long-Term Care3
GERO 100Introduction to the Aging Experience3
PH 443Health and Aging3
Total Hours15

Occupational Safety & Health, Certificate (1705)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The certificate program in Occupational Safety & Health requires 15 hours and is designed to provide training for careers focused on the protection of human health from occupational hazards in the built and natural environments. Courses will require application of basic Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) principles and challenges, which will prepare students for diverse opportunities in safety and health, environmental management, and business careers. 

Program Requirements (15 hours)

Course List
ENV 120Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health3
ENV 221Safety and Health Standards, Codes, and Regulations3
ENV 321Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene3
ENV 322Physical Hazards Recognition and Control I3
ENV 423Safety Program Management3
Total Hours15

Public Health, Certificate (1742)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

This 18 credit hour certificate program is designed to provide core public health concepts and skills to students and professionals in the public health field and other health-related areas. This program will also increase students’ knowledge and skills in public health competencies.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

Course List
Required Courses:
PH 100Personal & Public Health3
PH 381Public and Community Health3
PH 383Biostatistics in the Health Sciences3
PH 384Introduction to Epidemiology3
PH 385Environmental Health3
PH 483Administration of Public Health Programs3
Total Hours18

Some required courses may have pre-requisites that help fulfill Colonnade requirements. These pre-requisites include MATH 109 or MATH 115 or higher, 3 hours of CHEM and 3 hours of BIOL.

Strategies for Trauma-Informed Approaches to Improving Resilience (1781)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have become increasingly aware of the effects of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. This growing recognition of exposure to trauma and its deleterious impacts has fueled the movement for strategies to ameliorate traumatic stress reactions. This interdisciplinary certificate program, Strategies for Trauma-informed Approaches Improving Resilience (STAIR), is designed to prepare undergraduate students for their respective professional fields, using research-based practices in trauma recognition, assessment of impact, and skill development to address the needs of those with trauma histories. The STAIR certificate is open to all majors. Courses for the certificate may also meet the requirements for other degree programs. 

Program Requirements (13 hours)

Course List
SWRK 311Understanding Intergenerational Trauma3
SWRK 330Human Behavior in the Social Environment3
SWRK 438Understanding Trauma3
SWRK 455Integrative Seminar: Strategies for Trauma-Informed Approaches Improving Resilience (STAIR) 11
Select one Elective from the list below3
CHHS 100
Introduction to Child Welfare
CRIM 238
Victimology & Victim Advocacy
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 361
Race, Class, and Crime
EDU 385
Climate, Resources, & Society
FACS 391
Risk and Resilience
FACS 495
Family and Relationship Violence
HIST 302
Disability in the United States
HIST 333
History of Genocide
HIST 343
Communities of Struggle
HIST 390
Blacks in the American South
PH 365
Human Sexuality
PH 444
Death, Dying and Bereavement
PH 464
Women’s Health
PSY 355
Issues in Cross-Cultural Psychology
PSYS 353
Psychology of Prejudice and Stereotyping
SOCL 362
Social Institutions: Race, Class, and Gender
SOCL 466
Gender, Family, and Society
SWRK 300
Diversity and Social Welfare
SWRK 305
Environmental Justice: Theory, Policy, and Practice
SWRK 324
Opioid Epidemic
SWRK 356
Services for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families
Total Hours13
1

Students must complete this course with a grade of C or better. 

Substance Use Disorder, Certificate (1798)

Program Coordinator

The Substance Use Disorder Certificate (SUDC) is designed to prepare individuals with the skills necessary to become a substance use counseling professional. The curriculum in the program focuses on assessment, treatment, counseling skills, field practice, and referral. Students will be exposed to ethical protocols and multicultural treatment with diverse populations. Courses in this certificate meet partial requirement for state certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate (CADCA I and CADCA II). According to the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, the CADC designation is a substance use credential for professionals with a bachelor’s degree (in any field) who assess, develop, and provide substance abuse treatment services and plans. The CADCA I and II require a High School Diploma. Successful completion of this program fulfills 270 hours of educational requirements for these certificate levels. This certificate program is beneficial to students in sociology, social work, psychology, criminology, pre-med, nursing, and any closely related human service field. In addition, this is a stand-alone certificate serving professionals that are seeking continued education.

*It is the student’s responsibility to ensure a specific credentialing organization approves of courses to count as continued education.

*Students are responsible for understanding all eligibility requirements for the certification they are seeking.  More information on CADC and CADCA certifications in Kentucky is available at the KENTUCKY BOARD OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELORS.

View Program Requirements

Worksite Health Promotion, Certificate (1707)

  • Undergraduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

Program Objectives:
  1. Utilize effective communication techniques with employees and employers including the benefits and consequences of various lifestyle behaviors.
  2. Design a worksite health promotion program which will encompass all aspects of health program planning including:  Needs assessment, Program planning design, Effective implementation of programs, Evaluation of program for quality and effectiveness
  3. Provide worksite opportunities for focused training in disease prevention and health promotion for a healthy and productive working population
  4. Demonstrate to management the importance of a supportive environment for successful worksite wellness.

Program Requirements (15 hours)

The certificate program in Worksite Health Promotion requires 15 semester hours and is designed to provide training for students and professionals who have an interest in developing worksite health promotion programs in the private sector. This certificate program will provide a comprehensive skill base for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of health promotion programs in a worksite environment. 

Course List
ENV 120Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health3
HMD 211Human Nutrition3
PH 100Personal & Public Health3
PH 261Foundations of Public Health Education3
ENV 402Worksite Health Promotion3
Total Hours15

 

Graduate Certificates

Epidemiology (1751)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

Epidemiology, as defined by the World Health Organization, is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems. This graduate certificate develops competencies in epidemiology, including those related to disease measurement and distribution, outbreak investigations, prevention and control, and applied analytical methods in public health.

Program Admission

Applicants are required to have completed a graduate-level course in biostatistics (PH 520) or another graduate-level statistics course approved by the program coordinator prior to full enrollment in the certificate program. Applicants who have not met this requirement at the time of application may be admitted conditionally and will be advised to complete PH 520.

Graduate Studies Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
PH 581Applied Methods in Public Health Practice/Field Epidemiology3
PH 582Epidemiology3
PH 630Advanced Epidemiology3
Elective
Select 3 hours from the following: 13
PH 620
Advanced Biostatistics
EOHS 572
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
PH 631
Contemporary Topics in Epidemiology
Total Hours12
1

Other electives may be selected with advisor approval.

Global Health Administration (1735)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • Public Health

Overview

This program is designed to prepare students with a broad understanding of global health engagement in health administration, health policy, health systems, and service delivery.

WKU Graduate School admission requirements, with no additional program requirements:

  1. Baccalaureate degree or higher, or equivalent international degree, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or greater on baccalaureate degree or equivalent international degree or minimum GPA of 3.0 on a degree higher than a baccalaureate or equivalent international degree.
  3. Evidence of English proficiency (international students only)

Program Requirements (9 hours)

Course List
Required Courses (6 hours)
HCA 547Global and Comparative Health Systems3
HCA 559Global Health Service-Learning Practicum3
Elective (Choose one of the following)3
*Any HCA 500+ course
PH 578
Health Inequities
PH 580
Public Health Foundations and Practice
PH 583
Public Health Administration
PH 585
Global Health
COMM 590
Intercultural Communication Strategies
COMM 561
Communication for Global Organizations
LEAD 500
Effective Leadership Studies
*Other elective course may be chosen with advisor approval
Total Hours9

Health Education (0494)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The Health Education Certificate imparts knowledge and skills necessary for health educators, and is aligned with seven of the eight areas of responsibility outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).

Program Admission

Graduate Studies Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
PH 587Health Behavior Theory3
PH 575Program Planning in Public Health Practice3
PH 576Public Health Education and Communication Techniques3
or COMM 553 Health Communication Campaigns
PH 548Community Organizing in Public Health3
Total Hours12

Occupational Safety and Health (1779)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The certificate program in Occupational Safety and Health is designed to provide advanced professional training for careers focused on the protection and promotion of human health from workplace hazards. Designed for working professionals and students desiring opportunities with industry, consulting firms, government agencies, and other occupational safety and health science professions, online courses will provide students with diverse in-place learning opportunities.

Program Admission

Students applying to the program must have a baccalaureate degree in a related field or a baccalaureate degree and related experience in health and safety, human resources, and related fields, and approval by the program director.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
EOHS 502Health Promotion in the Workplace3
EOHS 550Principles of Occupational Safety and Health3
PH 584Principles of Environmental Health3
Electives
Select 3 hours of the following: 13
EOHS 503
Health Assessment in Workplace
EOHS 560
Environmental Management
EOHS 570
Industrial Hygiene
EOHS 571
Air Quality Management
EOHS 572
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
EOHS 577
Environmental Toxicology
EOHS 580
Solid and Hazardous Wastes
EOHS 595
Public Health Management of Disasters
PH 581
Applied Methods in Public Health Practice/Field Epidemiology
PH 620
Advanced Biostatistics
PH 630
Advanced Epidemiology
Total Hours12
1

Other elective courses may be chosen with advisor approval.

School Social Work Certificate (1789)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The School Social Work Certification program will prepare participants to meet the needs of youth in the school system while eliminating barriers to services such as access. Participants will identify the role of a social worker in educational settings, explore assessment and evidence-based interventions, and apply theories to address school legislation and policies necessary to advocate in collaboration with school personnel, families, and the community. 

Admission to WKU Graduate Studies and MSW Program or previously completed MSW from an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
SWRK 683Trauma Informed School Social Work Practice3
Select 1 Legal/Policy course from the list below3
SWRK 433G
Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Social Work
SWRK 630
Rural Social Welfare Policy
SWRK 671
Social Work and the Law
SPED 612
Collaboration between Schools and Stakeholders for Individuals with Disabilities
SPED 630
Special Education Law and Finance
PSY 470G
Psychology and Law
PSY 647
Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Select 2 Assessment/Intervention courses from the list below6
SWRK 436G
Services to Children
SWRK 572
Interpersonal Violence: Social Work Practice
SWRK 623
Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention
SWRK 637
Theories of Addiction
SWRK 647
Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
SWRK 660
Advanced Generalist Field Practicum I
SWRK 661
Advanced Generalist Field Practicum II
SWRK 667
Counseling Substance and Process Addictions
SWRK 673
Grief and Loss: Issues and Interventions
SWRK 681
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
SWRK 682
Suicide Assessment and Intervention for Social Work
SPED 501
Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
SPED 502
Positive Behavior Supports
SPED 503
Behavior Assessment
CNS 567
Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment in Counseling
CNS 568
Counseling Children and Adolescents
CNS 569
Play Therapy
CNS 588
Family Systems Counseling
CNS 592
Crisis, Trauma and Violence Counseling
CNS 637
Theories of Addiction
CNS 647
Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNS 667
Counseling Substance and Process Addictions
CNS 677
Eating Disorders in Counseling
PSY 443G
Behavior Modification
PSY 540
Advanced Developmental Psychopathology
PSY 637
Theories of Addiction
PSYS 521
Advanced Child Developmental Psychology
Total Hours12

Trauma and Resilience (1787)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

This graduate certificate prepares students to practice in a variety of settings with increased knowledge in how trauma affects functioning at the individual, family, and societal levels. Participants in the graduate certificate will learn about the latest research on trauma, the impact of trauma on victims, how to assess the effects of trauma, and gain skills in trauma-informed care.  The graduate certificate in trauma and resiliency is housed in the College of Health and Human Services, Department of Social Work. 

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate School admission requirements.

      Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
SWRK 572Interpersonal Violence: Social Work Practice3
SWRK 681Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders3
Electives
Select 6 hours of the following: 16
SWRK 623
Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention
SWRK 671
Social Work and the Law
SWRK 672
Child Sexual Abuse
SWRK 673
Grief and Loss: Issues and Interventions
SWRK 676
Social Work with Migrants
SWRK 680
Social Work in Sports
SWRK 682
Suicide Assessment and Intervention for Social Work
SWRK 683
Trauma Informed School Social Work Practice
SWRK 685
Human Trafficking: Theories, Policies, & Intervention
SWRK 675
Expressive Therapies in Social Work Practice
CNS 568
Counseling Children and Adolescents
CNS 592
Crisis, Trauma and Violence Counseling
CNS/SWRK 637
Theories of Addiction
CNS 647
Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNS 667
Counseling Substance and Process Addictions
CNS 677
Eating Disorders in Counseling
PH 548
Community Organizing in Public Health
PH 564
Public Health Issues in Women's Health
PH 576
Public Health Education and Communication Techniques
PH 578
Health Inequities
PH 580
Public Health Foundations and Practice
EMDS 502
Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response
Total Hours12

1      Other electives may be selected with advisor approval.

Workplace Health Promotion (1746)

  • Graduate
  • Health and Human Services
  • School of Health and Social Services

Overview

The graduate certificate program in Workplace Health Promotion will provide training for students and professionals who have an interest in developing health promotion programs in the workplace. This certificate program will provide a comprehensive skill base for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of health promotion programs in a workplace environment, effective communication techniques and a basic understanding of workplace hazards. This certificate will also introduce students to the Total Worker Health concept, which is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiative to integrate health promotion and health protection. 

Program Requirements (15 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
EOHS 502Health Promotion in the Workplace3
PH 575Program Planning in Public Health Practice3
PH 587Health Behavior Theory3
EOHS 503Health Assessment in Workplace3
EOHS 550Principles of Occupational Safety and Health3
Total Hours15
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Accreditations/Certifications achieved within the School of Health and Social Services

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services with Child Development Pathway

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees

Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health Degrees

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) - Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management

National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Environmental & Occupational Health Science Degrees

Board of Certified Safety Professionals Qualified Academic Program (BCSP QAP) - Bachelor of Science and Master of Environmental & Occupational Health Science Degrees

National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) HSE Accreditation - Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Degree with Long-Term Care Administration Certificate

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 Last Modified 7/22/26