UTC RAVE Alert

Victim Services Certificate

Program Overview

The Interdisciplinary Victim Services certificate provides students with learning opportunities specifically designed to prepare them for careers in victim services or criminal justice paths in which they may be actively responding to victims. Students will be required to take two core courses - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (CRMJ 1100) and Victimology (CRMJ 4010). In consultation with their adviser, students will take three additional courses in the areas of: criminal justice, sociology, gender studies, social work, and psychology. The certificate is a total of 15 credit hours. Upon completion of this program, students will be better prepared to navigate difficult situations involving victimization in an empathetic and ethical manner. They will also finish the program with a “toolkit” that should allow them to analyze and critically think through tough situations, as well as have a general understanding of how the criminal justice system works in combination with victim service organizations.

Admissions Requirement and Eligibility

The Interdisciplinary Victim Services certificate is an undergraduate certificate program. Students must pass all courses in the program with a grade of C or better to be eligible to receive their certificate upon graduation.

Curriculum

Students are required to complete the following two core courses (6 credits):

  • CRMJ 1100 – Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 4010 – Victimology (3 credits)

 

Students are required to complete three of the following elective courses (9 credits):

  • SOC 2150 – The Sociology of the Family (3 credits)

  • PSY 2210 – The Psychology of Child Development (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 2450 – Family Law (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 2950 – Gender Based Violence (3 credits)

  • WGSS 3070 – Gender and Society (3 credits)

  • PSY 3310 – Social Psychology (3 credits)

  • SOC 3300 – Sociology of Mental Disorder (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 3320 – Sexual Victimization (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 3500 – Media and the Criminal Justice System (3 credits)

  • PSPS 3610 – Nonprofit Development (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 3700 – Drugs: The Law and the Community (3 credits)

  • SOCW 4070 – Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations (3 credits)

  • CRMJ 4200 – Family Violence and Criminal Justice (3 credits)

  • PSPS 4310 – Gender and Law (3 credits)

  • SOCW 4500 – Crisis Intervention & Trauma Skills (3 credits)

 

Recommended Progression

Students are strongly advised to begin with CRMJ 1100 (Introduction to the Criminal Justice System). Students may then wish to progress based on level. For example, a natural progression through the program may look like taking CRMJ 1100, progressing into 2000 and 3000 level electives, and finishing with 4000 level electives and the required 4010 Victimology. However, this progression may vary based on students’ status and course availability.

 

Important Considerations

  • This certificate is intended to strengthen the student’s chosen major while aligning with their additional interests in victim services. This certificate will likely enhance students’ marketability for a career in victim services or related fields.

  • Students have a variety of potential interests to explore through courses in various areas: criminal justice, sociology, social work, gender studies, psychology, political science, and public service.

  • Students should be aware that some of the elective courses in the certificate program have prerequisites that do not count towards the certificate. Students should consult their advisors to determine which electives would best support progression toward their degree.
  • Non-degree seeking students may obtain certificates. Please fill out an admissions application as a "Non-Degree" student.

Social, Cultural, and Justice Studies

Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography