Certificate Program Requirements

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies requires successful completion of the fifteen-hour (15) core interdisciplinary curriculum, including a field project or internship. A final minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) is required for the certificate program and a minimum grade of C is required in all graduate courses.

(Part-time study is also possible; students should seek guidance regarding required sequencing.)

Core Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CAST U700	Perspectives in Child Maltreatment	3
CAST U701	System Responses to Child Maltreatment	3
CAST U702	Prevention and Intervention Strategies	3
CAST U798	Topics in Child Advocacy	3
CAST U799	Child Advocacy Project/Internship	3
Total Hours		15

Certificate Candidate Admission Criteria

Individuals seeking admission to USC Upstate Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies will be considered for full admission when the USC Upstate Admissions Office receives all admissions materials. All admission decisions are made by the Child Advocacy Studies Admissions Committee.

Admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies requires:

1. Submission of the USC Upstate non-degree seeking application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
2. Submission of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies application form available from the Child Advocacy Studies Program office (CASB114).
3. A Baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency as supported by the submission of official transcripts.
4. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale in the last 60 hours of academic work is preferred; however, a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0-point scale in the last 60 hours of academic work is acceptable. Demonstrated field experience may override the GPA requirement.
5. Submission of two letters of recommendation using forms provided in the application packet.
6. Submission of a personal statement that describes career goals and how the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies will be utilized.
7. Submission of a current criminal background check.
8. Proof of immunization for measles (rubella) and German measles (rubeola) if born after December 31, 1956.

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Applicants Not Seeking a Certificate

Students wishing to enroll in graduate courses in Child Advocacy Studies but who do not wish to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies at USC Upstate must submit the following admission materials:

1. Application for Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students.
2. Residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
3. Application fee.
4. Submission of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Child Advocacy Studies office (CASB114).
5. Submission of a current criminal background check.
6. Proof of immunization for measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) if born after Dec. 31, 1956.

Suggested Sequence of Classes

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
CAST U700	Perspectives in Child Maltreatment	3
	Hours	3
Spring
CAST U701	System Responses to Child Maltreatment	3
	Hours	3
Second Year
Fall
CAST U702	Prevention and Intervention Strategies	3
	Hours	3
Spring
CAST U798	Topics in Child Advocacy	3
	Hours	3
Summer
CAST U799	Child Advocacy Project/Internship	3
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	15