Requirements for the CAST certificate
While not a typical certificate program, the CAST program builds a knowledge base for students wanting to work on behalf of child victims or survivors of child abuse. Having the CAST program on your resume shows employers that you understand the difficulties inherent in these special cases. The following classes are required:
Note: PSY 3531: Child Psychology, is required prior to beginning the sequence.
Students are encouraged to speak to their academic advisors if child advocacy careers interest them – the course work for the certificate can be easily worked into most program plans without requiring a heavier course load or extra semesters. For example, the CAST program is built into the Forensic Psychology degree (through substitution of forensic psychology elective classes), and the ABA and Clinical concentrations. Those in the Sports Psychology and Social-Cultural concentrations can make CAST fit by using some of their free electives.