Photo of student talking with two young children.

Child Advocacy and Policy

There is an increasing demand for trained professionals who understand the complex challenges faced by today’s children and their families, many of whom lack adequate access to education, healthcare, and other basic services. Child advocacy professionals are prepared to help. They draw on an interdisciplinary knowledge base to represent the rights of children and families. A child advocacy professional can hold many different job titles. Graduates work with state agencies, legal organizations, school systems, non-profit agencies, and other community-based organizations.

Career Opportunities

Child Welfare Agencies
Child Behavioral Health Services (case management organizations, youth case management programs, and mobile response and stabilization units)
Prevention and Community Organizations
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Education Advocacy Groups
Victim-Witness Offices/Agencies
Disability Advocacy Groups
Domestic Violence Programs
Youth Mentoring and Development Programs
Supervised Visitation Programs

Contact Information

Undergraduate Programs

BA in Child Advocacy and Policy

A 39 credit, 13 course major for those students who wish to work with or on behalf of vulnerable children, youth, and families, particularly, but not limited to, those residing in the public child welfare system and the nation’s broader social support networks (non-profits and NGOs). In their senior year, students must take a practicum (internship) in child advocacy and a senior seminar course. No minimum GPA required.

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Minor in Child Advocacy and Policy

The Minor in Child Advocacy and Policy offers students an interdisciplinary study of the field of child advocacy. This course of study is relevant to students who intend to pursue careers working with children and families. The curriculum compliments many majors including psychology, sociology, family science and human development, justice studies, and medical humanities. Through the perspectives of social work, psychology, and law, students gain foundational knowledge of child advocacy and child protection, with a particular focus on policy and practice issues relevant to vulnerable children and families. This minor may be helpful when seeking employment with social services agencies and other helping organizations. The minor consists of 6 courses (18 credit hours).

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Graduate Programs

MA in Child Advocacy and Policy (Online Track)

An 11 course, 33 credit hour master’s program that provides a comprehensive view of the interdisciplinary field of child advocacy and policy and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a child advocacy professional. Students enrolled in the online MA in Child Advocacy and Policy attend class year-round (fall, spring, summer) taking two 8-week courses per semester. Students take one course at a time. Courses are taken entirely online. Career advising available.

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