M.A. in Human Services – Trauma, Resilience, and Self-Care Strategies

Get a master’s in trauma for patient and self-care strategies

Trauma, resilience and self-care are trending topics of research in today’s complex behavioral health arena. As a human services professional, you will develop a deeper understanding about trauma and stressor-related disorders, the impact on the human brain and family systems, and most importantly, learn how to better assist individuals with effective strategies.

With specialized, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-approved coursework wrapped in a flexible online format, you’ll complete 36 credits and apply knowledge learned from industry professionals to make a big difference in helping individuals experiencing toxic stress exposure or trauma.

Career Outlook

Careers in community and social services are projected to grow 12% from 2019 to 2029.¹ The skills you learn will allow you to fill the demand for trained human services professionals, bridging the gap between the impact of trauma and other aspects of a client’s interpersonal and social functioning.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: GROUP HOME MANAGER

$50,922/year

A group home manager oversees the operations of facilities for elderly or disabled residents. They develop programs, hire staff, and manage budgets.²

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: CRISIS INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

$41,164/year

A crisis intervention specialist works with clients who are in distress due to mental health issues or traumatic experiences. They assess a person’s situation and help make decisions in the best interest of the parties involved.³

Other positions you could qualify for with a master’s in trauma:

• Trauma-informed policy advisor
• Child welfare and protection worker
• Children’s therapeutic support service worker
• Correctional caseworker
• Psychiatric rehabilitation specialist
• Domestic violence counselor

Course Spotlight: HSV 543 Foundations in Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

This course is designed to increase understanding of the causes, characteristics and symptoms, consequences, comorbid disorders, and differential diagnostic issues of trauma-and stressor-related disorders in order to promote trauma-informed approaches and practices within human service, criminal justice, forensic behavioral health, telehealth direct support, and other allied field settings. This course will emphasize communication, screening, and intervention strategies appropriate for client-based populations living with these disorders. A section of this course will also examine the impact these disorders have on special needs populations. Empirically-based research findings and case study examples will be discussed throughout this course.

Course Spotlight: HSV 567 Trauma and Its Impact on the Family System

Trauma and other adverse life events can impact entire family systems, resulting in significant distress for all immediate and extended members. Regardless of the type of trauma experienced, the adverse effects can be wide-ranging, long-term, and contribute to a host of social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health challenges. When such issues have not been properly identified and supported, impacted families are at an increased risk of attachment and communication breakdowns, conflict, separation, and familial violence. This course will examine the implications trauma exposure has on families involved in criminal justice, forensic behavioral health, and human service settings. Strengthening family resilience and trauma-specific interventions and approaches to support those impacted by trauma and adversity will be discussed during this course to promote stability, increase resilience, and heal within the family system.

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