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Applied Prevention Science (Graduate Certificate)

Applied Prevention Science (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Applied Prevention Science (Graduate Certificate)

Child Psychologist, Community Psychology, Mental Health, family, parenting

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.


You can help meet the growing demand for a well-trained mental health workforce, whether at home or abroad. As a prevention specialist, you would be trusted to innovate and promote positive health outcomes for youth and families across diverse service delivery sectors. This certificate program sets you on that path.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Applied Prevention Science (Certificate)

This graduate certificate program provides foundational and theoretical knowledge necessary for employment in the field of mental illness prevention and health promotion.

The program offers five courses totaling 15 credits. Training is self-directed, with one-on-one feedback from faculty. Specific training areas and assignments are highly relevant to job demands, including community-based program evaluation; evidence-based psychosocial interventions; prevention ethics including in diverse settings and with diverse populations; and community psychology, advocacy and funding seeking for prevention programming initiations and sustainment.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (15 credit hours)
PSY 563 Prevention Planning and Evaluation in Service Settings (3)
PSY 564 Prevention Education, Communication and Service Delivery (3)
PSY 567 Prevention Organization and Community Change (3)
PSY 569 Professional Ethics, Growth and Responsibility in Prevention (3)
PSY 678 Preventive Psychosocial Interventions that Work (3)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or in any health, mental health, or counseling-related field, from a regionally accredited institution, or an equivalent degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

The certificate program in applied prevention science is valuable for those aspiring to work in fields that provide services to children and families in diverse settings such as schools, courts, community health centers and mental health agencies, child welfare, home visiting programs, foster care services and tribal behavioral health.

Career examples include:

  • behavioral health specialist
  • community and social service specialists
  • community health worker
  • prevention specialist
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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