MHS in Child Protection
Curriculum
Curriculum (42 credits required for total program).
Core Courses (24 Credits)
This course will introduce students to the legal framework for child protection proceedings. It is designed to introduce students to the basic legal concepts governing child protection law, providing them with a background in the legal process and assisting them in understanding how that process responds to the particularized needs of children in the child protection proceedings. This background will also be useful in analyzing material in other courses in the degree program that focus on the legal process of child protection.
- Course Director: Timothy Arcaro, J.D.
- Sample Syllabus
This course will focus on the fundamental concepts of family structure and interpersonal family dynamics that impact family functioning including communication and cultural diversity. Students will be introduced to the theoretical aspects of family systems functioning and investigate through practice the most effective application of theories introduced.
- Course Director: Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D.
- Sample Syllabus
This course reviews child growth and development and individual differences in brain development, temperament and biology. Physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and language developmental sequences will be emphasized. Major theories of development will be reviewed.
- Course Director: Dr. Anne Rambo
- Sample Syllabus
This course will provide an overview of perspectives on placement and permanency, child protection trends, children in need, and the processes used to support children and their families while moving them through the system.
- Course Director: Jan Faust, Ph.D.
- Sample Syllabus
This course introduces students to various forms of family assessments and case planning. It introduces students to multiple and holistic family assessments and provides students with skills to increase their effectiveness and efficacy while providing services to their clients.
- Course Director: Tommy Boyd, Ph.D.
- Sample Syllabus
This course will provide a fundamental analysis of research and methodology as related to evaluation of agency and program administration. Included in this course will be an introduction to statistical analysis and the use of current technology.
- Course Director: Frank DePiano, Ph.D.
- Sample Syllabus
Specialty Tracks (12 Credits)
Students must choose one track below and complete 12 credits within the track.
- Track 1: Psychological Foundations in Child Advocacy
- Track 2: Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
- Track 3: Conflict and Crisis Management for the Child Protective Case Worker
- Track 4: Legal Perspectives of Child Protective Services
- Track 5: Advocating for the Child as a Behavioral Analyst
- Track 6: Advocating for the Special Needs Child’s Education
- Track 7: Family Systems and Support
- Track 8: Administration for Child Protective Services
- Track 9: Public Health and Child Protection
- Track 10: Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations
Electives (6 Credits)
Students must choose one or a combination of electives below to obtain a total of 6 credit hours.
- Two, three (3) credit classes
Students may choose any two three credit courses within their degree program, excluding the required courses, and apply those credits toward the electives requirement.
- Practicum Placement (3, 6, or 9 Credit options)
This practicum will provide the MHS:CP student with first-hand experience working within the field. During the semester, students will have the opportunity to observe various entities within a department or agency. S/he will engage in direct activity while assigned to MHS:CP practicum. Direct activity includes but is not limited to observation of role model, attending lectures, and performing assigned duties. - Master's Thesis (6 Credits)
Work with NSU faculty member creating your own research project.
