Child Advocacy Studies (Online) Program

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Champion Children’s Safety and Well-Being

When a child’s safety is at stake, knowledge and preparation can make all the difference. Fredonia’s Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) Advanced Certificate Program gives you the tools to recognize, respond, and advocate effectively for children who have experienced—or are at risk of—abuse or neglect. Designed for working professionals in education, healthcare, social work, law enforcement, and related fields, this 100% online graduate program combines flexibility with impact. Developed in partnership with the Zero Abuse Project, Fredonia’s CAST program is the only graduate program of its kind in New York State, preparing you to lead change across disciplines that serve children and families.

What You’ll Gain

Specialized Expertise – Develop a multidisciplinary understanding of child maltreatment, trauma-informed care (TIC), and intervention strategies.
Practical Skills – Learn how to recognize, react, and respond appropriately in cases where children are at risk or have been maltreated.
Professional Credibility – Earn an Advanced Certificate (AC) recognized across education, healthcare, law, and social services fields.
Career Advancement – Strengthen your qualifications for leadership and advocacy roles that improve outcomes for children and families.
Flexibility – Complete all coursework 100% online on your schedule while continuing your professional commitments.
Collaborative Perspective – Gain insights from experts across multiple disciplines including medicine, social work, counseling, and criminal justice.
Preparation for Mandated Reporting – Build confidence and competence to act ethically and effectively when children’s safety is at stake.

Ready to Lead? Apply Now!

This is your moment. Take the next step and join a graduate program built for impact.

Apply today—your future won’t wait.

Career Opportunities for Child Advocacy Studies (Online)

Attorney
Child Protection Worker
Law Enforcement
School Administrator
Teacher

Advocate
Doctor
Nurse
Social Worker
Therapist

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

What does an example degree look like?

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CAST 501	Child Maltreatment: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy	3
CAST 502	Global Child Advocacy	3
	TOTAL	6

J-Term

Course	Title	Credits
CAST 503	Professional and System Responses to Maltreatment	3
	TOTAL	3

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CAST 504	Trauma-Informed Practices with Vulnerable Populations	3
CAST 505	Child Advocacy Research Studies	4
	TOTAL	7

GRAND TOTAL:

Our program focuses on developing students’ understanding of the numerous factors that lead to child maltreatment, and of existing responses to incidents of child maltreatment, in order that they may work more effectively within systems and institutions that respond to these incidents. Students will learn about the various disciplinary responses to child maltreatment, and will develop a multi-disciplinary understanding of the most effective responses. Students completing the courses in this program will be better equipped to carry out the work of agencies and systems (education, healthcare, criminal justice, social services) as they advocate on behalf of the needs of children as victims and survivors of child abuse.

The online CAST, A.C. is designed for students majoring in education, criminal justice, social work, sociology, psychology, medicine, law, journalism, or other areas where knowledge of child maltreatment and advocating for children might be necessary.

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

Program requirements for Child Advocacy Studies

CAST 501 Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Advocacy

This is a multidisciplinary course is designed as a survey of major issues related to child abuse and neglect. An overview of the impact of child maltreatment, prevention and intervention strategies, system response, and child advocacy are included.

CAST 502 Global Child Advocacy

This is a multidisciplinary course is designed to prepare students to recognize health, maltreatment, cultural, religious, political, and social advocacy issues within and outside of the United States, and how these issues affect the learning, welfare, and quality of life of children and families.

CAST 503 Professional & System Responses to Maltreatment

This course focuses on the responses of professionals to allegations of child maltreatment. The purpose of the course is to expand the student’s knowledge and skills in identifying, investigating and prosecuting child maltreatment. The course is designed for students who are likely to pursue a profession in which they will be a mandated reporter and knowledge of child maltreatment, trauma-informed practices, and advocacy is critical.

It's Different Here

First and Only

The only graduate-level online CAST program in New York, positioning graduates at the forefront of child advocacy.

100% Online

A fully online program that accommodates working professionals balancing career, study, and family.

Skills that Save Lives

Translate classroom learning into practical, life-changing professional skills.

Learn how to see, understand, and respond to trauma

Transformative, Trauma-Informed Practice

Fredonia’s Child Advocacy Studies (Online) program places a powerful emphasis on trauma-informed practice, helping you develop the awareness and tools to respond compassionately and effectively to the impact of trauma on children and families. You’ll learn to recognize the signs of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and understand how trauma shapes behavior, relationships, and development. Through evidence-based coursework and real-world applications, you’ll gain strategies that promote healing, resilience, and empowerment—skills that are vital across education, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. This foundation not only enhances your professional competence but also prepares you to be a steady, informed advocate when children need it most.