Combat Veterans
Designed for civilians, service members, and veterans who have a passion to help those who have been exposed to the trauma of war or military conflict through their service in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Combat Veterans Certificate is open to current MSW students and Human Service Professionals through the School of Social Work’s Continuing Education Program.
The first course in the certificate program, Embracing the Stories of War, uses an immersive, storytelling approach to deepen students' understanding of the military cycle, from enlistment, basic training, the experience of war, and post-war challenges. This is a standalone course. For many students and human service professionals, the first course will be all they need.
The second course, Sharing the Burden and Healing the Wounds of War, focuses on society’s response to and care for its service members and veterans, with an emphasis on improving policies and programs to better meet their needs. Students also learn about the differences between treatment and healing, the overlap and unique features of common combat injuries (post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury), and the role complex trauma plays in post-military adjustment, including the need to assess for and address pre-military trauma.
Continuing Education for Human Service Professionals
Designed to meet the needs of human service professionals already in the field, the continuing education option allows those with a minimum of a bachelors degree in a human service related field and an interest in learning more about combat veterans an opportunity to complete this coursework alongside registered MSU students - same classes, same experience, lower cost! Each class costs $500 plus course materials. Social work continuing education contact hours (CECHs) are available for both courses!
Program Components
The Combat Veterans Certificate requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- Course 1: Embracing the Stories of War (next offering starts May 2025!) - 104 Continuing Education Contact Hours
- Course 2: Sharing the Burden and Healing the Wounds of War (dates TBA)
Note: These courses must be taken in the order listed above, as the first class covers foundational content needed for the second class.
Continuation into Course 2 is not automatic; this will depend on satisfactory completion of Course 1 (a grade of at least 80%), and available “seats” which may be limited.
You will receive a Certificate of Course Completion for each course, but successful completion of both classes is required for the full Combat Veterans Certificate.
To apply for the first class, please complete the continuing education application. If accepted, you will receive information on registration and purchasing the necessary course materials. Once accepted and registered for the course, a refund cannot be issued.