Trauma Studies Programs

Trauma Studies is a psychology subspecialty that studies the coping patterns and resilience of people (both individually and collectively) who have undergone a substantial trauma. A relatively new field, professionals use a multidisciplinary approach to address both the prevalence and consequences of traumatic events.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

It is an unfortunate fact of life that every year, somewhere in the world, there will be some kind of trauma undergone by a person or collective group of people. The largest recent trauma that comes to mind is that of the Japanese tsunami in 2011. By the time you read this, there will likely be more. Trauma studies specialists can help survivors get their lives back.

Useful Trauma Studies Resources

• International Trauma Studies Program
• Trauma and Violence Transdisciplinary Studies (NYU)
• International Society for Trauma Stress Studies

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Trauma Studies Methods of Operation

To be effective in this field, one must develop an understanding of the scope and the effects of trauma. Whatever the event, it can have a wide range of damaging effects that touch the lives of more than just the people, who survive the direct impact of any given event.

Through the assessment and treatment of these effects, which arise out of trauma, researchers and counselors in this field can help their subjects deal with issues and work toward recovery. It also helps for trauma studies professionals to know the cultural aspects of trauma and how it is dealt with in different socioeconomic climates.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Careers in Trauma Studies

If considering this field as a career choice, one can rest assured there are plenty of options. One may find employment working in the inner cities, where crime is more rampant, or they could travel abroad and serve areas touched by natural disaster and turbulent political environments. Others work mainly with theory and research.

It takes the heart of a servant to work in this field. It also takes the emotional stability to see past the emotional effects on self and to the needs of another person, who is going through something one may not be able to understand. Salaries in this field may range from $60,000-$80,000 per year, so it is not the most financially lucrative field of psychology, but it can be one of the most rewarding when it comes to making a positive difference.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Trauma Studies Degree Training

Coursework for this field is intensive. If one wants to work in this subspecialty, he should attain a doctorate degree with emphasis on research and clinical psychology. The sensitive nature of the work usually requires supervised field experience before full licensure can be attained.

Each state differs on its standards, and some, but not all, may have specialized trauma studies training programs. The relative youth of the field is a sign of many improvements and opportunities to come.