University of Kentucky®
Undergraduate Certificate in
Victimology
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 12
CREDENTIALS Certificate- UK Online
- All Programs
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Victimology
About this Program
The Undergraduate Certificate in Victimology offered by the College of Social Work is a twelve–credit hour program that provides students with specialized knowledge of crime victimization, victim experiences, and victim services within the criminal justice system. Drawing on the interdisciplinary perspectives of victimology, criminal justice, and social work, the certificate examines the social, legal, and structural contexts that shape victimization and societal responses to it.
Students develop a foundational understanding of the field of victimology, including victim rights, trauma-informed practice, advocacy, and service delivery, to better support victims in justice-oriented careers. This certificate complements criminal justice and related majors by preparing students for professional roles in law enforcement, courts, corrections, nonprofit organizations, and other agencies that serve and support victims of crime.
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Designed For
This certificate is designed for undergraduate students who want to better understand the experiences, needs, and rights of crime victims while preparing for meaningful careers that support individuals and communities impacted by trauma. Students interested in victim advocacy, criminal justice, social work, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, or public service will gain specialized knowledge and practical, trauma-informed skills that are increasingly valuable across federal, state, local, military, and community-based agencies.
What You’ll Learn
Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines criminology, trauma studies, and social support systems, this program helps students build a strong foundation for careers focused on advocacy, justice, prevention, and victim services.
This program will:
- Equip students with a foundational knowledge of the discipline of victimology, including its origins, evolution, and current application.
- Promote holistic understanding of victim experiences with crime victimization and criminal justice engagement, including their rights and responsibilities as well as access to services.
- Prepare students to better support crime victims in their criminal justice careers, through the imparting of knowledge related to advocacy, policy, and organizational change in justice-orientated agencies and environments.
Students complete two foundational courses in victimology and two approved electives of their choice from the following:
Electives (2 from below):
CJ 504: Restorative Justice
CJ 518: Sexual Behavior and Societal Perspectives
SW 519: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence
SW 550: Child Sexual Abuse: Assessment and Intervention
COM 314: The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Course Examples
- CJ 325 Crime Victimization
- SW 510 Understanding the Impact of Trauma
- 2 approved electives
GOT QUESTIONS?
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How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
This program is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor's degree.
Application Requirements
This program is only available to current undergraduate students pursuing a degree at UK.
After you are enrolled at UK, you can add this certificate in myGPS.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
I've never enrolled in college. Can I take this undergraduate certificate? What deadlines apply to me?
Individuals with no prior college experience that meet both the general and program admissions requirements can apply! Visit the Readmissions and Non Degree admissions page to learn more about the process!
Those who apply to online undergraduate certificate programs without actively pursuing a degree are referred to as "non-degree” seeking. The fall deadline for non-degree seeking students is August 1st and the spring deadline is November 15th.
Certain programs may impose earlier application deadlines. Applicants are advised to confirm their program application deadline through the undergraduate admissions team or the online program pages.
I'm already an undergrad student at UK. How do I add this undergraduate certificate?
Current students should discuss their interest in adding any program to their plan of study with their advisor to assess impact to graduation timeline and more. In most cases, students can add a certificate through myUK:
1. Go into MyUK
2. Click on “MyUK GPS”
3. Go to “My Program of Study” and on the right hand side of the page you should see a button that says “Request a Major Change.” Click on this button.
4. Once you go into this form, click "Add a Major" and search for the certificate program to add.
Please note, certain programs require students to complete an internal application before you can be enrolled in the program.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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