Certificate in Sexuality Education

Introduction

Sexuality Education is a multifaceted approach to provide developmentally appropriate information about sexual health, development, and well-being. This certificate focuses on a holistic view of Sexuality Education, which combines emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and ecological values across the lifespan. The certificate will provide students training to become competent in designing and leading curriculum that encompasses comprehensive sex education. Comprehensive sexuality education is medically accurate, evidence-based, and age-appropriate, and includes but is not limited to decision making around sexuality, providing information about normal sexual development, contraception, STI awareness, risk  prevention, and consent practices. Comprehensive sexuality education begins in early childhood and continue through a person’s lifespan. Recipients of the certificate will be able to provide programs to all age levels that do not only focus on sexual development, risk prevention, and consent; but also teach about forms of sexual expression, healthy sexual and non-sexual relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation and questioning, communication, sexual decision making and prevention of sexual violence. The certificate will provide training on various modalities of education including school-based curriculum, adult learning approaches, community workshops and retreats. This degree is offered by AU Seattle.

Program Overview

The educational philosophy of the Sexuality Educator Certificate is based on a model of adult learning that is student- centered and competency-based. The student-centered aspects of this model emphasize establishing learning environments characterized by collaboration, self-direction, and self-reflective practice. Our Certificate in Sexuality Education is designed for students, alumni, and community members who hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree-or- higher in Social Sciences, Liberal Studies, Education or Psychology to broaden their educator skills specific to delivering content around and promoting sexual health. Antioch’s certificate has been developed for post-bachelors students, graduate students and post-graduate professionals to meet the minimum education credit requirements to achieve certification as a sexuality educator as issued by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Antioch University Seattle is the only accredited institution in Washington that is an approved provider of AASECT Continuing Education Credits (provider ID# 18-123-AU). Students will receive up to 160 hours of Continuing Education Credits during the course of the program. This certificate program meets the requirements for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT Certification. For further information please contact [email protected].

Requirements

16 credits (160 continuing education credits) REQUIRED COURSES (may be completed during Master’s program) – 16 credits

• Human Sexuality (3)
• Fundamentals of Sex Education (3)
• Diversity in Sexual Expression (3)
• Sexuality Educator Practicum (3)
• Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) (2)
• Special Topic in Sexuality Electives (2 total)

Equivalent coursework (Masters level or higher) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be applied for transfer equivalency and waived from the required course list.

Program Length

Students entering the certificate program can complete the requirements in as little as 4 quarters (12 months). Classes are held on Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm PT and one weekend per quarter. Students can work with the Sexuality Certificate Programs Coordinator to create a plan of study that works with their professional goals. In general, the course load is reasonable and standard for graduate-level training, in terms of reading and writing (1-2 courses per quarter; average 3-6 hours per week). The classes are highly experiential and require on-going awareness of implicit biases and assumptions in relation to sexuality. In some of the classes to demonstrate active learning and application of the techniques. Q1: Foundational Coursework

• Human Sexuality (30 CEUs)

Q2: Certificate Courses

• Fundamentals of Sex Education (30 CEUs)
• Sexual Attitude Reassessment (20 CEUs)

Q3: Certificate Courses

• Diversity in Sexual Expression (30 CEUs)
• Special Topics in Sex Therapy (10 CEUs)

Q4: Certificate Courses

• Sexuality Educator Practicum (30 CEUs)
• Special Topics in Sex Therapy (10 CEUs)

Additional Info

Special Topics in Sexuality Courses 2020-2021:

• Fall 2020: Introduction to Treating out-of-control Sexual Behavior
• Winter 2021: Sex and Colonization
• Winter 2021: Understanding and Normalizing Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Spring 2021: Sexuality and Aging

Career Outlook

Sexuality educators work in a variety of settings including:

• Community and Non-profit Organizations
• Educational Settings (K-8, high school, & higher education)
• Governmental Agencies
• Healthcare and Social Services
• Technology and Social Media
• Journalism
• Private Sector

Graduates of the sexuality educator certificate will be equipped to develop curriculum for delivery in both public and private schools, to support youth group activities, to facilitate support groups, to serve in public health settings such as sexual health clinics, assisted living facilities and other community resource centers.