Select one of the options below:
By successfully completing this graduate certificate, you will gain specialized knowledge in prevention science, including prevention theory, evidence-based prevention strategies, prevention program planning and design, and program evaluation. You will also analyze and discuss various prevention programs that schools, families, and communities have implemented to address a wide range of societal challenges.
How do you evaluate programs and measure success? Why do some prevention programs work while others fail to deliver results? Explore answers to these questions and more as you develop new analytical skills.
Build the foundation of skills you need to achieve greater long-term success as a prevention science practitioner working in career fields such as:
The multidisciplinary field of prevention science focuses on developing, implementing, and continually assessing evidence-based strategies to address societal challenges. People working in this field develop programs and provide resources with the goal of improving the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
Prevention science draws from a range of disciplines, including human development, psychology and behavioral science, public health, epidemiology, sociology, socioeconomics, gerontology, and other human systems sciences. By taking an ethical, culturally responsive, and research-based approach to collecting, analyzing, and understanding data, prevention science practitioners can develop programs that mitigate the harmful impacts of various health and social problems, such as:
Many human service providers and education professionals do not yet have specialized training in prevention science theory and program development. To achieve successful outcomes, it is important to understand the complexities of human development, family systems, communities, cultural dynamics, and socioeconomic systems. This will allow you to optimize prevention science programs that address overall human wellbeing in the context of family, culture, and society.
As a student in this program, you will learn to:
This combination of formal education and applied knowledge will prepare you for advancement in a variety of organizations, including educational institutions, community service agencies, governmental agencies, nonprofit advocacy organizations, research foundations, and more.
Credits earned in this graduate certificate program can be transferred into CSU's online Master of Prevention Science program (starting Fall 2022) after formal admission per University transfer policies. However, successful completion of this certificate does not guarantee admission to the degree program.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nate Riggs about the interdisciplinary field of prevention science and how it has evolved to help reduce risk factors (and enhance protective factors) to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities.
Note: This certificate may have courses in common with other graduate certificates. A student may earn more than one certificate, but a given course may be counted only in one certificate.
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | Applications accepted Fall of even years only |
| Summer | Applications accepted Fall of even years only |
In most cases, you can expect to be notified of your application status within two weeks of submitting all application materials. Applications submitted after the deadline may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowApplicants to this program must have:
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online).
Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary): Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.
