Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: What degrees and tracks does the program offer? A: The Human Sexuality program offers the following degrees. The Education track is tailored for those interested in a career as a sexuality educator and/or teaching or doing research in sexuality education. The Clinical track is designed for those who wish to do sex therapy or other work in clinical sexology. Such students must either enter with a clinical master's degree (Master of Social Work, Family Therapy, Counseling, etc.) or must enroll in one of the dual degree programs.
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Q: When are classes offered? Is it possible to work and take classes? A: Due to the nature of the program, and to accomodate commuting students, nearly all the Human Sexuality courses are offered on the weekends. Each class typically includes two weekends, meeting from 9am-7pm on Saturdays and 10am-6pm on Sundays (although times may be adjusted by the professor to suit class needs). Some classes are offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters while others are offered only during Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. |
Q: What are the classes like? A: Widener University 's Human Sexuality program offers a unique seminar-style classroom experience to make the learning process more enjoyable and applicable to future work in sexuality education, counseling or therapy. There are typically fewer than 20 students in each class to foster the discussions, small group activities, and personal learning experiences that are utilized in the program. Students wear comfortable clothes and bring items necessary to increase their comfort during long weekend classes. Many students bring snacks to share. Time in class is typically spent doing activities, applying the outside readings, having small group discussions, and being exposed to a variety of audio-visual materials. Students are required to complete readings before, between and after classes and have papers, journals, or projects due after classes are finished. |
Q: Is there a distance-learning option? A: No, due to the nature of the experientially-based learning in this program, students enrolled in Human Sexuality courses must attend the classes. However, many students in the program decide to fly or drive to Widener University for the weekend courses rather than relocating to the local community. Widener is conveniently located six miles south of Philadelphia International Airport , and there is a plethora of hotels in the local area, including a lovely new Best Western Widener Hotel and Suites, across the street from the University; includes complementary pick up at airport or Chester train station; free wireless internet access. |
Q: Are graduates accredited or certified with any organizations? A: Widener's Graduate Program in Human Sexuality is the only sexuality education program at a nationally accredited university in the United States. Students are fast-tracked for certification with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), which is the premier organization for credentialing of professionals in sex education, counseling, and therapy. Students interested in working in the field of marriage and family therapy may want to discuss the option of taking elective courses with the Council for Relationships, a postgraduate certified training institute. The Council for Relationships is nationally accredited by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). |
Q: Is there a practicum or internship requirement? A: Students in the program are required to meet with the Director of Field Experience to plan for their practicum course. To meet AASECT certification requirements, the clinical practicum requires 250 hours, and typically occurs over two semesters, while the education practicum requies 50 hours. The practicum also involves personal journaling of the process and a final paper or presentation. |
Q: What sort of careers do students from your program get into? A: Students graduating with a degree in Human Sexuality have gone on to become college professors, counselors at high schools or various organizations, private therapists, sexuality educators in schools or various organizations, journalists, and more. Many graduates work in the fields of reproductive rights, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rights, comprehensive sexuality education, political lobbying, and sexual rehabilitation. |
Q: Are there travel opportunities? A: Every summer, students have the option of attending a trip to another country to experience another culture. If students so desire, they may pay an additional sum and complete a project or presentation at the discretion of the professors to have the trip count as a class credit in the place of HSED 501: Sexuality & Society in Cross Cultural Perspective. |
Q: Is there an active, engaged student group? A: The opportunity to get to know and study with others who care passionately about sexuality is one of the most outstanding aspects of this program. Currently over 160 students with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests are enrolled in the program. The Human Sexuality Education Student Organization (HSEDSO) provides a wide variety of networking and service opportunities. |
Q: Is there housing availability for graduate students? A: Widener University does not currently offer on-campus housing for graduate students. However, Widener is conveniently located in the middle of several townships with plenty of housing availability. Widener is also located directly next to I-95 before the I-476 split for easy interstate access for our commuter students. The University Life office in University Center does have some information on local housing availability. The phone number to University Life is (610) 499-4400. |
Q: Are there graduate assistantships? A: There are a limited number of spaces available for graduate assistantships in the Center for Education and the Center for Social Work. For more information on these assistantships, contact either the Center for Education at (610) 499-4251 or the Center for Social Work at (610) 499-1153. |
Q: Where is the Center for Education located? A: The Center for Education is located on 14 th Street in Hyatt Hall, directly across from University Center on the main campus. Street parking is available on campus for visitors, as well as a small visitors parking lot located on the corner of 14th Street and Walnut Street . |
Q: What is the contact information for the program? A: Dr. Betsy Crane, Director of Graduate Programs in Human Sexuality; phone: 610-499-4242; email: bcrane@widener.edu or Mailing address: Website: http://humansexuality.widener.edu/ |