Risk and Prevention

Curriculum

The Risk and Prevention (R&P) program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education consists of two programs focused on the promotion of healthy child and adolescent development:

1. A Master’s degree (Ed.M.)
2. A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling

The R&P Master's degree is a self-contained program that trains prevention specialists in effective interventions to reduce risk and increase resiliency among children and youth. The Ed.M. program can also serve as a foundation year for those who wish to pursue school social work/school adjustment or school counseling licensure through the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling program. Each of the two programs requires one year of full-time study: 8 courses (32 credits).

Risk and Prevention Plan of Study 2008-2009 (50KB pdf)

Risk & Prevention Courses 2008-2009

Degrees Offered

• Ed.M.
• C.A.S.

Master's in Education (Ed.M.), Risk and Prevention

Risk and Prevention is uniquely interdisciplinary, drawing from urban education, developmental and applied psychology, public health, and non-profit program development and evaluation. Our approach considers risk and resilience within the cultural contexts in which they occur, with a focus on constructing developmental approaches to prevention, intervention, and counseling that honor cultural diversity. Special emphasis is placed on the roles that relationships play in the processes that foster resilience and recovery.

Ed.M. Requirements

Of the 8 courses required for the Risk & Prevention Program, students must enroll in:

H-331 Risk and Resilience in Social Contexts from Birth to Young Adulthood: Strategies of Prevention and Intervention (Yearlong, 4 credits)

AND

One of the following yearlong practicum courses:

1. Childhood Practicum A&B (Yearlong, 8 credits)

• H-380A Childhood Pre-Practicum I: Developmental Interventions for Children in
  School and Community Settings (Fall)
• H-380B Childhood Practicum II: Developmental Interventions for Children in School and Community Settings (Spring)

2. Adolescent Practicum A&B (Yearlong, 8 credits)

• H-381A Adolescent Pre-Practicum: Developmental Interventions for Adolescents in School and Community Settings (Fall)
• H-381B Childhood Adolescent Practicum: Developmental Interventions for
  Adolescents in School and Community Settings (Spring)

OR

One of the following yearlong research courses:

1. Research – Childhood (8 credits)

• H-396 Research Experience in Risk and Prevention: Childhood Focus (Yearlong, 4 credits)
• Research Methods Course (4 Credits)

2. Research – Adolescent (8 credits)

• H-397 Research Experience in Risk and Prevention: Adolescent Focus (Yearlong, 4 credits)
• Research Methods Course (4 credits)

AND

Five electives chosen from among courses at the Graduate School of Education or from other schools across Harvard University.

Students who would like to pursue a CAS in Counseling should select elective courses from those required for initial school adjustment or guidance counseling licensure if they wish to complete all of the requisite coursework over the two years.

Risk & Prevention students may choose electives from a variety of courses offered at the schools at Harvard University. However, of the 32 credits required to graduate, 16 must be earned from HGSE courses.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Risk & Prevention Counseling (C.A.S.)

A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in counseling is offered to graduates of the Risk and Prevention Master's program who wish to receive initial Massachusetts licensure in school social work/school adjustment or school guidance counseling. A 20-hour-per-week advanced practicum in an educational or community setting is required to meet Massachusetts licensure-requirements. Massachusetts maintains reciprocal agreements for these licenses with many other states. For more information on licensing including links to resources, visit the licensure page.

All counseling students must complete two years of study (64 credits) within Risk and Prevention: the Master's degree with a concentration in Preventative and Developmental Counseling followed by the CAS in Counseling. The CAS is designed explicitly as the second year of a two-year licensure-based education and training sequence within the Risk and Prevention Program; applications will be accepted only from students who have graduated with the R&P Master's degree. Both the Program director and coordinator are available to offer individual advice to alumni applicants.

CAS and Licensure Course Requirements

The CAS consists of two semesters of full-time coursework (32 credits) structured explicitly to meet either adjustment/school social work or guidance counseling licensure requirements. The licensure course requirements include:

* The sequential structure of the Ed.M. and CAS allows students to spread out their coursework over the two years.

Cross-Registration

Many HGSE students choose to take courses at other Harvard graduate schools (aka, cross-registering), including the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Kennedy School of Government (KSG). Harvard's schools operate on different schedules. Therefore, remain mindful of school's individual calendars and deadlines: start of classes, vacations, and exams.

For more information about cross-registering at other Harvard schools, please visit: https://crossreg.harvard.edu/

HGSE Course Catalog

For more information about HGSE course offerings, view the entire HGSE course catalogue