Master of Science in Developmental Trauma

DETR is a 15-month, in person, full-time master’s program that immerses future practitioners and researchers in the latest theories and discoveries related to complex developmental trauma, attachment, neuroscience, and evidence-based interventions. Students will explore risk factors and protective influences on children and families, dive deep into how trauma affects brains, bodies, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as learn about and implement holistic interventions which promote healing. In DETR, there is an emphasis on applied practice. Students have the opportunity to volunteer at therapeutic camps, local schools, and organizations.

 


World Class Institution

The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) is known across the globe for developing the trauma-informed, attachment based, evidence supported intervention for families entitled, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). KPICD staff train and consult with professionals and organizations in many different areas including juvenile justice, education, judicial systems, advocacy centers, adoption and foster care, residential treatment centers, psychiatric units, orphanages, and mental health facilities.


Applied Research

Students learn, train, and mentor undergraduate students during the Hope Connection 2.0.

 

Hope Connection 2.0  is a therapeutic weekend camp for vulnerable children and their families. Derived from The Hope Connection, the original TBRI summer camp created by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross in the late 1990’s, Hope Connection 2.0 is designed to meet the needs of the entire family, from parents, to adopted children, to adoptive siblings

 

 


Cohort and Community

Students come from a broad range of fields and with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The program often attracts students who want to pursue careers in an applied field such as community mental health, psychology, social work, or education. Many want to work in the child welfare system, community based mental health or service programs, or non-profit organizations.


Interdisciplinary

Students have the opportunity to enroll in courses from multiple departments such as child development, psychology, education, and arts.


Internships and Fieldwork

In DETR, there is an emphasis on applied practice. Students have the opportunity to volunteer and/or earn course credit at therapeutic camps, local schools, and organizations across the world.


TBRI Practitioner Training

Students are eligible to apply to the TBRI Practitioner Training during their graduate work at no additional costs.


Download the DETR Program Brochure to learn more!

How to Apply:

Applications open July 1, 2023 and are due January 1, 2024.

Apply Here

A GRE General Test score is not required to apply.