A two‑year, fully online, asynchronous master’s program

The MS in Developmental Trauma immerses future practitioners and researchers in the latest theories and discoveries related to complex developmental trauma, attachment, neuroscience, and evidence‑based interventions. Students explore risk factors and protective influences on children and families and understand how trauma affects biology, brains, bodies, beliefs, and behaviors.

Program Highlights

• 30‑hour, fully online program with asynchronous coursework
• Two‑year sequence with a fall start and August in‑person orientation (optional but encouraged)
• Coursework in neuroscience, statistics, developmental psychology, and attachment theory
• Instruction from TBRI® experts at KPICD and across the field
• Opportunities for research, internships, and therapeutic camp placements
• A capstone project tailored to students’ professional goals

Note: The program does not prepare students for licensure in any capacity

Required Courses

Courses include Trauma & Relationships with TBRI®, Trauma & Behavior with TBRI®, Advanced Developmental Psychology, Advanced Neuroscience, Interactive Data Analysis, Capstone, and electives such as internships, research, or study abroad .

A one‑year, 9‑hour online certificate program

The Graduate Certificate is a fully online, asynchronous program designed for professionals in child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and related systems of care. Certificate hours can be applied toward the MS in Developmental Trauma. 

Program Highlights

• 9‑hour online program completed over one year
• Fall start date
• Networking and career support opportunities
• Courses include Trauma & Relationships with TBRI®, Trauma & Behavior with TBRI®, and one elective such as Advanced Developmental Psychology or Advanced Neuroscience

For current TCU Child Development majors 

The 4‑1 MS in Developmental Trauma allows eligible TCU undergraduates to earn up to 12 hours of dual‑credit coursework toward the MS degree during their senior year. Students complete the remaining hours in one additional year.

Key details include:

• Apply up to 12 hours of dual credit toward the MS
• Two‑year pathway (senior year + one additional year)
• Open to TCU undergraduates majoring in Child Development
• Requires 60 completed undergraduate hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply

World‑Class Expertise

KPICD is internationally recognized as the home of Trust‑Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). KPICD staff train and consult with professionals across juvenile justice, education, adoption and foster care, residential treatment, psychiatric units, orphanages, and mental health facilities.

Interdisciplinary Cohort

Students join a diverse community of professionals from psychology, social work, education, nursing, child welfare, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.

In‑Person Orientation

All students are invited to attend an optional but highly encouraged in‑person orientation in Fort Worth each August to connect with faculty, staff, and peers.

Internships & Applied Learning

Students gain hands‑on experience through:

• Therapeutic camps
• Schools and community organizations
• Research and application‑based opportunities with KPICD
• Collaboration with TBRI® Practitioners worldwide

Applicants must:

• Complete the online application and pay the $60 fee
• Submit contact information for three recommenders
• Provide transcripts from all institutions attended
• Submit a resume noting TBRI® training or Practitioner status (not required for admission)
• Submit a personal statement (MS and 4‑1 applicants only) outlining motivation, goals, and alignment with the program (max 1,000 words)

Admissions decisions are holistic and consider academic background, research experience, applied experience, and personal fit with the program.

Application Timeline

• Applications open: January 1
• Applications due: April 1
• Decisions released: At the first of May