Crisis and Trauma Studies

The Crisis and Trauma Studies program at Tel Aviv University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding, analyzing, and managing psychological, social, and organizational responses to crises and traumatic events. Designed for students interested in exploring the complex dynamics of trauma, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to work effectively in a variety of fields such as mental health, social services, emergency response, and disaster management. Throughout the coursework, students engage with topics including psychological trauma, resilience, crisis intervention, recovery processes, and the societal impacts of disasters and conflict. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices and incorporates insights from psychology, social work, public health, and security studies, fostering a holistic understanding of trauma phenomena across different contexts and populations. Students also have opportunities to participate in workshops, simulations, and fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. The program aims to prepare graduates capable of designing and implementing effective crisis management strategies, providing psychological first aid, and contributing to policy development related to trauma and resilience. Graduates of the program are equipped to serve in hospitals, community organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs, addressing the needs of individuals and communities affected by crises, conflicts, and natural disasters. The program's faculty includes leading experts in trauma research, crisis intervention, and disaster response, ensuring students benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and best practices. With a focus on both individual and community resilience, the Crisis and Trauma Studies program at Tel Aviv University prepares students to make meaningful contributions to society by supporting recovery and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

Courses

• The psychological toll of traumatic events: theoretical & conceptual aspects
• Intervention & Trauma integrative workshop
• Social policy aspects of coping with long term stress
• Site Visits
• Research Paradigms & Methods
• Dealing with stressful & traumatic situations: basic intervention skills
• Evaluation of Social Services
• Theory & practice od social planning & social management
• Group intervention in stressful situations
• The impact of prolonged exposure to disasters on coping resiliency & general wellbeing
• Domestic violence related stress: assessment & intervention
• Theory & practice of advancing community based interventions for acute & long term crisis in under developed countries
• Positive psychology interventions: theory & practice
• Coping with life stressors: individual & family risk factors & resources
• Innovative interventions in collective traumatic events: hands-on practice & academic knowledge
• An integrative Scope of the Mind-Body: implications for Stress, Health and Well-Being
• Integrating religion &  spirituality into psychotherapy

Requirements

• Copy of bachelor’s degree diploma
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions you have attended
• General GPA requirement of 80 on a scale of 100, 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, or C on the ECTS scale. These are approximate and candidates with other strengths are also encouraged to apply.
• If your transcripts are not written in English, you will need to acquire a translated copy which will need to be notarized for authenticity.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources
• Personal essay stating academic and career objectives: 300 -500 words presenting the candidate's purpose and interest in pursuing the MA program in Social Work specializing in Crisis and Trauma studies. Please also refer to the connection between the program and your academic and/or professional experience and aspirations.
• Please note, that while the degree offered by the program is granted by the Bob Shapell School of Social Work, it is not an MSW degree.
• Resume/CV
• Your TOEFL or IELTS exam scores, if your native language is not English or your previous academic degree was not taught in English.
• Minimum TOEFL requirements: 573 on the paper based test; 230 on the computer based test; and 89 on the internet based test. The University's Code is 7704.
• Minimum IELTS requirements: Overall Band Score of 7.0.
• $100 USD application fee, payable by credit card or bank transfer.
• One passport sized photo
• A Health Declaration form (to be filled out by the applicant) and a Medical Form (to be filled out by a licensed doctor). Both forms are not mandatory while an applicant's file is marked as 'Under Review,' but are highly suggested to be sent in as soon as possible.

Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships
• Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarships

The Crisis and Trauma Studies program at Tel Aviv University offers comprehensive training designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, assess, and manage various crisis and trauma situations. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations in psychology, social work, and emergency management with practical applications, preparing graduates for roles in mental health services, emergency response teams, and governmental agencies. Students explore topics such as psychological trauma, crisis intervention techniques, post-traumatic stress disorder, crisis communication, and resilience building. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, fostering collaboration among professionals from different fields including psychology, social work, public health, and social sciences. Courses are taught by leading experts and practitioners, providing students with real-world insights and experiences. The program also includes practical training components, internships, and workshops to enhance hands-on skills. Graduates of the Crisis and Trauma Studies program are well-prepared to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, military units, community centers, and humanitarian organizations. The program's goal is to develop professionals capable of supporting individuals and communities affected by crises, whether natural disasters, accidents, or acts of violence. The program is designed for students with a background in social sciences, psychology, or related fields who are committed to making a difference in crisis intervention and trauma recovery. With a focus on research, ethics, and cultural sensitivity, the program aims to create well-rounded specialists capable of addressing complex trauma-related challenges across different populations and contexts.