Educational Opportunities in Human Sexuality

EDUCATIONAL

OPPORTUNITIES

IN

HUMAN SEXUALITY
A Sourcebook

FIFTH EDITION

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality

www.sexscience.org

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality

P.O. Box 416

Allentown, PA 18105-0416

p (610) 530-2483

f (610) 530-2485

TheSociety@inetmail.att.net

A listing in this sourcebook does not imply SSSS endorsement.

The idea behind this sourcebook...

A review of the information contained in this publication reveals that the opportunities which currently exist for training in sexuality research, education and therapy are limited. In fact, today there are significantly fewer opportunities for education in sexology than existed ten years ago. Cut-backs in education and research funding have taken their toll. This sourcebook helps address this critical issue so that the education and training of the next generation of sexual scientists, educators and therapists can be assured.

Why we publish it...

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) regularly receives requests for information about graduate and professional education in sexology. The people who contact us have typically been inspired to pursue a career in sexuality as a result of being exposed to a graduate or undergraduate course in human sexuality. They are enthusiastic, but often frustrated at the same time. How come their friends and classmates, who are pursuing careers in accounting, journalism, nursing, medicine, social work or other disciplines, have such clear-cut, structured routes available to them, while the road to a career in sex research, education or therapy appears to be so vague? Many callers tell our staff that the instructor of the human sexuality course that inspired their interest admit little knowledge about the availability of educational programs for those who want to focus their careers in sexology. It was in response to this need for current information that the SSSS Accreditation Committee decided in 1991 to publish this sourcebook. The Society is pleased to make available for your information this current edition of Educational Opportunities in Human Sexuality.

What kind of information does it contain?

The information reported here has been obtained through questionnaires which were mailed to those members of SSSS who have academic appointments to colleges and universities. Calls for current information about educational opportunities in human sexuality were also placed in The Society's Sexual Science newsletter from time to time. We are pleased that this fifth edition, like the fourth, has been expanded to incorporate international educational opportunities, as well as those available in the U.S.

How to select a graduate program...

In terms of selecting a graduate program, it is advisable for you to determine the support and interest for sexuality-related work in the graduate programs that you are considering. If you have encountered the work of a particular faculty member in special readings, consider exploring graduate study with that person or institution. It is critical to find an appropriate mentor, someone who has demonstrated knowledge and skill in your area of interest. A good mentor will spend time to facilitate a student's learning and development and is not just looking for a graduate assistant. Compatibility is also important. These things can be explored by reading in your area of interest, talking with other students, and especially, by arranging a personal meeting with any prospective mentor.

What to do, what questions to consider...

It is extremely important to take the time to correspond and make a site visit to the graduate schools which are at the top of your list of potential locations. During such visits, you should find answers to questions about any aspects of the program which would influence the quality of the experience as you prepare a career in sexology.

These questions should include:

Are there sexuality-related courses in either the home department or in other departments that can be taken as part of the curriculum?
Are there faculty members available with whom to do guided independent work related to sexuality?
Are there assistantships available for teaching sexuality-related courses or for research in a sexuality-related area?
Are there opportunities in the community to do practical internships or volunteer work in your area of interest?
Does the academic environment seem to be supportive of sexuality-related work?

A candidate should be wary if the program does not offer or allow for sufficient positive educational, research and practical professional experiences related to sexology.

Keep in mind...

The educational opportunities for sexuality professionals are not limited to those listed in this publication. Creative and motivated individuals who are willing to take responsibility for the discovery of less structured opportunities may be able to create valuable learning experiences for themselves. This will take energy and perseverance and could be risky since you may be breaking new ground. However, given the current level of development of the field, this approach is essential for many of us pursuing careers in sexology.

Deciding on a career means knowing more about it

Who does sexual research?

Those who conduct and publish research on sexuality-related topics are usually trained within a particular home discipline (such as anthropology, biology, communications, health promotion, history, family studies, nursing, psychology, sociology, women's studies, etc.). They have typically earned a doctoral degree and usually have an academic appointment at a university, college or institute. Some sex researchers are employed full time as researchers. However, they are in the minority. Most conduct research along with their other professional responsibilities, such as teaching and therapy.

How can you become a researcher?

For most people, a career in sex research will require rigorous training in the theoretical and methodological aspects of a particular discipline. Future sexual scientists and researchers will need to have advanced knowledge and skills in a variety of research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) as well as statistical techniques. Since funding for basic sexual research has been scarce, such research is often embedded in larger research projects requiring an interdisciplinary approach and collaboration. To prepare for this, future researchers need to arm themselves with both a breadth of knowledge and a depth of expertise in their chosen area. Graduate work on funded projects as part of a research team is extremely important. Also, publishing and presenting research at professional conferences while getting a graduate degree is essential for a good start in a research career.

What kind of background do counselors and therapists have?

While the majority of sexual counselors and therapists have been trained in psychology, they also come from a host of other academic disciplines, including counseling, education, social work, nursing, theology, marriage and family therapy, medicine, sexology, sociology, women's studies....

Where and how you can start training to be a sexual counselor or therapist...

It is important to realize that modern sexual therapy is approximately thirty years old. Given this relatively short time span, it is not surprising that the field lacks a variety of educational and training opportunities focusing on the skills necessary for sexual counseling and therapy. However, the creative and motivated person can structure opportunities in more generic training programs to focus on the more specific areas of sexual development, relationships and concerns.

Those interested in developing sex therapy skills as part of their clinical education should seek training in a professional program that permits the integration of sexual therapy and counseling skills into their academic training. It is recommended you:

1) become well grounded in the clinical skills offered in your major area of study;

2) then, take courses dealing with sexually-related issues, in any department;

3) and lastly, pursue practica or residency training with clinicians at agencies who will supervise counseling and therapy for clients with sexual concerns.

What about the certification process for future therapists and counselors?

It is important that you take responsibility in working with your committee chair to develop an academic program that will provide a foundation for further postgraduate work in the area of sexual therapy and counseling. The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) has established minimum educational and supervisory criteria for certifying sex counselors and sex therapists. This information is available by sending an SASE to:

AASECT, P.O. Box 238, Mount Vernon, IA 42314-0238

The American Board of Sexology has also developed a syllabus for the training of sex therapists. Contact the Board at:

American Board of Sexology

1050 Connecticut Ave. NW #6613, Washington, DC 20035-9998

What kind of background do sex educators have?

There is a long history of organized sexuality education in the U.S. which can be traced back to the beginning of this century and the efforts of Margaret Sanger and her associates in addressing women's health issues. Today, sexuality educators can be found in a myriad of settings, including health clinics for men and women, hospitals, social service and family counseling agencies, public and parochial elementary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. The majority of sex educators do not teach sexuality education full time. Generally, sex education is only part of what they do. Since there are few opportunities available for the comprehensive education and training of sex educators, those who work as 'sex educators' in various settings have very diverse preparation.

How can you become a sex educator?

Programs that offer courses to train sex educators are generally found in departments of education, health education, medicine, nursing, allied health, special education and in interdisciplinary programs. Sexuality educators need knowledge and skills to develop, implement, evaluate and advocate for core courses and programs focusing on or related to sexuality effectively. Therefore, students need to become well grounded in educational philosophies, methodologies, curriculum development and evaluation of educational programs - as well as becoming knowledgeable in the content areas that they wish to teach. Students are well advised to attend programs that have talented educators who can serve as role models of teaching effectiveness. Serving as a teaching assistant and/or as a community educator in order to gain practical hands-on experience is extremely beneficial. Programs with practica and/or internships in settings where sexuality education can be taught provide valuable opportunities.

What about certification?

Again, AASECT (see above) has established minimum educational and supervisory criteria for certifying sex educators.

Already a student?

You're also encouraged to consider a student membership in SSSS. The Society has had a longstanding commitment to supporting students and beginning professionals through reduced fees and subscription rates, research grants, interest groups and other opportunities. Annual meetings and regional conferences are an excellent way to meet other students and sexuality professionals, and to learn even more about sexology and your potential to contribute to and benefit from the field.

The information in this Educational Opportunities in Human Sexuality sourcebook will provide you with basic information concerning a variety of (inter)national programs that may be of interest to those seeking opportunities for professional education in sexuality. These listings, arranged alphabetically by geographical location and sponsoring organization, include a range of experiences from workshops, courses, internships and fellowships to graduate minors and majors in sexuality fields. Browse the sourcebook to become acquainted with all the opportunities, as headings only give you part of the information. You are encouraged to get in touch with the contact persons to find out more about admission and graduation requirements or financial assistance, as well as the particular program or opportunity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S.

AL | AR | CA | CT | DC | FL | HI | IL | IN | IA | KS | MD | MA | MI | MN | MO | NH | NJ | NY | OH | PA | UT | VT | WA | WI | International