The CAST (Child Advocacy Studies) minor was created as a collaborative approach to training and educating front line professionals and the next generation of child welfare practitioners. The core UIS CAST courses are certified by the ZERO Abuse Project and UIS CAST students are eligible for a certificate as proof of their knowledge, skills and abilities in child maltreatment prevention and intervention. Upon completion of the 15-hour minor, students are eligible to receive credit for both the minor at UIS as well as the certificate awarded externally. Students may complete the CAST minor on-campus or fully online.
ZERO Abuse Project Certified
The core UIS CAST courses are certified by the ZERO Abuse Project. UIS CAST students are eligible for a certificate as proof of their knowledge, skills and abilities in child maltreatment prevention and intervention. Upon completion of the coursework, students are eligible to receive credit for both the UIS minor as well as the external certification.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Median Annual Wage
$59,550
Wage Range
$42,280 – $95,530
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree
Chief Sustainability Officers
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Median Annual Wage
$213,990
Wage Range
$75,700 – $507,730
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Social and Human Service Assistants
Bright OutlookAssist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Median Annual Wage
$45,930
Wage Range
$34,200 – $63,290
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Some college, no degree
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Bright OutlookAssess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis i
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Median Annual Wage
$60,280
Wage Range
$39,740 – $104,170
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Community Health Workers
Bright OutlookPromote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communic
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Median Annual Wage
$51,850
Wage Range
$38,810 – $77,180
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Master’s degree
Childcare Workers
Bright OutlookAttend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Median Annual Wage
$34,980
Wage Range
$24,260 – $46,010
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree, Less than high school diploma
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