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Dual Degree Program
Human Sexuality (MEd) & Public Administration (MPA)
With a master of education in human sexuality studies (MEd) and master of public administration (MPA), you'll be primed to innovate at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and sexuality.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Dual Master's Degrees
Format
Hybrid (Online and In-Person)
Credits
60
Avg. Time to Completion
3 Years
Affiliation
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Human Sexuality (MEd) & Public Administration (MPA) Dual Degree Program
In our master of education in human sexuality studies (MEd) and master of public administration (MPA) dual degree program, you'll explore a variety of interdisciplinary careers as a sexuality professional in education, politics, non-profit work, and more. With weekend and evening classes offered in a hybrid format, you can customize your learning to fit your life, your goals, and your passions.
This program combines live (synchronous) and independent (asynchronous) coursework to provide flexibility to students working full time. Starting Fall 2025, all courses will be offered 100% online.
You'll collaborate with community educators, teachers, therapists, clinicians, and writers as you gain experience in:
- Social justice education and culturally-appropriate program design
- Curriculum development and teaching strategies
- Research methodologies
- Clinical research
- Assessment and intervention
You'll then take your classroom knowledge into the field with a practicum in an educational or clinical setting where you'll be supported by faculty mentorship the whole way. No matter how you plan to combine your passions for human sexuality and public administration, this unique dual degree will prepare you with the aptitudes and empathy necessary to initiate positive change in your communities.
Human Sexuality (MEd) & Public Administration (MPA) Program Options
Explore the foundations of both human sexuality studies and public administration in courses like Purposeful Leadership, History and Ethics of Human Sexuality, and Improving Intergroup Relations Through Dialogue. Professional seminars and a research course supplement these core classes.
In addition to classroom experience, you'll also complete a field placement. We will work with you to find field placement where you live and if necessary, conduct your practicum virtually.
Interested in becoming certified by the American Association and Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)? Our MEd in human sexuality curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification.
View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for the Human Sexuality (MEd) & Public Administration (MPA) dual degree.
Professional core credits can be used to pursue a specialization in:
- Public Policy: Explore the intersection of policy, advocacy, and sexuality at the local, state, and federal levels
- Non-Profit Management: Hone leadership skills to begin or advance a career in sexuality-focused non-profits and NGOs.
Our curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Widener University is an AASECT-approved continuing education provider for human sexuality studies. Earning certification from AASECT is an essential milestone in your professional journey, validating that you have met rigorous training and experiential requirements. AASECT provides certification for sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, sex therapists, and supervisors. For healthcare and human service professionals, certification is widely recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for practice.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Public Administration & Human Sexuality Studies Professionals
Why Study Human Sexuality Education and Public Administration at Widener?
Learn Beyond the Classroom
Our education emphasizes practical experience, so you'll complete a practicum requirement that applies your classroom knowledge to real-world clients, students, and organizations. We'll help you find the best placement to fit your career goals and personal needs, and a faculty member will supervise and mentor you throughout your placement.
In addition to your field education, the Center for Human Sexuality Studies operates the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative (ISRC), where you can assist in applying research to shape innovation in sexuality education. You'll also find a plethora of research material in the library's Sexuality Archives that will aid in independent research projects.
Connect With Committed & Engaged Faculty
Here, you'll find welcoming faculty mentors committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Our faculty are highly-skilled practitioners and educators who can be found influencing policy, conducting de-stigmatizing sexuality research, and performing at our latest drag brunch. They're passionate about your personal success and provide mentorship, feedback, and support during your studies and even after graduation.
Expand & Strengthen Your Professional Network
In addition to fostering relationships with faculty mentors, you'll build bonds with driven classmates and accomplished alumni by attending events, joining discussions, and participating in various clubs and organizations, including Gamma Eta Rho - A National Honor Society in Human Sexuality, Human Sexuality Education Student Organization, and more.
Our Faculty
"Our students care about furthering positive outcomes in society. My goal in the classroom is to help them do this by building managerial and leadership skills that improve work performance in the near term and aid career advancement."
"My approach to teaching is best described as embracing an existentialist and social reconstructivist perspective, emphasizing respect for what each student brings to the classroom and students’ responsibility for their own learning. In my teaching at Widener, these methods have resulted in positive outcomes as measured by student course evaluations and verbal feedback."
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Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
This program requires admission to both the College of Health & Human Services and the College of Arts & Sciences.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher at the bachelor’s level
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Complete the Widener online application
- Resume
- Professional Goals Statements
- Personal Statement - Human Sexuality
- Personal Statement (see below)
- Three letters of recommendation: two academic and one professional/volunteer
- Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
- Personal or group interview (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)
Please visit the Master of Public Administration (MPA) page for more information about requirements to the master of public administration.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for a fall semester start.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Human Sexuality Studies
-
501 E 13th Street
- 610-499-1378
- humansexuality@widener.edu
Pamela J. Lannutti
Professor and Director, Center for Human Sexuality Studies
-
501 E. 13th Street
Room 104 - (610) 499-4282
- pjlannutti@widener.edu