With a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in human sexuality studies, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader and researcher in the field.
In our doctoral degree in human sexuality studies (PhD) program, you'll take the inside track to a future as an educator, clinician, therapist, researcher, and sexuality professional. This program trains professionals in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to work with individuals and groups around the myriad of sensitive issues in human sexuality.
In addition to working collaboratively with community educators, teachers, therapists, clinicians, and writers, you will also be trained in social justice education, research methodologies, curriculum development, clinical research, teaching strategies, assessment and intervention, and culturally appropriate program design.
You'll gain hands-on practice experience in either educational or clinical settings, depending on your program track. Field experience is accompanied by a practicum course through which you will receive supervision from a faculty member. Field placements are located where you live, and students who live more than two hours away from campus can attend their practicum class through video conferencing.
Through a practicum placement and a rigorous research-oriented education, you'll develop the skills and aptitudes to excel in the field of human sexuality.
View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements for the human sexuality studies PhD degree .
In this track you will learn how to help others through sex therapy or related work (e.g., clinical research, intervention development). International consensus is that sex therapy is considered a subdiscipline of other clinical disciplines (e.g., social work, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling).
Please note: To enroll in the sex therapy track, you must either already hold a licensable mental health degree or must enroll in one of our interdisciplinary programs.
Licensable mental health degrees include: MSW, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, LEP, PPS, MA in Psychology, or an MA in Counseling.
Please contact our department if you are unsure as to whether or not you are qualified to apply to the sex therapy track.
In the sex education track you will learn the necessary skills to educate others about human sexuality in communities, schools, or universities as community educators, teachers, educational consultants, curriculum developers, professional writers, or journalists. The sexuality education track emphasizes the developmentally and culturally appropriate design, delivery, and assessment of educational interventions across the broad spectrum of human sexuality.
The sexuality and public policy track of the PhD in Human Sexuality Studies program prepares students to work at the intersection of policy, advocacy and sexuality. Policies set at the local, state, and federal levels impact the scope of individual rights, as well as access to information and quality services in the fields of sexuality, reproductive rights and sexual health. Students pursuing this track will gain greater understanding of the dynamic and complex policy sector and build skills to effectively advocate for positive change. The program includes a practicum component where students will spend a year working in a professional setting to get real-world experiences that sets them up for success. While the sexuality-specific courses are taught in a combination of weekend and online courses, the four public administration courses required for this concentration are only offered weekday evenings on Widener’s main campus in Chester, PA.
The non-profit management track is for individuals seeking to advance their skills as leaders of non-profit and non-governmental organizations that work in the sexuality sector and the related areas across the United States (i.e. reproductive justice, sexuality education, public education and information, healthcare, etc.). This track enhances leadership and managerial skills, while also offering training in advancement and communications necessary to thrive given the increasing demands and challenges facing the non-profit sector. The program includes a practicum component where students will spend a year working in a professional setting to get real-world experiences that set them up for success. While the sexuality-specific courses are taught in a combination of weekend and online courses, the four public administration courses required for this concentration are only offered weekday evenings on Widener’s main campus in Chester, PA.
If you wish to pursue a career in the public school setting but are not a certified teacher, consider a dual degree option with Widener’s school counseling program. Along with an PhD, you will receive a Pennsylvania certificate in school counseling.
With a PhD in human sexuality studies from Widener, you will develop the skills and expertise to excel as a sexuality educator and researcher.
Most of your classes will take place only on specified weekends, so you will know in advance when you are required on campus. Because of this format, human sexuality PhD students commute from around the Philadelphia area (and beyond) and are able to keep their current jobs.
Thanks to our highly trained faculty and staff who use current educational philosophies and research methodologies, you will receive an education that emphasizes affecting learning and cutting-edge strategies in the field of human sexuality.
If you are interested in becoming certified by the American Association and Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, our curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification.
The Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative (ISRC) at Widener is devoted to supporting, enabling, and producing a rich and comprehensive body of scientific research in human sexuality at the intersection of varied theoretical approaches.
I have been a therapist working with LGBTQ children, youth, and families for the last 20 years. I went into this work to raise the voices of individuals who are far too often silenced.
In 2014, I founded the Gender & Sexuality Development Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to have a way for Transgender and Gender Expansive children, youth, and their families to receive multidisciplinary care. In supporting these wonderful families, it became clear that there needs to be many more therapists who can provide support. My motivation in building this training program is to have more therapists in the community who can provide this great care.
"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."
The Center for Human Sexuality Studies offers the support and flexibility to help students advance in their careers, like Arial Moore who's nonprofit Safe Havynn Education Center received a $1.3 million federal grant to expand teen sexual wellness programming.
Widener's Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative receives ViiV Healthcare grant to continue developing sexuality education resources and tools
Hear from our students about their experience in the Human Sexuality Studies program
I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to go to the program at Widener. I’d heard it was a reputable program at an accredited university, and after learning about the backgrounds of the faculty and their research interests, I knew this was the place.
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