The interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) provides mandated reporters and responders in social work, public health, nursing, criminal justice, psychology, education, family studies, cooperative extension, and other disciplines with evidence-based, culturally relevant knowledge and skills to improve the outcomes for maltreated children in New Mexico or wherever their paths may take them.
The core courses, worth three (3) credits each, will be focused on the needs specific to New Mexico and will adhere to both statewide and national best practice standards on the welfare of children. The remaining nine (9) out of the total of 18 required credits will come from courses that students choose from a list of selected courses alright being taught across the campus. View the Child Advocacy Studies Program Overview for more information.
If you are interested in the CAST minor, complete the CAST Application and submit to your academic advisor.
If you have already completed the CAST requirements and are ready to declare your minor, complete the Certification Form for Undergraduate Minor in CAST.
Contact Information
The School of Social Work administers the CAST minor, but it is coordinated by a steering committee with representatives from a variety of disciplines at NMSU.
If you have questions, you may contact any of the people listed below, regardless of your academic department. Your academic advisor must sign off on any minors you complete.
School of Social Work:
Irma Hernandez irhernan@nmsu.edu
Dr. Timothy Barnett-Queen trbqueen@nmsu.edu
Family and Consumer Science:
Dr. Esther Devall edevall@nmsu.edu
Health Science:
Dr. Sue Forster-Cox sforster@nmsu.edu