Every course offered in the AHT CERT program is fully online and asynchronous. Asynchronous courses do not require students to log in at a specific time each week to “attend” class. Instead, students must submit assignments at designated times throughout the week and may access materials and lectures at the time of their choosing.

All faculty members that teach in this program are practitioner-experts in the subject matter and available to respond to students by e-mail or to schedule times to connect over the phone or by video chat that work for both of your busy schedules. Our faculty are always ready to encourage, support and inspire students to greater success personally and for the ultimate goal of raising awareness and ending human trafficking across the globe.

New classes begin every 8 weeks year round (Please contact our admissions team for exact start dates and admissions deadlines).

In each accelerated class, you can expect to complete approximately 15-20 hours of coursework per week.

Not all classes in the AHT CERT are offered all the time as many are taught on a rotational basis. To get an exact list of the courses being offered in the current academic year please feel free to call or e-mail the Professional Studies admissions team.

To see a full list of all possible courses please check out our AHT CERT listings page HERE.

The AHT CERT is for anyone with an interest in understanding the issues of Human Trafficking and how to be a part of the solution for ending it in our world. Whether the issue is a personal passion, a part of your profession or an academic exploration of the topic, this program is for you. Our student population comes from a diverse background of non-profit, governmental, academic and other professionals whose geographic locations span the globe. We hope you will consider bringing your unique insights and experiences to this truly diverse and inclusive program of study.

If you are a current undergraduate student at Vanguard University and want to learn more about completing the AHT CERT while pursuing your degree, please feel free to contact our Professional Studies Admissions Team and we will work with you and your current academic advisor to offer possible pathways to achieving your academic goals. 

AHT CERT courses for the 2023-2024 Academic years are currently offered at $525 per unit for credit baring work. This does not include the costs for books or fees that may be associated with each specific course. Since each course is 3 units, the total tuition cost per course is currently $1,575. To complete the four courses (12 units) that make up the AHT CERT the total cost is $6,300 USD.

A non-credit certificate is also available at a reduced cost for those who are not seeking college credit. The cost per class is $399.00. This does not include the costs for books or fees that may be associated with each specific course. Students who complete the 4 course sequence will still be awarded their certificate for completing the program.

Please Note: Semester payment plans are available for students seeking college credits. There is a one time $50 enrollment fee for setting up your semester payment plan and your monthly installments are interest free (Please contact our admissions team if you have any questions regarding the cost of tuition or the available semester payment plan option).

Unfortunately, due to state and federal regulations, financial aid is only available to degree seeking students. If you wish to complete the AHT CERT in conjunction with your pursuit of one of our degree options, then you may be able apply your financial aid benefits to the cost of these courses as well. If that is a direction you are interested in pursuing, please note that the application process for a degree program has more required steps to complete to be admitted into the university then what is presented above for this certificate program (Please contact our admissions team if you have more questions about completing your AHT CERT in conjunction with one of our degree options).

No. Students do not have any pre-requisite requirements to apply for or start the AHT CERT program.

Please note, we have had men and women from all over the world take these courses and pass, if you have concerns you might not be ready for the academic rigor of our upper division coursework, our admissions team along with the Global Center for Women and Justice staff and leadership want to hear your story and to see how we can find a way to make your desire to pursue this certificate a reality. We are committed to setting every potential student up for success from the start. Please feel free to reach out should you have any concerns.

All applicants can expect each course to be comprised of multiple reading and writing assignments. The university writing center is available to assist students who may desire assistance with the writing requirements.

Occasionally discounts are made available, you can ask your Admissions Counselor if there are any available when you apply.

Ensure Justice 2021 Attendee:

If you attended our most recent Ensure Justice Conference (March 5th & 6th,  2021) there is a promotional offer available to you through the end of December 2021. Please let your Admissions Counselor know that you attended this years conference and we will confirm your registration with the Global Center for Women and Justice and provide you the details of this promotional offer as a Thank you for attending this year and supporting the fight to end human trafficking.

If you are working in partnership with the Global Center for Women and Justice, offer a public service (Fire, Police, EMT, etc.) or you represent a non-profit organization that wants your employees to go through this program as a part of your organizational training, please send an e-mail to christopher.kupitz@vanguard.edu and derek.marsh@vanguard.edu. They will review your request and respond with available options based on your needs.

Yes. Vanguard is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC). The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Vanguard is a member of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and an Associate Member of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.