Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (Graduate Certificate)
Abuse, Addiction, Dependence, Drugs, Psychology, Substance Abuse, Therapy, Treatment, counseling
With the foundational knowledge you acquire in this program, you'll be ready to pursue licensure in the field of addictions.
Addiction and substance abuse is one of America's top public health problems, and there is a growing need for well-trained addictions counselors.
The graduate certificate program in addiction and substance-use related disorders pairs state-of-the-art research by internationally recognized experts in addictions with clinical expertise of licensed psychologists and licensed substance abuse counselors who have decades of experience providing substance abuse treatment.
This program is valuable for those in counseling, social work, psychology, medicine and various fields of therapy who provide services to individuals and families suffering from addiction and substance use disorders.
The addiction certificate program meets all the curricular requirements of the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners for licensure in substance abuse counseling as well as most national and state certification requirements.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
21 credit hours
Required Core (18 credit hours)
PSY 570 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSY 601 Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
PSY 602 Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 603 Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 604 Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 605 Group Therapy for Substance Use-Related Problems (3)
Other Requirements (3)
PSY 591 Topic: Ethics (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
For students interested in pursuing licensure in substance abuse counseling, this graduate certificate meets all seven of the core content curricular requirements for the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. In addition, the program is in compliance with national certification curriculum guidelines.
PSY 591 can be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any health, behavioral health or counseling-related field from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by its country.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- curriculum vitae or resume
- one letter or recommendation
- personal statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Develop a comprehensive treatment plan using biopsychosocial assessment techniques in final course projects.
- Develop resolutions to ethical and legal dilemmas that occur in clinical practice.
Substance abuse counseling can be incredibly rewarding, and the field offers a wide variety of experiences. Jobs are available in substance abuse treatment centers; community mental health agencies; primary care, integrated health and criminal justice facilities; hospitals; schools and universities; and military and veterans affairs centers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of substance abuse counselors to grow 19% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than other occupations. Job prospects are expected to be very good for counselors who are licensed.
Career examples include:
- addiction counselor
- licensed addiction counselor
- licensed substance abuse counselor
- substance abuse counselor
- substance abuse technician
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
Department of Psychology
|
PSY 201
addictioncert@asu.edu
480-727-4561
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
