Program Overview

Program Overview

The online graduate certificate in addiction and substance-use related disorders at Arizona State University equips students with the expertise to start or advance their counseling career. This certificate bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, strengthening students' ability to support individuals with co-occurring disorders and apply evidence-based treatments.

Program Details

• The certificate consists of 21 credit hours and can be completed in two semesters.
• The curriculum offers focused training in evidence-based substance abuse treatment, including assessments for diagnosis and treatment, common substance abuse comorbidities, relapse prevention, and psychopharmacology.
• Core courses include:
  • Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems
  • Group Therapy for Substance Use Related Problems
  • Ethics
  • Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems
  • Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems
  • Psychopharmacology

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") from a bachelor's or higher degree in any health, behavioral health, or counseling-related field.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume

Career Opportunities

• The demand for qualified substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors continues to grow, with employment expected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033.
• Example career paths include:
  • Addiction counselor
  • Clinical supervisor
  • Intake coordinator
  • Private practitioner
  • Treatment coordinator

Faculty and Research

• The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members, including Fulbright American Scholars, Guggenheim Fellows, MacArthur Fellows, and Nobel laureates.
• Faculty members are leading experts in substance abuse treatment and research, providing students with a high-quality education and research opportunities.

Tuition and Fees

• The cost per credit hour for this program is $719.
• An additional mandatory Student Initiated Fee applies each semester and varies based on the number of credit hours taken.
• Students can use the tuition calculator to estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid.

Accreditation and Recognition

• ASU is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, ensuring a consistent, reliable, and quality learning experience.
• The program is designed to meet Arizona's requirements for licensure or certification, but completing the program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states.