Online Addiction and Substance Use Related Disorders Graduate Certificate

Addiction and substance abuse is one of America's top public health concerns, and there is a growing need for a well-trained workforce. Arizona State University's online addiction and substance use related disorders certificate pairs state-of-the-art research from internationally recognized experts in addictions with expertise from licensed psychologists and counselors with decades of substance abuse treatment experience.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 7

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 21

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Addiction and Substance Use Related Disorders (Graduate Certificate)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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How do I know if an addiction studies certificate is a good fit for me?

If you’re passionate about helping those struggling with addiction and looking to provide a full range of evidence-based services, ASU Online's substance abuse counseling certificate may be perfect for you. Substance use and addiction constitute one of the largest preventable health problems facing the U.S. today, but less than 20% of those in need receive any substance use treatment, and only a small fraction of those in treatment receive evidence-based treatment.

The addiction studies certificate complements other behavioral health and medical programs at ASU Online, including:

Is licensure or certification required to practice as an addiction counselor?

 

Yes. All states require either licensure or certification to practice as an addiction counselor. Most states have multiple levels of licensure, typically a bachelor’s-level license that requires ongoing supervision and a master’s-level license that allows independent practice. For example, Arizona has three licensure levels:

Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT)

  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral-health-related field (with coursework in the seven core content areas covered in the addiction certificate program) and a passing score on a substance abuse licensure exam administered by the IC&RC or NAADAC.

Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC)

  • For applicants already holding an LSAT: complete 1600 hours of supervised work experience which includes 100 hours of clinical supervision.
  • For applicants without an LSAT: a master’s degree in a behavioral-health-related (with coursework in the seven core content areas covered in the addiction certificate program and a 300-hour substance abuse practicum) and a passing score on an advanced substance abuse licensure exam administered by the IC&RC, NAADAC or NBCC.

Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC)

  • Requires a master’s degree in a behavioral-health-related field (with coursework in the seven core content areas covered in the addiction certificate program and a 300-hour substance abuse practicum), an active LASAC credential and 1600 hours of supervised work experience that includes 100 hours of clinical supervision.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU’s addiction studies certificate program covers the seven core content areas required for licensure in the state of Arizona. An elective 300-hour practicum is also available for students who are concurrently pursuing or already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in behavioral health. This certificate also covers the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S.

In addition, we are a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. Please visit our professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state.

Will my addiction and substance use related disorders certificate say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Proven methods to become a successful substance abuse counselor.

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Substance abuse counseling certificate courses

This addiction studies certificate is made up of courses that explore evidence-based treatments, comorbidity, psychopharmacology and multicultural counseling. Courses include:


Core

Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis


Core

Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Group Therapy for Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Psychopharmacology


What can I do with an addiction studies certificate?

Substance abuse counselor careers can be incredibly rewarding and offer a wide variety of experiences. Jobs are available in substance abuse treatment centers, community mental health agencies, primary care, integrated health, military, criminal justice, hospitals and schools. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse counselor jobs are projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, which is much quicker than the average rate. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Addiction counselor

Clinical supervisor

Intake coordinator

Private practitioner

Treatment coordinator

Prestigious faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Prestigious faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Substance abuse counseling certificate admission requirements

Applicants to the addiction and substance use related disorders graduate certificate must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Graduate certificate in addiction scholarship

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140 million


in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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