Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Sep 7, 2024

Statistics show that deaths related to substance abuse addiction are on the rise. The online graduate certificate in addiction counseling program offers students the opportunity to enhance their current skills, and to advance their career opportunities to work with people that have addiction issues. Individuals in all 50 states must complete an accredited program to obtain post-master’s certification in addiction counseling.

What Are the Online Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Individuals that work in addiction counseling and already hold a master’s degree in a related field may choose to advance their knowledge and their career options with the completion of an online grad certificate in addiction counseling (also commonly referred to as a post-master’s certificate program). Students must complete admissions requirements before gaining entry into the program, which typically include:

Submission of an application and all required application materials
Must meet specific GPA requirements for prior academic degrees
Individuals must meet technical requirements as designated by the school
Must submit transcripts and other required documentation of degree completion

There is usually no submission of GRE or GMAT exam scores required for completion of the post-master’s certificate in addiction counseling programs. Prospective students want to check this and make sure that they meet all other admissions requirements before applying to their certificate program of choice.

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Addiction Counseling Curriculum?

Some classes and curriculum requirements of graduate certificates in addiction counseling programs may vary somewhat by the individual school. Students must make sure that a particular program curriculum meets the needs of their career goals or the requirements for their particular state.

One example of the typical curriculum of the post-master’s certificate program is offered by Grand Canyon University. The program consists of 15-credit hours of study, including:

Specialization in Professional Counseling
Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders
Co-occurring Disorders
Family Issues and Addictive Disorders
Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents

The curriculum of the post-master’s certificate in addiction science program at the University of Southern Indiana is an example of how the curriculum of the same or similar program may vary from one university to another college or university. The 24-credit hour curriculum at the university focuses more on theory and regulations, compared to some other schools, offering courses such as:

Addiction Counseling Theories and Techniques
Theory and Practice of Group Addiction Counseling
Psychopharmacology
Legal, Ethical and Professional Standards in Addiction Science
Research Methods in Addiction Counseling

Students also complete a three-credit-hour field and supervision experience before graduating from the University of Southern Indiana program.

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling?

Individuals completing a post-master’s certificate in addiction counseling program have already earned a required degree, and are perhaps working at a position in the addictions field. Individuals that want to complete the post-master’s certificate program have career opportunities working in facilities that may include:

Substance abuse inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities
Community-based facilities or organizations
Hospitals
Integrated health facilities
Military or Veteran's Affairs

There may be other career opportunities available to graduates of post-master’s certificate in addiction counseling programs, depending on their local community or the state where they live and practice.