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Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders, Certificate

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (certificate)

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

With the foundational knowledge you acquire in this program, you'll be ready to pursue licensure in the field of addictions.

Program Description

Certificate Awarded: Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (certificate)

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.


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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.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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 that 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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. curriculum vitae or resume
  4. one letter or recommendation
  5. personal statement
  6. 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.


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Career Opportunities

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 22% between 2018 and 2028, 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

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • addictioncert@asu.edu
  • 480/727-4561


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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