Addiction Studies Undergraduate Certificate

The curriculum in the Addiction Studies Undergraduate Certificate provides students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in evidence-based treatment modalities, counseling skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy. The program offers two track options: self designed and service provider.

The Addiction Studies undergraduate certificate is now WIA (Workforce Investment Act) approved! Please contact your local Minnesota WorkForce Center to find out if you are eligible to receive WIA funding for your study program.

Why Choose the Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Studies?

• The Service Provider Track meets licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• Course work includes emphasis on co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• The LADC is the only license at a bachelor’s degree level that allows a person to engage in clinical work.
• U of M certificate graduates have a 100% pass rate on the comprehensive exam required for the Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC).
• Program faculty assist with internship placements.
• Faculty include distinguished researchers and practitioners who are actively involved with the changes occurring in the science and practice of addiction prevention and treatment.
• Internship site supervisors consistently comment on the high level of skills and preparedness of our students.
• This Board of Regents approved certificate was designed by professionals in the community and faculty from Family Social Science, Social Work, Psychiatry, and Public Health.
• Certificate may be used as the Addiction Studies area of concentration of the Inter-college degree program.
• Classes are offered late afternoon, evenings, and online.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for substance abuse counselors is excellent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers generally seek individuals with advanced education and training in the science and practice of chemical addiction and counseling. Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow 34 percent through 2016. (U.S. Department of Labor, December 10, 2008). This demand for substance abuse counselors is expected to be strong for a variety of reasons:

• As society becomes more knowledgeable about addiction, it is increasingly common for people to seek treatment
• Drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than jail
• Many counselors are reaching retirement age
• Insurance companies and HMOs increasingly provide for reimbursement to counselors
• Employers are increasingly offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide alcohol and drug abuse services

Self-Designed Track

The Self-Designed Track gives you the freedom to design a unique program that fits your interests to work with specific populations, such as elders, youth, and victims of domestic violence. It enables you to take a variety of University classes.

Service Provider Track

The Service Provider track helps you develop counseling and intervention skills to work with individuals with a substance use disorder. It is based on nationally validated competencies for addictions counselors and fulfills the training and education requirements for the Minnesota drug and alcohol counselor license (LADC).