Addiction Studies - Undergraduate Level

Program Description

The curriculum in the Addiction Studies certificate provides students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in treatment modalities, counseling skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy.  

The program has been designed by faculty members from the Department of Family Social Science, the School of Social Work, Department of Psychiatry, and the School of Public Health in consultation with professionals in the field.

Program Features

The Self-Designed Track gives individuals the freedom to be innovative and creative while designing their own unique program based on addictions-related interests.   

    Student Benefits

  • Design your program for work with specific audiences such as elders, youth, victims of domestic violence--see Career Options page
  • Flexible program using a variety of University of Minnesota courses
  • Courses offered late afternoons and evenings and some online
  • Enhance current skills
  • Develop a new area of expertise for a career change

  • May be used in the  baccalaureate degree in Addiction Studies   through the Inter-College Program.

The Service Provider Track is based on nationally validated competencies for addictions counselors and prepares students for the Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam (MLADC) and for the Board Certified Counselor (BCC) with the Minnesota Certification Board 

  • Students are able to complement their classroom education with internships that provide valuable exposure to work environments and allows students further opportunities to specialize in work with specific populations such as women, persons in correctional facilities and programs, adolescents, and members of ethnic minority groups.  
  • Information on licensure, internships, and test schedules is at the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy Web site.
  • Information on certification, test scheduling, and fees, check Minnesota Certification Board (MCB)  or, contact Bonnie Freeland, MCB Administrator, at 763- 434-9787. 

    Student Benefits

  • Preparation for the Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) exam and become credentialed as a Board Certified Counselor (BCC).
  • May be used as an area of study for a degree program.
  • Enhances your skills in order to be more effective in your current position.
  • Courses offered late afternoons and evenings and some online
  • Fits into a baccalaureate degree in Addiction Studies Degree Options  through the Inter-College Program.
  • Prepares you for a career move by gaining new skills.

Getting started

See the section on admissions for detailed information.  If you would like to get started by taking a class before seeking admission to the Addiction Studies certificate, visit our Registration page.


For more information on this, or any other certificate program, contact us at cceinfo@umn.edu or call 612-624-4000.