Industry Growth
Employment of substance abuse counselors is expected to grow 22% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
Adult & Continuing Studies Program
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Undergraduate Certificate
In this 100% online alcohol & drug counseling certificate program, you'll learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of those experiencing substance use disorders.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Certificate
Format
100% Online
Credits
18
Avg. Time to Completion
1-2 years
College/School
Explore the Undergraduate Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate
Widener's 100% online undergraduate alcohol and drug counseling certificate program for adult & continuing studies students will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a rewarding career in substance abuse counseling. Designed for those working in the human services, health promotion, and addictions fields, as well as counselors and social workers, this certificate opens the doors to additional therapeutic credentials.
You'll learn how to help people overcome addiction and substance abuse as you build a solid foundation of skills for successful completion of practicum hours and certification. Explore best practices for assessing clients' conditions and circumstances, staging interventions, leading ongoing individual and group therapy sessions, and more.
This credit-bearing program is for students who do not have a college degree or are in the process of earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. In fact, you can easily transfer credits from this certificate into our associate's or bachelor's degree in allied health education.
Join the rapidly-growing field of substance abuse counselors today and help put clients on a path toward recovery.
NOTE: This program is also offered at the graduate level for students who have a bachelor's or master's degree. Please see our Graduate Studies academic offerings for details about the graduate-level alcohol & drug counseling certificate program.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Program Information
In this alcohol and drug counseling certificate program, you'll increase your knowledge in addiction, human services, human development, and ethical behavior. You'll study:
- Clinical skills such as crisis intervention, treatment planning, individual therapy, and group counseling
- Drug interactions on brain and behavior
- Human development across the lifespan and the impact of race, socioeconomic status, stress, and more on behavior, opportunity, and addiction
- Best practices for working with diverse individuals
When you graduate, you'll be confident in your counseling expertise across a variety of clinical settings including school, community, or medical facilities.
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You can pursue certification as an alcohol and drug counselor with a high school degree, but many professionals pursue an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in a related area and then seek out certification to expand their employment opportunities.
The eligibility requirements* to become a Certified Associate Addiction/Drug Counselor typically include:
- Approved education hours
- Supervision or practicum hours
- Supervised work experience
- Passing score on the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors
[*The number of hours varies by state, desired certification, and student's level of education.]
Please note that completion of the courses in Widener's alcohol and drug counseling certificate program does not meet the full requirements for Pennsylvania and New Jersey certifications. This certificate program will prepare you with the comprehensive knowledge needed for the IC&RC Exam but students will need to complete supervised practicum hours and pass the certification examination to become certified.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey laws and requirements that regulate this profession are based on your education level, so your Widener advisor will work with you to chart the path that works for you. Visit the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey websites to view the most up-to-date information for becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
It is the responsibility of the student to check the requirements for the specific state certification they are interested in. Depending on the state, classes taken online may be subject to additional certification restrictions by state and eligibility should be confirmed prior to enrollment.
Complete the online certificate program in alcohol and drug counseling and then easily transition to the associate's or bachelor's degree in allied health.
After completing a short application, all your certificate courses will be applied towards your degree program. Completing an associate's or bachelor's degree this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses are offered at a discounted price.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Substance Abuse Counselors
Why Study Alcohol & Drug Counseling at Widener?
Fuel Career Growth
Pursuing an alcohol & drug counseling certificate can introduce you to new skills while you decide if a higher degree is right for you. Complete your certificate completely online and then seamlessly transition credits into the allied health associate's or bachelor's degree programs.
You'll save money by taking discounted certificate courses that don't require a commute! It's never been easier to get started on the next leg of your educational journey.
Build a Supportive Network of Industry Insiders
While navigating the path toward certification, your Widener advisor and faculty mentors will make it a priority to get to know your circumstances, goals, and visions for the future. Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, and engaged alumni.
As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate Program Highlights
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- All official transcripts from any high school, college, or trade school attended, if applicable
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- Personal statement (see below)
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
This certificate program accepts applications on a rolling basis; there is no official deadline for application
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.
Learn more about applying as an international student
*Visa and financial aid not available for international undergraduate certificate students in 100% online courses.
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student
Certificate programs are ineligible for federal financial aid, but submitting a FAFSA is still a requirement for qualifying for private scholarships from Widener.
Paths to Savings
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners
Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.
Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities
Program Cost
Additional costs to students include required textbooks, educational materials, and the examination fee for the IC&RC Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Students may also incur expenses related to clinical supervision, but many will be able to use current employment sites for supervision at no cost, if they work in the recovery field.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
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Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies
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Hyatt Hall
- 610-499-4507
- gcs@widener.edu
- 610-499-4369
Sharmane S. Walker
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
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Hyatt Hall, Office #211
- (610) 499-4394
- sswalker@widener.edu