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Graduate Program

Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate Program

With an online alcohol & drug counseling certificate, you'll gain the practical skills and expertise to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing substance use disorders.

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At a Glance

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Offered as

Certificate

Format

100% Online

Credits

18

Avg. Time to Completion

1-2 years

College/School
Affiliation

Center for Social Work Education

On This Page

Explore the Graduate Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate Program

Widener's online graduate-level alcohol and drug counseling certificate program empowers you to increase your knowledge in addiction, human development, and ethical behavior 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 across industries.

You'll learn how to assess client condition and circumstances, stage interventions, and lead ongoing individual and group therapy sessions to help people overcome addiction and substance abuse. Plus, as a 100% online certificate program, you'll get the convenience and flexibility of completing coursework when you want, where you want.

This credit-bearing program provides the foundation for successful completion of practicum hours and certification, along with the option to easily transfer credits into one of our master's degree programs. Supportive faculty will mentor you and help customize your education to your unique needs and goals.

Join the rapidly-growing field of substance abuse counselors and help put clients on a path toward recovery. 

NOTE: This certificate program is also offered to students with a high school diploma who do not have a college degree or are in the process of earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. Please see our Adult & Continuing Studies academic offerings for details about the alcohol & drug counseling certificate program for continuing studies students.

Alcohol & Drug Counseling Program Information

In our alcohol & drug counseling certificate program, you'll grow in your expertise and empathy as you study:

  • Clinical skills such as crisis intervention, treatment planning, individual therapy, and group counseling
  • The psychological impact of alcohol and drug use and abuse
  • Human development across the lifespan and the impact of race, socioeconomic status, stress, and more on behavior, opportunity, and addiction
  • Practical skills necessary to work in a variety of clinical settings including school, community, and medical facilities
  • Best practices for working with diverse individuals

When you graduate, you'll have the comprehensive knowledge necessary to pursue certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. 

Pennsylvania and New Jersey laws and requirements that regulate this profession are based on your education level, so the path toward becoming an alcohol and drug counselor will look different for everyone.

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You can pursue certification as an alcohol and drug counselor with a high school degree, but many professionals with an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in a related area seek out certification to expand their employment opportunities. 

The eligibility requirements* to become a Certified Associate Addiction/Drug Counselor typically include: 

[*The number of hours varies by state, desired certification, and student's level of education.]

Please note that completion of the courses in this certificate program does not meet the full requirements for Pennsylvania and New Jersey certifications. Please 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.

Ready to continue your education and earn a master's degree? It's easy to transfer credits from this alcohol & drug counseling certificate to the allied health education or counselor education master's degree.

After completing a short application, all your certificate courses will be applied towards your degree program. Completing a master's degree this way will afford you significant savings, as certificate courses are offered at a discounted price from the master's courses.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Substance Abuse Counselors

Recent Employers

  • Mental health or community health centers
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities
  • Private practice
  • Schools
  • Correctional facilities

Industry Growth

Employment of substance abuse counselors is expected to grow 18% by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.


Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Critical Need

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the overdose crisis, so demand for trained addiction professionals is high and recruitment of new workers to the field is crucial. The need for well-prepared, empathetic, and culturally diverse professionals is at crisis levels in schools, hospitals, and community agencies.

Why Study Alcohol & Drug Counseling at Widener?

Graduate Student Learning Online

Fuel Career Growth

Pursuing an alcohol & drug counseling certificate can introduce you to new skills while you decide if a master's degree is right for you. Complete your certificate completely online and then seamlessly transition credits into the counselor education or allied health master's degree.

You'll save money on 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.

Faculty mentoring student

Build a Network of Industry Insiders

Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. 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

Top Online College in PA

Ranked a top online college in Pennsylvania

Source: Guide to Online Schools

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

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. The admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.

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.

HOW TO APPLY AS A GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

  • Complete your online application
  • Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
  • Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements

Learn more about applying as a international graduate student

Visa & financial aid assistance not available for online graduate programs including this one.

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 a graduate student

NOTE: This certificate program does not qualify for federal financial aid if taken alone. Submit your FAFSA to be eligible for aid directly from Widener, and see below for other paths to savings including Widener scholarships, employer partnerships, and an alumni discount.

Paths to Savings

85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid

Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are 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 at how much we are able to offer in assistance.

Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student

In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "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.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA 

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.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

20% Discount for Widener Alumni

(some restrictions apply)

If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.

Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount

Program Cost

Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate

$414 per credit 18 total credits $7,452 total 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.

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Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.