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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.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Certificate
100% Online
Credits
18
Avg. Time to Completion
1-2 years
College/School
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:
- 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 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
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 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.
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
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
- Online graduate application
- Personal statement (see below)
- All official transcripts
- $35 application fee
- Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
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.
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 accepted 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.
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.
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%.
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.
Graduate Admissions Office
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Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies
-
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