Addiction Studies

Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates

Addiction Studies
Substance use disorders (SUD) are a complex condition with devastating
effects on the health and economic well being of individuals, families, and
communities.
As more is understood about the science of SUD and as health reform
makes addiction care more affordable and accessible, more people are
seeking help. Subsequently, there is an ever-greater need for qualified
addiction and substance abuse counselors nationwide. With this growth,
comes opportunity for a new career and career advancement.
If you have a desire to be an agent of change serving at the front line in
preventing and treating substance use disorders, then consider one of the
University of Minnesotas Addiction Studies Certificate programs.
The Addiction Studies Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate programs
will provide you with a strong theoretical and practical foundation
in evidence-based modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical
responsibilities, and client-centered care. Individuals interested in effectively
identifying, treating, and preventing addiction will experience a cutting-edge,
curriculum that addresses the biological, social, and psychological factors of
addiction.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, you will have fulfilled the
academic requirements for the MNLADC.

I hadnt intended to seek licensure as

an addiction studies professional, but
the quality of the program and the
commitment of the faculty inspired me!
I graduated prepared to put personcentered, evidence-based practices
to work on day one as an LADC. Its
challenging and rewarding to be an
integral part of a new generation of
professionals who are transforming
the field of addiction counseling.
Scott Monson
Addiction Studies graduate

Why a U of M Certificate
in Addiction Studies?
Course work includes emphasis on integrated co-occurring mental
health and substance use disorders.
Faculty includes educators, clinicians, and public policy advocates who
are involved with the changes occurring in the science and practice of
counseling, substance use, and co-occurring disorders treatment.
U of M certificate graduates have a first-time 100-percent pass rate
on the comprehensive exam required for the Minnesota Licensed
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MNLADC).
Program faculty assist with internship placements.
Program faculty maintains strong partnerships with former students
and community agencies.
Courses use a case base learning approach to enhance practical and
applied understanding of counseling theory and technique.

You will learn about:

Biological, psychological, and social risk and protective factors
Emerging and evidence-based interventions including motivational
interviewing and cognitive therapies
Applied psychopharmacology and medication assisted therapies
Prevalence, assessment, and client-centered care of co-occurring
disorders
Culturally sensitive client engagement strategies and multicultural
aspects substance use and mental health disorders
Assessing the clients stage of change and the stage of care and the
appropriate therapeutic intervention
Ethical frameworks for effective practice

Undergraduate Certificate
The Addiction Studies Undergraduate Certificate is for individuals who have
completed at least 60 undergraduate semester credits, but do not hold a
bachelors degree. The program offers two track options: self-designed and
service provider.
Additionally, Addiction Studies undergraduate course work is available as a
concentration area within an individualized bachelors degree program, such
as the Inter-College Program (ICP).
Focused Curriculum

Self-Designed Track
Provides the freedom to be innovative and creative in designing a program
of study related to addictions. This may be attractive to students who are
working with specific audiences such as elders, youth, or victims of
domestic violence, or health or educational institutions but are not
interested in becoming licensed alcohol and drug counselors. Students in
the self-designed track are not required to complete an internship.

Service Provider Track

Is based on nationally validated competencies for addictions counselors
and prepares you for the Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
(MNLADC) comprehensive exam and licensing by the Minnesota Board of
Behavioral Health and Therapy. Students in this track complete an
internship placement (880 hours) that provides valuable exposure to work
environments and allows further opportunities to specialize in work with
diverse populations. The Service Provider Track meets licensing
requirements for substance abuse counselors in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Program at a Glance
Level: Undergraduate
Prerequisites: No bachelors degree, 60 undergraduate semester credits, and
2.5 undergraduate GPA
Credits: 20 (Self-Designed) - 30 which includes 8-credit/880-hour internship
(Service Provider)
Schedule: Evenings, weekends, day, hybrid, and online
Admission:  Fall: July 15 Spring: November 15 Summer: April 15

Graduate Certificate
The Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate is for individuals with a bachelors
degree and for professionals with a related license (LMSW, MSW, LMFT, LP,
LPCC, LPC, MD).
Addiction Studies graduate course work may transfer (up to 40 percent) into
the Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health.
The Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate meets licensing requirements for
substance abuse counselors in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Curriculum
Core curriculum is designed to meet licensing requirements for the MNLADC.
There is also a wide array of elective courses designed to meet the ongoing
training and education needs of addiction counselors, social workers,
psychologists, mental health practitioners, and prevention specialists. Program
faculty will help you design a plan of study that meets your career goals and
objectives. Youll have the opportunity to develop and refine clinical skills and
knowledge in addictive disorders in a multidisciplinary environment.
My interests are chemical-health education,
harm reduction, and integration of care for
co-occurring chemical and mental health
disorders. I was drawn to the programs
practical application of knowledge, as well as
its focus on client care and research-based
clinical practice. It challenged me to think
beyond my personal experiences, and forced
me to consider evidence-based practices that
may better inform client care, as well as my
own professional growth.
Van Vu
Addiction Studies graduate

Program at a Glance
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: Bachelors degree, 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Credits: 19, plus 8 cr. (880 hours) of internship if pursuing the LADC
Schedule: Evenings, weekends, online
Admission:  Fall: July 15 Spring: November 15 Summer: April 15

Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

(MNLADC) Requirements
To be a candidate for licensure for the MNLADC, you must have the following:
A bachelors degree;
Approximately 18 semester credits related to alcohol and drug counseling;
Completed an internship of 880 hours through an accredited institution of
higher education;
Demonstrated competency in the required 12 core functions: screening,
intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case
management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and
record keeping, and consultation;
Passed the comprehensive licensing exam.
For detailed information on the MNLADC licensing requirements, visit the
Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) website at
www.bbht.state.mn.us.
My education has prepared me
for a career in the field of addiction
counseling. Along with preparation
for licensure, my thematic degree
has allowed me to combine my
addiction training with training in
mental health and management of a
professional practice. This tailored
approach has not only made me a
more effective clinician, but more
employable as well.
Tanya Line
Addiction Studies and ICP student

Designed With You in Mind

Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to meet your
educational goals and work with your busy schedule.
Enhanced skills that will allow you to be more effective in your current
position or develop a new area of expertise for a career change
Internship allows for real-world experience
Classes are offered late afternoon, evenings, weekends, and online
Both programs are approved for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding
Its an exciting time for the addiction
field. Significant advances in scientific
knowledge, standards of care, and
professional development are not only
highlighting the importance of
addiction care as a specialty health
care discipline, but also greatly
expanding opportunities for people
entering this profession.
Julie Rohovit, Ph.D.
Program Director
University of Minnesota
Master of Professional Studies in
Integrated Health and Addiction
Studies Certificates

Want to Learn More?

www.cce.umn.edu/AS

612-624-4000
cceinfo@umn.edu

612-624-4000
www.cce.umn.edu/AS
cceinfo@umn.edu

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