Addictions Counseling Certificate

The Addictions Graduate Educational Certificate (AGEC) program at Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you to work as a certified addiction counselor. This 12-credit, fully online program can be completed in as little as two semesters or combined with the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. If not taken as part of the MS program, a relevant graduate degree is a required prerequisite.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • To meet the needs of both working professionals and practitioners, as well as students seeking to earn the certificate as part of their clinical mental health counseling master's program, Saint Joseph's Addictions Counseling Certificate is offered completely online. As an online student, you'll be able to complete the program from the convenience of your home or office, with minimal disruption to your busy schedule, and benefit from a cost-effective certificate that can pay immediate dividends to your professional development. The full curriculum can be completed in as little as two semesters (less than one year) or can be spread out to align with your schedule and goals.

  • Saint Joseph's Addictions Counseling Certificate will prepare you to better serve your patients who are struggling with issues related to addiction. Paired with a degree in mental health counseling, this certificate will enable you to serve an increasing population of individuals who find themselves dealing with mental health and addiction issues simultaneously. 

    Courses in the Addictions Counseling Certificate program include:

    • Addictions counseling
    • Family systems and addictions counseling
    • Prevention, diagnosis treatment and recovery in addictions
    • Psychopharmacology and addictions treatment

  • Developed by faculty who are practitioners and experts in their field, the Addictions Counseling Certificate meets the graduate educational requirements for the Pennsylvania Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification.

What Can You Do with an Addictions Counseling Certificate?

A certificate in addictions counseling will give you the knowledge and skills to make a difference in an in-demand mental health profession. Addiction counseling specialists work in a variety of settings including private practice, education and healthcare settings, and community agencies.

Positions include:

  • Addictions counselor
  • Recovery specialist
  • Mental health counselor, specializing in addiction 

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Tuition & Fees: Affordable tuition options start at $979 per credit.*

    *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page or contact us for more information.

    Financial Aid & Discount Eligibility: Financial aid and discount options may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our financial aid page.

  • Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.

Admission Information

  • To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a demonstrated record of academic success.

    • Apply online.
    • Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    • Submit a personal statement.
    • Submit resume.
    • Submit one letter of recommendation.

    Visit our graduate admission information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines and how to submit your application.

  • Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a fall start term in August.

  • SJU is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans’ Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

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