Introduction

The Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies is a cross-disciplinary program offered by the College of Social Work for post baccalaureate students interested in advanced education in addictions.  The purpose of the program is to expand professional capacity in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery for individuals and families impacted by the disease of addiction.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to recognize the development and impact of addiction as being based in neurobiological, sociological, and psychological processes.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge in current, relevant evidence-based approaches in prevention, intervention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for substance use disorders and addictions.
3. Students will be able to identify unique properties of various substances included in the DSM 5 classifications of substance-related disorders, including alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, tobacco, and other substances.
4. Students will be able to accurately diagnose substance use disorders and describe how these disorders impact individuals, families and communities.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of co-occurring disorders and risk and protective factors for special at-risk populations, including but not limited to, adolescents, women, veterans, ethnic groups, older adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Admissions Criteria

It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required application materials are received. Applicants should list the Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies on the application under degree pursued. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Currently Enrolled Students in the Master of Social Work Program

Students in good academic standing may request concurrent enrollment. Interested students must contact the program coordinator to review the application process. 

Other Applicants

Applicants must follow the Application Requirements listed in the Degree-Seeking Admissions page in the Graduate Bulletin. 

Certificate Requirements (18 Hours)

Required Course (6 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
SOWK 758	Family Dynamics and Substance Abuse	3
SOWK 752	Social Work Intervention in Substance Abuse	3
Total Credit Hours		6

Select Two of the Following Courses (6 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Select two of the following:
SOWK 730	Trauma-informed Social Work Practice	3
SOWK 731	Motivational Interviewing for Social Work Practice	3
SOWK 751	Youth and Substance Use	3
SOWK 760	Psychopathology and Psychodiagnostics for Social Work Practice with Adults and Older Adults	3
NPSY 760	Addictions Rehabilitation	3
NPSY 761	Dual Diagnosis	3
HPEB 742	Alcohol, Drugs, and Public Health Policy	3
HPEB 540	Drug Prevention	3
HPEB 542	Tobacco Prevention and Control in Public Health	3
PSYC 503	Psychology of Drug Use and Effects	3

Electives (6 Hours)

Select six credit hours of electives approved by the program coordinator. 

Note: Courses taken as part of another graduate degree program may, if appropriate, be applied to the certificate program. The Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies is awarded upon completion of the student’s approved program of courses.