College of Education, Health and Human Services
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate
Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
16
Approximate Tuition Cost
$8,900
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Apply for licensure as chemical dependency counselors in Ohio
Program Overview
The Addictions Counseling undergraduate certificate prepares students with all the requisite training hours for licensure eligibility as a chemical dependency counselor in Ohio, issued by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. The certificate supplements existing Kent State health and behavioral health degree programs, such as psychology, health education, and human development and family studies. The certificate also allows in-career professionals to specialize in addictions counseling (e.g., nurses, clergy, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists). Successful completion of the first course in the certificate provides students the opportunity to apply for the chemical dependency counselor assistant (CDCA) credential from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board.
Course content includes theories and models of addiction and addictive behaviors; pharmacology (i.e., review of substances typically misused, as well as medications used to treat symptoms of substance use disorders); screening and diagnostic assessment of substance use and co-occurring disorders; case conceptualization and treatment planning using the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria; evidence-based practices in addictions (e.g., motivational interviewing, contingency management); and legal and ethical considerations in addictions counseling.
Experiential training is infused throughout the curriculum (e.g., use of simulated clients) and culminates in a practicum in the field at an approved behavioral healthcare facility offering addictions services under the supervision of an approved licensed behavioral healthcare provider.
Students must complete a minimum 16 credit hours of certificate requirements at Kent State University.
Certificates are also an excellent opportunity for students looking to ease into a degree program or for students currently working on a degree. Since each certificate program works differently in terms of time to completion, scheduling, delivery method and financial aid, it's best to talk to an academic advisor to get all the details!
Program Learning Outcomes
- Articulate comprehension of a range of models or theories of addiction and evidence-based practices in addictions counseling.
- Demonstrate at least minimal competence in addictions-related services, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling session facilitation, and coordination of care.
- Apply for licensure as chemical dependency counselors in Ohio.
- Apply for the Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) credential through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
Program Structure
- 16 minimum total credits
- 5 courses (4 CES courses plus a CES Addictions Counseling Practicum)
- Students must complete a minimum of 16 hours of certificate requirements at Kent State University.
Admissions Requirements
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents, and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
Freshman Students on the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, the strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. The Admissions Office at the Kent Campus may defer the admission of students who do not meet admissions criteria but who demonstrate areas of promise for successful college study. Deferred applicants may begin their college coursework at one of seven regional campuses of Kent State University. For more information on admissions, including additional requirements for some academic programs, visit the admissions website for first-year students.
Freshman Students on the Regional Campuses: Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 48 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.
Transfer, Transitioning and Former Students: For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.
Important Dates
Tuition and Fees
| Ohio Residents | Non-Ohio Residents | ||||
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost | Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $559.00 | $1,677.00 | $8,900 | $569.00 | $1,707.00 | $9,100 |
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Attention Regional Campus Students: There is an additional $162.10 per credit hour instructional fee for lower division and $111.45 per credit hour for upper division fully online regional campus courses. This fee excludes online courses associated exclusively with the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Technical Studies and Associate of Applied Business programs.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.