Addictions Counseling
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate 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.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State’s website for professional licensure disclosure.
Learn about the Online Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate 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.
First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: The first-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.
First-Year 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, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Check with a regional campus admissions office to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.
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 admissions website for international students.
Transfer Students: For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.
Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Courses
Courses for the certificate can be found at the link below
Addictions Counseling Undergraduate Certificate Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $575.70 | $1,727.00 | $9.200 part-time1 $6,337 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $585.70 | $1,757.00 | $9,400 part-time3 $6,400-$6,500 full-time4 |
1The $575.70 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester.
3The $585.70 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180).
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.
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