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Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling

If you want to earn your counselor certification so you can help people struggling with addiction, discover the online Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University. As an accredited, Christian university, we can help you integrate your faith into your counseling practice. Plus, we lock in the rate of your tuition once you start your education. This eliminates the worry of cost increases after you begin taking classes.

Why Pursue My Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling at IWU?

There are several benefits to pursuing your counselor certification online at IWU. Courses are taught by seasoned professionals with experience in helping others overcome their addictions. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. We also provide student services, from tech support to tutoring, and full-time chaplains for every student. Our approach to online learning allows busy professionals and parents to continue their careers without slowing down.

What Will I Learn in This Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program?

This Graduate Certificate in Counseling is designed to help students become competent practitioners of counseling methods for patients struggling to overcome addiction. Course materials are delivered through virtual reality, video discussion, concept maps, demo videos, and other tech-driven applications. Course topics cover human growth and development, issues in addiction recovery, psychopharmacology, theories and treatment methods, and counseling addicted families.

Learn More About the Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling Online Program

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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Rooted in Christ

Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.

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Tuition & Aid

18 Credit Hours

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$610/ Credit Hour

Net Price Calculator

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Coursework for your online Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling covers how to:

  • Apply best practices for counseling patients with addictions
  • Integrate Christ-centered beliefs into addiction counseling treatments
  • Work in a variety of professional settings providing counseling for patients with addiction issues

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

CNS-501,CNS-511,CNS-512,CNS-533,CNS-535,CNS-545

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Private Practice
  • Hospitals
  • Mental Health Facilities
  • Public Health

Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program FAQs

Dr. Amanda Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in public education as both a classroom teacher and school counselor. She serves as program director and full-time faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University and owns a private counseling practice, partnering with local schools. Her areas of expertise include school counselor leadership, principal and counselor collaboration, counselor wellness, and grief support. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, traveling with her family, and spending time with her two Labrador retrievers.

Dr. Judy Justice approaches counseling and teaching as a calling to serve others, modeling Christ-centered care in her work. She serves as a counselor with the American Red Cross Disaster Team, responding to local and national crises. With decades of experience in school counseling and higher education, she prepares graduate students to become compassionate, effective counselors. She has also served as a program director and contributed extensively to university and professional committees.

Dr. Erin Davis is a dedicated educator known for her strong relationships with students and commitment to service. She is passionate about supporting underserved communities and brings global perspective through experiences such as teaching at sea. With extensive experience in counseling and higher education, she equips students with both clinical skill and empathy.

Practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on training in real school settings. Students apply counseling skills, build professional confidence, and gain practical experience that prepares them for immediate employment as school counselors.
This CACREP-accredited school counseling program prepares graduates for careers as licensed school counselors in public, private, and charter schools serving Pre-K–12 students. Students in the dual School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling track are also prepared for careers in community mental health agencies, private practice, hospitals, and other behavioral health settings.
Key courses include Foundations of School Counseling, School Counseling Programming, and internship placement courses that provide supervised, real-world experience.
Graduates typically pursue licensure and begin working as school counselors. Dual-track graduates often pursue associate licensure in clinical mental health counseling while completing supervised hours toward full licensure.
School counseling is a comprehensive, school-based profession focused on academic, career, and social-emotional development. Students are trained to design and implement counseling programs, collaborate with educators and families, and use data to guide decision-making.
This program is primarily online with required in-person intensives and field experiences. Students complete coursework online, attend 2–3 day intensives for key courses, and complete practicum and internship hours in approved local school settings.
Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous online format, allowing flexibility for working adults. Students complete weekly modules, engage in discussions, and submit assignments within set deadlines.
Yes. Students complete a practicum and two internships in school counseling settings. The program provides guidance, approved site lists, and faculty support throughout the placement process.
Indiana Wesleyan University’s program is Christ-centered, CACREP-accredited, and designed for working adults. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and the option to pursue a dual track in clinical mental health counseling.
Successful students are motivated, self-directed learners who are passionate about helping children and adolescents. They are collaborative, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth.
Students describe the program as supportive and relational. Faculty provide consistent guidance, and the flexible structure allows students to balance coursework, work, and family responsibilities.

Program Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body or by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, verified on official transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
  • An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which a minimum of 30 credit hours was completed.
  • If graduate work has been taken, official transcripts must be submitted reflecting a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • A letter clearly stating reason(s) for seeking admission into the Addictions Counseling program.
  • In those cases where the applicant is seeking to fulfill requirements for any licensure/certification, identification of specific course requirements for inclusion in his/her program of study for any license/certification process is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Three recommendations from professors or supervisors.
Certificate Completion Requirements
  • Successful completion of all coursework identified in certificate plan of study.
  • All course grades at or above level of "C".
  • Overall cumulative GPA must be at least 3.0.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees.

Accreditation

Certificate Completion Requirements
  • Successful completion of all coursework identified in certificate plan of study.
  • All course grades at or above level of "C".
  • Overall cumulative GPA must be at least 3.0.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead and pursue your goal of helping others who are struggling with addiction. Contact us today to learn more about this Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling program at IWU!

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