Online Graduate Certificate - Addictions Counseling

Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling

Are you enrolled in a graduate counseling program that doesn't offer much coursework in addictions? The online Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University fills that gap. In 18 credit hours, you'll gain specialized training that strengthens your academic preparation and moves you closer to your professional goals. As a Christian university, IWU equips you to bring your faith into your counseling practice with clinical skill and ethical care. Your tuition rate stays locked in as long as you remain continuously enrolled, so cost increases won't catch you off guard.

Why Pursue My Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling at IWU?

You'll learn from seasoned professionals who have helped clients overcome addiction. Our Christian faculty teach from a biblical worldview, so you can carry those principles into a meaningful career. You'll also have access to student services, from tech support to tutoring, plus a full-time chaplain. Because the certificate is fully online, you can add it alongside your current graduate studies and your work.

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

Your coursework prepares you to become a competent practitioner who helps clients and families work toward recovery. You'll study human growth and development, psychopathology, issues in addictions recovery, psychopharmacology, theories and treatment of addiction, and counseling addicted families. Course materials are delivered through interactive tools such as video discussion, concept maps, and demo videos.

Learn More About the Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling Online Program

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What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

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

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Tuition & Aid

18 Credit Hours

$610/ Credit Hour

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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

When you complete the certificate, you'll be able to:

Articulate a clear and accurate understanding of the addictions counselor's professional identity.
Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental domains in addictions counseling.
Demonstrate addictions counseling skills and practice in the delivery of behavioral health services.
Deliver addictions counseling services with multicultural competence and sensitivity.
Apply relevant research and evaluation models in addictions counseling practice.
Integrate faith with addictions counseling practice in a clinically sensitive and ethical manner.

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

Potential Careers

Private Practice
Hospitals
Mental Health Facilities
Public Health

Program FAQs

It's designed for students currently enrolled in graduate counseling programs at other institutions whose programs don't offer enough coursework in addictions counseling. You'll gain specialized training that strengthens your academic preparation and supports your professional goals.

Yes. All coursework is completed online, so you can fit the certificate around your current graduate studies and work.

You'll complete 18 credit hours across six required courses.

You'll take Human Growth and Development, Issues in Addictions Recovery, Psychopharmacology, Psychopathology, Theories and Treatment of Addiction, and Counseling Addicted Families.

You have up to six years from enrollment to complete all certificate requirements.

You'll learn to integrate faith with addictions counseling practice in a clinically sensitive and ethical way. It's one of the certificate's core learning outcomes, taught by Christian faculty who bring a biblical worldview to the classroom.

You'll be prepared to deliver addictions counseling services with multicultural competence, apply research and evaluation models in your practice, and understand the professional identity of an addictions counselor.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The degree must be verified on original transcripts sent directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution where at least 30 semester hours were completed.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA below 3.0. The test must have been taken within five years of application, with a verbal (V) score of at least 146. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE.
A criminal background check.
A completed application, including an autobiography, philosophy of counseling, and supplemental application.
Three recommendations, including at least one from a professional such as a professor or supervisor.
A personal interview, for applicants whose application documents show potential for success in the Graduate Program in Counseling.

*The graduate admissions committee retains the right to waive an admission requirement for special circumstances.

Additional Requirements

Certificate Completion Requirements

Successful completion of the required major courses, with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Completion of all requirements within six years of enrollment.
Payment of all tuition and fees.

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