The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies is designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The impact of addiction on the individual, families, and society is addressed.
The sequence of courses offers a holistic and integrative approach to working with substance use and related disorders. Areas covered include theories of addiction, current intervention strategies, ethics, communication skills, comprehensive case management, documentation, relapse prevention, and the recovery process. A model of growth is presented to promote resilience and longevity for counselors in the field of addiction.
The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. Please see the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) website at www.ccapp.us for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education needed for career steps. A minimum grade of “B” is required to receive the graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 18
- Cost per credit: $545
- Program length: 1 year (full-time status)
Time to certificate completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.
What you’ll learn
Promote the integration of practical psychological experience with formal academic learning.
Foster growth in intellectual accomplishment and an opportunity to develop an executive level perspective on practices in the behavioral sciences.
Promote the acquisition of psychological concepts, principles, standards, and processes as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
Encourage legal and ethical behavior as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
Encourage ethical behavior in regards to information technology skills as it applies to mental health environments.
Promote the analysis and evaluation of information critically and effectively.
Foster the integration of multicultural awareness of human diversity as it relates to the behavioral sciences.
Career Outcomes
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
May pursue certification as Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) with additional field experience
Advanced Addictions Case Manager
Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies Requirements
Certificate Requirements | Credits |
---|---|
Required Core Courses | 18 |
TOTAL FOR THE CPAAS | 18 |
Courses + Credits
CalSouthern’s Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies is an 18-credit program comprised of the following six (6) required courses:
Required Core Courses
- PSY 7307 Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction — 3 credits
- PSY 6309 Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling — 3 credits
- PSY 7316 Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor — 3 credits
- PSY 7007 Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention, and Aftercare — 3 credits
- PSY 6511 Substance Use and Related Disorders — 3 credits
- PSY 7534 Dual Diagnosis — 3 credits
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
CalSouthern is helping me achieve my professional/career goals while accommodating my work/family commitments. I am very happy with my studies and grateful for this program’s flexibility!
– Michelle Gee, School of Behavioral Sciences
Ready to get back to your dreams? We can help!
Contact us to learn more about our online Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies program.
Call us at : 1.800.477.2254 | Email: admissions@calsouthern.edu
Accreditation & Approvals




California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is one of six institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Institutional accreditation is the most highly respected and recognized form of accreditation in the United States, and it provides students with a number of important benefits and opportunities. www.wscuc.org
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.