Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies (CPAAS)
The Certificate Program in Advanced Addiction Studies is designed for students who would like to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals struggling with substance use and other addictive 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. The optional practicum course experience may be required for some levels of certification.
California Southern University is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). This certificate program is approved by CCAPP and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). For more information on how to become California and/or nationally certified, and those who want to advance or maintain certification are encouraged to contact www.ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses to earn this certificate.
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: CA, MD, NV, UT. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective students who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective students who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Last update: 7/1/2024
Given that license eligibility varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change, students are advised to contact state licensing agencies directly for details regarding all requirements.
- Credits Required: 18
- Cost Per Credit: $645
- Program Length: 1 year (full-time status)1
- Max Transfer Credits: 9 credits2
1Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual student’s time needed to complete the optional practicum course.
2Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
What you’ll study
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.
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:
- PSY 6511Substance Use and Related Disorders — 3 credits
- PSY 6309Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling — 3 credits
- PSY 7534Dual Diagnosis — 3 credits
- PSY 7307Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction — 3 credits
- PSY 7007Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention, and Aftercare — 3 credits
- PSY 7316Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor — 3 credits
- PSY 7508Supervised Practicum in Advanced Addiction Studies – 6 credits
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
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Accreditation & Approvals
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. Optional practicum course experience may be required for some levels of certification. This program is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). For more information on how to become California and/or nationally certified/licensed, contact ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org directly. A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses to earn the graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
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