College of Education and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehs/ldes

About This Program

Looking to become a compassionate and skilled counselor in the field of addiction? Discover how the Addictions Counseling graduate certificate  can help you make a meaningful impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Read more...

Contact Information

• Bryn Oldham | boldham@kent.edu | 330-672-4091

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Fully Offered

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students declared in a doctoral degree should enroll in the doctoral level version of these courses, if offered.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Articulate comprehension of a range of models or theories of addiction and evidence-based practices in addictions counseling.
2. Demonstrate at least minimal competence in addictions-related services, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling session facilitation and coordination of care.
3. Apply for licensure as chemical dependency counselors in Ohio.
4. Apply for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).

Graduate Certificate Policy

• Students seeking a graduate certificate must maintain a minimum 3.000 grade point average. A graduate certificate student who receives a combination of more than 8 credit hours of B- or lower grades, or more than 4 credit hours of grades lower than C is subject to dismissal. Students who are unable to maintain academic standards of the College are subject to dismissal for academic reasons. Grades of C- or below are not counted toward completion of the certificate.
• Certificates must be completed within six years after the first graduate enrollment.
• No more than 2 credit hours of workshop may be used toward a certificate.
• Before being eligible to be awarded a Certificate, students must be admitted to the Certificate program.
• Students currently in a graduate degree program may also apply to a certificate program. Their degree seeking coursework may be applied to the certificate coursework with advisor approval. The courses must be completed within six years and satisfy certificate course requirements.
• Students who have a previous graduate degree and are not currently seeking another graduate degree may transfer a maximum 6 credit hours with advisor approval. These credits may include hours from another KSU program, or from another accredited institution, if the following conditions are met:
  • courses were at the graduate level;
  • a grade of "A" or "B" was earned;
  • credit will be less than six years old at the time the certificate is conferred at Kent;
  • and student was admitted as a graduate student at the time the course was taken.
• Some program areas may be more restrictive. Students are advised to consult their program.

Full Description

The Addictions Counseling graduate 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 first course in the certificate provides all necessary training hours for certification as a chemical dependency counselor assistant in Ohio. Course content includes the following:

• 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 in the classroom) and culminates in a practicum in the field at an approved counseling facility under the supervision of an approved licensed behavioral health provider.

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.