Overview
The Addiction Studies Certificate program prepares individuals to work in an entry-level position treating substance use disorders. Coursework includes training in how to assist individuals and families, emphasizing the full continuum of alcohol and other drugs as well as prevention, early intervention, and service options for all stages of change.
Students who successfully complete the certificate are eligible to seek credentialing as an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA).
Students who successfully complete the certificate are eligible to seek credentialing as an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA).
Students are eligible to apply for their CDCA Preliminary credential after taking the course ADC 105. Students then have ten months to complete the course ADC 155 and apply for the CDCA Renewable credential.
Students who complete the certificate and also complete an Associate of Arts degree with focus in social or behavioral sciences, or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human and Social Services, may seek credentialing as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDC II).
Many courses in the Addiction Studies Certificate have been endorsed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for use in completing the Specific Content Area requirements for LCDC licensure application.
Students who would like to pursue LCDC II licensure should meet with an academic advisor in the Humanities & Sciences Division for guidance and to learn more about additional credentialing requirements.
Students earning a degree in Nursing or another health-related field may wish to complete the Addiction Studies Certificate as a related credential.
Related Programs
Human and Social Services (HSS)Human and Social Services - Addiction Studies Major (HSSAD)Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate 1 (CDCA1C)Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate 2 (CDCA2C)Associate of Arts (AARTS) with a related focusContacts
Program Chair
Career Outlook
Graduates Are Prepared To
- Work in a variety of entry-level positions in the addiction counseling field to help meet ever-increasing needs for addiction counselors in Ohio.
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (must meet Ohio licensing requirements)
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (must meet Ohio licensing requirements)
- Addiction Counselor
- Caseworker
- Mental Health Aid
- Probation Assistant
Graduate Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for addiction counselors is expected to increase by 23 percent through 2030, much faster than average for all occupations.
$22.91/hr (median salary)
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
Contacts
Program Chair
Curriculum
Effective 2025-2026 academic year
Addiction Studies Certificate (ADSC)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| ADC 100 | Drugs in Society | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ADC 105 | Addiction, Counseling, and Diversity | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| ADC 115 | Ethics in Addiction Treatment | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ADC 125 | Relapse, Treatment, and Prevention | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| XXX XXX Technical Elective | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| HSV 115 | Counseling and Interviewing Techniques | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| ADC 200 | Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Illness | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| HSV 210 | Treatment Planning and Documentation | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 32 | 0 | 32 | |
Electives
| FYE Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Success Strategies: Overview | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies: Overview and Application | 2 |
| FYE 110 | College Success Strategies: Practice and Application | 3 |
| FYE 120 | College Success Strategies: Campus Integration | 4 |
| Technical Elective | ||
| HSV 215 | Group Work in Human Services | 4 |
| HSV 220 | Family Theory and Services | 4 |
| PSY 200 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 205 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSY 210 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY 215 | Adult Development | 3 |
| PSY 220 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 225 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| SWK 110 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
• This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
• The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.