Graduate Home / Explore Graduate Programs / Addiction Counseling Certificate (Online)
Addiction Counseling Certificate (Online)
Degree
Addiction Counseling Certificate
Department
At a Glance
This certificate program is designed to transform how you view and approach addiction, recognizing it as a public health issue, not a criminal one. You’ll learn to apply a compassionate, evidence-based approach that respects multiple pathways to recovery, including non-abstinence-based and natural recovery. We understand that recovery is a personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Grounded in harm reduction principles, the program will prepare you to help individuals reduce the negative effects of substance use while promoting health, dignity, and respect. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to create lasting, meaningful change in the lives of those affected by addiction. This certificate may help you meet the educational requirements for addiction counselor licensure, depending on your prior graduate coursework.
Department Chair: Sandy Gibson, gibsonc@tcnj.edu
Duration
- full time: 1 year
- part-time: varies
Availability
- online
4
- courses
12
- credits
$714
- per credit
Engaged Faculty
What sets our faculty apart? It’s their academic prowess and active engagement as practicing counselors. Our faculty members are immersed in the current landscape of mental health counseling, bringing firsthand experience and a practical perspective to the classroom.
Careers
The clinical mental health field is experiencing an unprecedented surge in job opportunities, reflecting the increasing recognition of mental health as an integral component of overall well-being. Employment in the field is expected to grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032, according to the latest national data. Our programs will prepare you for success, enabling you to confidently enter the workforce and command a salary that reflects your expertise and dedication.
Financial Aid
Students pursuing a graduate degree at TCNJ may be eligible for some types of student financial assistance, including but not limited to student loans and assistantships. Graduate students must follow the same steps as undergraduates in applying for federal loan assistance. You should visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for information about aid sources.
Department/School
This program is offered by the Department of Online Counselor Education in the School of Graduate, Global, and Online Education at TCNJ. Learn more about our vision and mission, curriculum, course sequence, and course descriptions. An annual report will be posted in May 2025.
Online Delivery
Although our program is online, every course has a 90-minute synchronous component each week. We recognize that life can impede class attendance from time to time, and there are some asynchronous options for occasional absences.
This online program leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience and to provide essential skills for your future counseling practice. Through interactive virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and real-time collaboration tools, you’ll be a part of a dynamic and engaging online environment that mirrors the richness of in-person instruction. Participate in simulated counseling sessions; access diverse case studies; and engage in immersive, experiential learning.
In addition, we’ve standardized the online classroom experience to ensure a seamless transition from course to course, even for those who might be new to online education.
Admission Requirements
Our application process is simple and efficient; GRE scores aren’t required, and with rolling admissions and monthly interviews, you can begin in the next available cohort. You need to complete the following:
- Copy of resume
- Official transcripts
You can also use code “GROWTCNJ” to waive the $75 application fee.
Curriculum
Required Courses
- CMHC 551/Addiction Counseling: Individual, Family and Society
- CMHC 553/Treating Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
- CMHC 575/Trauma and Crisis Counseling
Elective Course (Choose one.)
- CMHC 552/Counseling Prevention Principles and Practice
- CMHC 565/Mindfulness and Wellness in Counseling
- CMHC 555/Psychopathology and Pharmacology
