Academics
Western Michigan University's Addiction Studies Program (SPADA) offers an undergraduate minor as well as two graduate certificates.
SPADA Testimonials:
[SPADA] is “an affordable way to get into the field of addiction. Also, the classes were online and in person on weekends, so it gave me the flexibility I needed.”
[SPADA] “did a very good job preparing me and building my confidence to work with individuals that have substance use concerns.”
Key SPADA Stats:
- 97% of SPADA alumni indicated that SPADA classes helped prepare them to work with those that have addiction concerns.*
- 96% of SPADA alumni indicated that SPADA coursework at WMU helped prepare them for the IC&RC exam for a MCBAP credential.*
*2024 SPADA Alumni Survey
Undergrad Minor
The 21-credit undergraduate minor in Addiction Studies can be completed entirely online, face-to-face, or a combination of the two modalities. The minor prepares you to effectively function with abuse issues in professional and personal arenas.
Credit hours in the minor can be applied to the educational requirement for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. This is the entry-level credential for certified addictions counselors in Michigan.
Please refer to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) for all requirements.
Grad Certificates
There are two graduate certificates offered in SPADA. We offer a 9-credit hour and 18-credit hour certificate.
These programs are designed for working professionals and graduate students in counseling and health care disciplines.
Course credit hours for both certificates can be applied to the educational requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Credential and the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Credential.
Please refer to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) for all requirements.