Addiction Studies Program (SPADA)

Addiction Studies Program (SPADA)
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5212 USA
(269) 387-3340

Graduate Certificate Programs

SPADA offers two graduate certificates, and the coursework can be completed either online or in a hybrid, weekend format.

  • The Clinical Addiction Certificate is an 18-credit hour program and designed for post-bachelor's students. This certificate is a great option for those wishing to pursue a Michigan credential (e.g., Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor [CADC]).
  • The Addiction Specialization Certificate is a 9-credit hour program and designed for dual-enrolled graduate students, or those returning post-master's to obtain continuing education hours for Michigan credentialing (e.g., Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor [CAADC]).

Connect with Dr. Tiffany Lee at tiffany.lee@wmich.edu, if you have any questions.

  • ADA 6200 - Introduction to Substance Use and Addiction
  • ADA 6330 - Cultural Humility and Social Justice in the Addiction Field
  • ADA 6350 - Approaches to Addiction Services
  • ADA 6400 - Co-Occurring Disorders and Addictions (also listed as CECP 6390)
  • ADA 6410 - Addiction in Family Systems and Primary Relationships
  • ADA 6710 - Capstone

Note: Capstone (ADA 6710) is only offered in fall semesters with approval from the SPADA Program Director. 

  • ADA 6200 - Introduction to Substance Use and Addiction
  • ADA 6330 - Cultural Humility and Social Justice in the Addiction Field 
  • ADA 6350 - Approaches to Addiction Services - or -
    ADA 6400 - Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction (also listed as CECP 6390)

All courses are 3 credit hours. 

Fall:

  • ADA 6200
  • ADA 6350
  • ADA 6400*
  • ADA 6710

Spring:

  • ADA 6200
  • ADA 6330
  • ADA 6400*
  • ADA 6410

Summer I:

  • ADA 6200
  • ADA 6400* 

Summer II:

  • ADA 6330

Notes:

  • All courses are offered online in a calendar year.
  • All course offerings are tentative and vary per semester based on student demand.
  • * Indicates cross-listing with CECP 6390
  • Capstone (ADA 6710) is only offered in the fall semesters with approval from the SPADA Director.

Information on our Certificates

Western Michigan University's Addiction Studies Program (SPADA) offers two graduate certificates. The certificates provide opportunities for specialization in this field for working professionals and graduate students in counselor education and counseling psychology, occupational therapy, psychology, public health, biological sciences, social work, sociology or other related disciplines.

The Clinical Addiction Certificate 18 credit hour program qualifies for financial aid.  Please contact the financial aid department at (269) 387-6000 for more information. The Addiction Specialization 9 credit hour program is not eligible for financial aid as a stand-alone program. To receive aid, students must be enrolled in other WMU coursework concurrently.

One of the many benefits of obtaining a SPADA certificate is that the course credit hours can be applied to the educational requirements with the State of Michigan (e.g., the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse credential [CAADC]). Each of our classes count as 45 hours of education with MCBAP. Please refer to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) for more information on their requirements. Many employers require the CAADC or a documented plan to obtain the CAADC with MCBAP in order to provide addiction services. Thus, SPADA aligns its curricula to meet the educational requirements for the State. 

Locations

The graduate certificate course of study is tailored toward adult, non-traditional students, featuring a hybrid format with Saturday classes on WMU's main campus in Kalamazoo. The graduate certificate courses are also offered entirely online.