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.

  • Clinical Addiction Certificate Coursework
    • 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 6700 - Field Practicum - or -
      ADA 6710 - Capstone

    Note: Field Practicum (ADA 6700) and Capstone (ADA 6710) are offered each semester with approval from the SPADA Program Director and Field Practicum Coordinator. (See the SPADA Field Practicum Manual for more information).

  • Addiction Specialization Certificate Coursework
    • 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)
  • Course Rotation (effective fall 2023)

    Fall:

    • ADA 6200
    • ADA 6350
    • ADA 6400* 

    Spring:

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

    Summer I:

    • ADA 6200
    • ADA 6400* 

    Summer II:

    • ADA 6200
    • ADA 6330

    Notes:

    • Main campus courses are offered in a hybrid format consisting of online content and 2 Saturday meetings.
    • 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

Information on our Certificates

Western Michigan University's Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse 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.

The course credit hours and field practicum experience can be applied to the educational and field experience requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Credential, the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) Credential and the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Credential. Please refer to the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) for more information.

Note:  In order to obtain a credential from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals, you must complete your clinical hours at a licensed facility. Search for licensed substance abuse programs in Michigan on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website click on Business and select "substance abuse" under license type.

Upon acceptance

  1. Upon acceptance into the Clinical Addiction Certificate program, please read the Professional Standards and Expectations document and return the signed signature page as instructed.
  2. To guide you through completion of the program please use the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse checklist prior to practicum and the checklist during practicum.
  3. As part of the Clinical Addiction Certificate program, you have the option to enroll in and complete the field practicum, which will give you experience in your prospective field.
  4. You are required to thoroughly read the field practicum manual immediately upon acceptance into the program.
  5. If you choose to enroll in the Capstone course--in lieu of the practicum--you will work with faculty member to complete a project and present to an audience at the end of the semester.

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.