General Program Information
Dr. Dorothy Greene, Graduate Coordinator
Department of Social Work
317B Campus Center Building
Box 70645
(423) 439-6569
email: greeneds@etsu.edu
The Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate is a 12 credit program of study designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge and skills to help mitigate the consequences and risks associated with substance use disorders and addiction. The certificate is designed for learners interested in pursuing state licensure or certification as clinical addiction specialists or alcohol and drug abuse counselors.
Because the Appalachian region has been significantly affected by substance misuse and addiction, the focus of the program is to prepare students to become clinical practitioners, advocates, and leaders in respect to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and addiction in the Appalachian region. Improving the quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities in our region is the overarching goal for the certificate program.
Course Requirements
The Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate will be awarded only to students who have been officially admitted to the program and successfully completed the 12 credits of approved coursework. The time limit for use of credit toward the certificate is six (6) years from the date of enrollment in the earliest course applied toward the certificate. In order to receive the certificate, a student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on coursework.
A student may simultaneously pursue both the certificate and an ETSU graduate degree if duly admitted to both programs. However, only 50% (6 credits) of the certificate hours may count toward the graduate degree. Admission to a degree program and successfully completing coursework typically required for the graduate certificate does not automatically qualify a student for the certificate.
For more information and application materials, write or call:
East Tennessee State University
Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate
Dr. Dorothy Greene
Department of Social Work
317B Campus Center Building
Box 70645
(423) 439-6569
e-mail: greeneds@etsu.edu
Admission to the Program
In addition to the admissions criteria set by the ETSU School of Graduate Studies, the following will be required:
The criteria for admission to the Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies Certificate program include the following minimum requirements.
Certificate program include the following minimum requirements.
- A bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health discipline (social work, psychology, counseling, or human services) from a regionally accredited institution. Or, the applicant is a current graduate student in a behavioral health discipline.
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed application materials.
Application materials which must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies include:
- an application;
- essay describing reason for pursuing the certificate (< 500 words);
- three (3) letters of recommendation;
- transcripts from all colleges attended; and
- a résumé or CV.
All applications will be evaluated by an admission committee. First preference for admission will be given to candidates who seek dual admission to both the MSW program and the Certificate program and those who are current ETSU graduate students. Timely submission of application materials is encouraged as space is limited.
Articulation Agreement
A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies and later wishes to pursue the Master of Social Work degree may transfer the certificate credits into the master’s degree with approval of the degree graduate coordinator and the School of Graduate Studies. All transfer credit, however, must meet GPA requirements and must be within the six-year matriculation limits.
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