The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling is designed for you through an accelerated program of studies to develop specialized competencies to serve people with substance use disorders, their families, groups and others in the community; both in the preventive phase and in treatment.
The program will allow students to:

  • Acquire the skills, knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective counseling on substance abuse of individuals, groups and families.

  • Understand and apply the theoretical foundations necessary for counseling on substance abuse of individuals, groups and families.

  • Effectively perform the professional functions of an addiction counselor.

    Apply knowledge and strategies for the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of substance abuse.

  • Practice effective counseling within a bio-psychosocial approach in various public and private environments.

  • Act as a member of an interdisciplinary professional team.

  • Understand varied perspectives on issues related to substance abuse counseling; Considering the social, political, economic and cultural context in which substance abuse occurs.

The graduate of the Post-Baccalaureate Substance Abuse Certificate:

  • Demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes of the professional functions of an addiction counselor.

  • Access and update your knowledge and skills in substance abuse counseling throughout your career.

  • Act effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

  • Adhere to professional and ethical standards for addiction counselors.

    Provide effective and holistic services to substance abuse clients, their families and other community members.

The UCC has funds to grant scholarships and stipends for professionals interested in enrolling in the Master of Health Sciences in Substance Abuse Counseling for the next academic year 2016-17. The funds come from Grant # G02HP27970 of the Health Resourses and Services Administration (HRSA), Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals and Paraprofessionals Program.