Addiction Studies


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Program Director
Varinder Kaur, Ph.D.
kaurva@udmercy.edu
313-578-0392
job growth 2021-31 for substance use professionals +22%
second established adduction studies program in nation

Now Complete the Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies Virtually

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies is now available for completion virtually so that you can earn the certificate from wherever you are.  The Post-Graduate  Certificate is ideal for practicing clinicians wishing to specialize in addiction and/or further enhance their clinical practice, primary and oral health professionals seeking advanced training in substance use, and other professionals interested in pursuing specialized knowledge in addiction (e.g., law enforcement).  The 18 credit hour program is designed to be completed in one year and fulfills the educational requirements for state substance use certification, for those interested in pursuing additional credentialing.  Applications are now being accepted for the Fall, 2024 cohort.  

With questions related to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, contact:

Varinder Kaur, Ph.D., Director, at kaurva@udmercy.edu or

Nancy Calleja, Ph.D., Department Chair, at calleyng@udmercy.edu   

 Be a Catalyst for Change

The Bachelor of Science with a major in addiction studies provides enhanced undergraduate experience to individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, clinical psychology or social work, while providing the fundamental academic curriculum to prepare you to work in the substance abuse field. 

If you already possess a bachelor's degree in a field related to addiction studies, a post-degree certificate in addiction studies can help prepare you for entry-level positions in alcohol and drug treatment agencies. The certificate meets the minimum educational requirements to initiate a development plan with the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).

Detroit Mercy's addiction studies program also offers a post-graduate certificate in addiction studies for students who already possess a master's in a field related to addiction studies. This certificate fulfills the academic and internship requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) credential authorized by the State of Michigan. The CAAC is compulsory for professionals who specialize in the clinical treatment of substance use.

A graduate certificate is an option if you already possess a master's degree in a related field and are seeking advanced clinically-focused academic work in the treatment of addiction.

View Undergraduate Major/Minor Program Flyer [PDF]

Why major in Addiction Studies?

Menachem Roetter
"I am majoring in Addiction Studies because I want to help others recover, just like others helped me recover."
—Menachem Roetter
Precious Pollard
"After graduation, I plan on heading to grad school to become a substance abuse counselor along with attaining my master’s degree in therapy. My goal is to empower, encourage, motivate, uplift, and instill in others hope for change. I am so very grateful to my professors, mentors, and friends for believing in me and leading me in the right direction, because I am the future therapist."
—Precious Pollard
Bradley Collins
"I chose addiction studies because I want to help adolescents and young adults stay away from using and save those who have already started."
—Bradley Collins

Undergraduate Programs

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    Major - Addiction Studies

    Degree: Bachelor of Science
    Major: Addiction Studies
    Credits: 120

    If you want to be a catalyst to help empower individuals who struggle with addiction, you need the strong foundation that University of Detroit Mercy's program can provide. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in addiction studies will teach the knowledge and skills required when providing prevention, assessment, referral and treatment services for individuals and families who suffer from addictive disorders.

    Through a strong background in the liberal arts, you will find ways to reach your clients who are struggling and work with many professions to help change the structures of society that support addictive behavior. As a good listener, clear writer, introspective and critical thinker, you learn to advocate for your clients and programs and help the profession evolve.

    Careers

    A majority of addiction studies graduates become employed in the addiction treatment field and/or are accepted into graduate school immediately following graduation.

    While the focus of the program is addiction and behavioral disorder treatment, many graduates often become employed as prevention specialists and drug educators.

    According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for substance abuse professionals jobs are "projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations." 

    Curriculum & Course Information ▶

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    Minor - Addiction Studies

    University of Detroit Mercy's minor in Addiction Studies complements the education and professional training from your major and prepares you to work effectively with individuals who are adversely affected by addictive disorders.

    This 18-credit minor is an excellent option if you:

    • are majoring in one of the primary or behavioral health professions, such as nursing, psychology, or social work and want to make yourself highly marketable by having advanced knowledge in addiction; or
    • are pursuing a degree in adjacent areas such as health services administration or criminal justice where knowledge and expertise in addictions and recovery is a helpful adjunct.

    Substance Use Certification

    The State of Michigan sponsors the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential (CADC). It is strongly recommended in this state and many others that any professional who counsels chemically dependent clients have this certification. The minor in addiction studies provides all the educational and internship hours required for the CADC, should you choose to apply for it. Additional requirements (examination and clinical hours) are your responsibility.

    Curriculum & Course Information ▶

Post-Degree Certificates

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    Post-Bachelor's Degree Certificate

    If you have already attained a bachelor’s degree in a major (e.g., criminal justice, psychology or social work) related to the field of addiction studies, a post-degree certificate will equip you with 18-credit hours of additional information that will prepare you for entry-level positions in alcohol and drug treatment agencies. In addition, the certificate meets the minimum educational requirements to initiate a development plan for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential granted by the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).

    Curriculum & Course Information ▶

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    Post-Master's Degree Certificate

    If you already possess your master's degree in a related discipline but want to further specialize in the field of addiction, the post-graduate certificate in addition studies is one of University of Detroit Mercy’s unique certificate programs.

    Typically, individuals with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling, social work or nursing pursue the certificate; however, individuals with a master’s degree in other major disciplines (e.g., dentistry, criminal justice, health administration) may also be interested. The 18-credit-hour post-graduate certificate in addiction studies requires approximately one year to complete.

    Substance Use Certification
    The post-graduate certificate in addiction studies fulfills the academic and internship requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug (CAADC) credential authorized by the State of Michigan. The CAADC is compulsory for professionals who specialize in the clinical treatment of substance use.

    Curriculum & Course Information ▶

Faculty

Anderson picture

Kelli Anderson
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
313-993-1227
anderskb@udmercy.edu

Bell picture

Regina Bell
Counseling Clinic Manager
313-993-1626
leerc@udmercy.edu

Calleja picture

Nancy G. Calleja
Professor of Counseling
* Department Chair
Director of Addiction Counseling
313-578-0436
calleyng@udmercy.edu

Dari  picture

Tahani Dari
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Director of School Counseling
313-993-1165
darith@udmercy.edu

Kaur picture

Varinder Kaur
Assistant Professor
Director of Addiction Studies Program
313-578-0392
kaurva@udmercy.edu

Administrative Support


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