The Certificate in Addiction Studies (CPAS) integrates theory and the practical application of skills necessary to work with the substance abuse population. The curriculum in the Certificate of Addiction Studies focuses on various aspects of addiction including theories of addiction, current intervention techniques, ethics, communication skills, the roles and responsibilities of a case manager, growth and self-care as an addiction counselor, documentation, the recovery process, and relapse prevention.
The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and the Education Board (CCAPP Institute) have granted approval to CalSouthern’s Pre-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies (CPAS). The Certificate Program in Addiction Studies meets nationally approved standards of education developed for the addiction/substance use disorders counseling profession, and CalSouthern is recognized as an Approved Academic Education Provider for The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).
The certificate meets the 315 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education required for Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I/II as required by CCAPP. This certificate also meets nationally approved standards of education developed for the addiction/substance use disorders counseling profession. CalSouthern is recognized as an Approved Academic Education Provider for The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). Individuals who are interested in becoming certified and those who want to advance or maintain their certification are encouraged to contact www.ccapp.us and/or www.naadac.org for more information. A minimum grade of ‘C’ in all courses is required.
Licensure and Certification
United States: CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: CA, MD. Some states may have additional requirements that are not part of the curriculum, but which can be satisfied at CalSouthern.
CalSouthern has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the field of addiction treatment in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside in these states.
Other Jurisdictions: This program does not accept applications from prospective learners who reside outside of the jurisdictions listed above.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) I and II
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
California Southern University, is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and its Education Board (CCAPP Institute) have granted approval to CalSouthern’s Certificate in Addiction Studies.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specific Education requirements provided by CalSouthern’s Certificate in Addiction Studies may fulfill the educational requirement for the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC I) or Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC II).
Persons interested in certification in the state of California are encouraged to contact the CCAPP Credentialing Board for more information and to obtain a complete listing of all requirements for certification at https://ccappcredentialing.org/index.php/career-ladder. Outside of California, learners are encouraged to contact their local certification authority.
The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) has identified CalSouthern’s Pre-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies as meeting nationally approved standards of education developed for the addiction/substance use disorders counseling profession.
Contact hours (CEHs) provided by CalSouthern’s pre-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies will be accepted toward national credentialing by the NAADAC Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP).
Persons interested in national certification are encouraged to contact NAADAC at www.naadac.org for more information and to obtain a complete listing of all requirements for certification. With certification, learners can obtain entry level positions as substance abuse counselors and progress toward certification as an Alcohol Drug Counselor.
Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction. Learners are encouraged to contact applicable credentialing authorities for more information. Learners may also choose to have these courses apply towards a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at CalSouthern to continue their studies in the discipline.
Required Courses (27 Total Credits Required)
| PSY 3306 | Foundations of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 3309 | Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3318 | Culture and Diversity in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3307 | The Physiology and Pharmacology of Substance Use | 3 |
| PSY 3317 | Individual, Family and Group Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 3507 | Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare | 3 |
| PSY 3316 | Personal and Professional Growth in the Field of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 3508 | Supervised Practicum & Fieldwork in Addiction Studies | 6 |
Optional Course
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means students enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for students.