East Tennessee State University Online Counseling Certificate
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university offering a fully online clinical addiction studies counseling certificate. This 12-credit program trains behavioral health professionals to address substance use disorders and addiction, particularly in the Appalachian region, through physiological, psychological, and social perspectives.
The asynchronous online program, with one required synchronous course, can be completed in one year full-time or up to six years part-time, requiring a 3.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. It prepares students for state licensure or certification as clinical addiction specialists or alcohol and drug abuse counselors, focusing on practical interventions, risk mitigation, advocacy, and community impact, with no on-campus requirements.
The 12-credit clinical addiction studies counseling studies certificate equips students to become clinical practitioners and leaders in addiction prevention and treatment. Students complete required courses such as a seminar in substance use and addiction; clinical practice in addiction treatment and prevention; the science of addiction for behavioral health professionals; and cultural humility in addiction treatment and prevention. Students work with the certificate coordinator to design their degree plan, building skills to support individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field such as social work, psychology, counseling, or human services from a regionally accredited institution or current enrollment as a graduate student in such a field, plus a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Applicants submit a completed application, an essay on reasons for pursuing the certificate, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all colleges attended, and a resume or CV.
East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Clinical Addiction Studies Counseling Studies Certificate
1276 Gilbreath Dr., Box 70300Johnson City, Tennessee
Program Essentials
Post-Bachelor's Certificate
Counseling: Substance Abuse & Addiction
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12
Fall, Spring, Summer
Complete in as little as 1 year
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.5, a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health discipline
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
12
$835.50
$10,026.00
$835.50
$10,026.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.