EWU Online Addiction Studies & Counseling Programs

• Addiction Studies: Licensed Professionals (Graduate Certificate)
• MA in Addiction Studies
• MA in Advanced Addiction Counseling & Treatment

Eastern Washington University (EWU) offers fully online addiction studies and counseling programs designed for working professionals who want to help individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders. Students can choose from three graduate-level options: the addiction studies: licensed professionals graduate certificate, the master of arts in addiction studies, and the master of arts in advanced addiction counseling and treatment. Each program combines flexible online coursework with focused training in addiction counseling, co-occurring disorders, ethics, and evidence-informed practice to support career growth in behavioral health settings.

Across all three programs, students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes real-world application, ethical practice, and support for diverse populations. Coursework highlights core topics such as addiction group counseling, case management, family and community-focused treatment, and confidentiality, law, and ethics for addiction professionals. These programs are designed to help students develop practical counseling skills, understand the biopsychosocial nature of addiction, and prepare for Washington State credentials and national addiction counseling exams. Fully online delivery and the option for full- or part-time study make it easier for students to balance education with work and personal responsibilities.

The addiction studies: licensed professionals graduate certificate is designed for fully licensed healthcare and behavioral health professionals who want to specialize in addiction treatment and qualify for Washington State’s Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) credential through the alternative pathway. This 20-credit certificate covers educational requirements for the Washington State Department of Health alternative training option for SUDP applicants who already hold licenses such as advanced registered nurse practitioner, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, independent clinical social worker, psychologist, osteopathic physician, or physician assistant. Key courses include counseling theories for addiction professionals; addiction group counseling; pharmacological actions of alcohol and other drugs; and confidentiality, law, and ethics for the addiction professional.

The master of arts in addiction studies is a 48-credit, fully online program for students who want comprehensive preparation in addiction counseling and related credentials. The program provides the coursework needed for the National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) exam through NAADAC, as well as Washington’s Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) and SUDP credentials. Students take courses such as relapse prevention; counseling theories for addiction professionals; addiction group counseling; and screening, assessment, and mental health consultation of co-occurring disorders. Through this curriculum, students learn models and theories of addiction, models of treatment, and how to apply addiction studies concepts in work with individuals, groups, families, and communities.

The master of arts in advanced addiction counseling and treatment is aimed at current substance use disorder professionals and behavioral health providers who want advanced training and leadership-oriented skills. This 48-credit, fully online program focuses on higher-level counseling techniques, co-occurring disorder treatment, clinical supervision, and evidence-informed practice. Students take courses such as cognitive behavioral therapy; best practice interventions and cultural considerations; trauma-informed care; clinical supervision in behavioral health practice; and substance misuse and harm reduction. Notably, the program aligns with Washington State’s education requirements for the Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC) credential.

For both master’s programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter or 60 semester graded credits, along with a one-page personal statement, current resume, and two professional references. For the addiction studies: licensed professionals graduate certificate, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be fully licensed in good standing, or able to obtain a qualifying professional license, in one of the specified healthcare or behavioral health professions before applying for the SUDP via the alternative pathway.

Eastern Washington University is a public university located in Cheney, Washington, United States. The university is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).