Addictions Counseling Certificate (Career)

Program website

Program Manager: Dr. Kristen Wells
Email: kwells@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.846.2696

Program Description

Prepares those seeking new careers in the field of addictions and for those who wish to advance in their present career by adding professional education in addictions to their credentials. Students may also choose to use these courses to fulfill continuing education (CEU) requirements for periodic renewal of certification or licensure. Certificate graduates may broaden their area of study to Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology at the bachelor's or master's level. Certification for addictions counselors is required by the State of Maryland.

Overall GPA of 3.0 or better required in Departmental Requirements courses, excluding ENGL 101 and PSYC 101, upon certificate completion. Grade of B or better required in HUMS 204 and both INTR 103 courses.

The track leading to the FCC Certificate in Addictions Counseling is geared toward those individuals who currently hold higher education degrees and are looking to add Addictions to one's repertoire. These individuals typically include those with bachelors' or masters' degrees in related fields like counseling, social work, psychology, and human services. Those seeking ADT status but not looking to pursue further education may find the Certificate a good fit. However, ADT status is a temporary status only. It must be renewed every two years for a total of six years. Additionally, according to the Maryland Department of Health, Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, those who hold ADT status, must be concurrently enrolled in an Addictions Counseling program and be receiving supervision at the same time. 

Please take note the Maryland Department of Health, Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists indicates that one must hold an associate degree in Addictions Counseling or a closely related degree to apply for the Certified Supervised Counselor-Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD). 

For specific information regarding ADT status or CSC-AD or CAC-AD, please use the following links:

ADT:  https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/adt.aspx
CSC-AD:  https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/cscad.aspx
CAC-AD:  https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/cacad.aspx

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the origins of social work and the other human service professions and discuss the current issues in the field through various writing assignments.
  • Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical research to understand individual behavior across the life span and apply in case examples.
  • Identify and evaluate the major theories and techniques of social and clinical intervention applied in case examples.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in basic helping skills by conducting a series of videotapes helping interviews.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to professional human service practices.

Program Requirements

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or better required in Departmental Requirements courses, excluding ENGL 101 and PSYC 101, upon certificate completion. Grade of B or better required in HUMS 204 and both INTR 103 courses.
Departmental Requirements
ENGL 101English Composition3
PSYC 101General Psychology3
PSYC 201Developmental Psychology3
PSYC 206Abnormal Psychology3
HUMS 202Techniques of Counseling3
HUMS 203Theories of Counseling (Spring)3
HUMS 204Ethics and Practice Issues in the Human Services and Addiction Counseling (Spring) 1,23
HUMS 205Addictions Counseling Delivery (Spring)3
HUMS 206Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs (Spring)3
HUMS 207Theory and Practice of Group Counseling (Fall)3
or HUMS 208 Family Counseling (Fall)
INTR 103Internship 1,23
INTR 103Internship 1,23
Total Credits36
1

Students are required to take two semesters of INTR 103 Internship. For Addictions Counseling A.A.S. and Certificate students: HUMS 204 must be completed prior to enrolling in INTR 103.

2

Grade of B or better required.

Transfer Note

For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.

Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)

Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.

Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.

Plan of Study Grid
Recommended First SemesterCredits
PSYC 101 General Psychology 1 3
ENGL 101 English Composition 3
HUMS 202 Techniques of Counseling 3
PSYC 201 Developmental Psychology 1 3
 Credits12
Recommended Second Semester
HUMS 203 Theories of Counseling (Spring) 3
HUMS 204 Ethics and Practice Issues in the Human Services and Addiction Counseling (Spring) (Milestone) 3
HUMS 205 Addictions Counseling Delivery (Spring) 3
HUMS 206 Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs (Spring) 3
 Credits12
Recommended Third Semester
PSYC 206 Abnormal Psychology 3
HUMS 207
Theory and Practice of Group Counseling (Fall)
or Family Counseling (Fall)
3
INTR 103 Internship 2 3
INTR 103 Internship 2 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits36
1

PSYC 101 is a prerequisite or co-requisite for PSYC 201.

2

Students are required to complete two 3-credit Internship courses.

Part-time Students

Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.

Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.

Pathway Legend

Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.

Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.