Program Description

The substance abuse certificate program is designed to provide graduate students with the necessary core functions and competencies of substance abuse counseling. This body of knowledge will allow the student who successfully completes the certification process with an opportunity to earn their Certified Clinical Addictions Specialist (CCAS) credential from the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board (NCSAPCB). Individuals who are certified substance abuse counselors may engage in clinical practice with substance abusing clients. The courses are taught both on campus at East Carolina University (ECU) and on-line by criminal justice and social work faculty. The certificate classes are offered as electives in the graduate criminal justice and social work curricula. NCPSACB certifies the Certified Clinical Addictions Specialist (CCAS) after successful completion of all requirements. Students receiving the certificate may qualify under NCPSACB Criteria “C” for CCAS Certification. After completion of the certificate program, students will be required to meet the additional requirements of Criteria “C” in order to be certified. This certificate will not waive other NCSAPCB requirements.

Program Objectives

The certificate in substance abuse is designed to equip students with specific skills and knowledge in the area of substance abuse counseling. The primary objectives are to increase the educational knowledge (cognitive) and skills (practice) in substance abuse among criminal justice and social work professionals, and to increase the number of substance abuse counselors in the state who are academically prepared to become CCAS practitioners.

Students in the substance abuse counseling program must receive 45 contact hours and (12 s.h.) of substance abuse specific credit approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board. The courses include the following:

JUST 6005      Legal Aspects of Substance Abuse...................................................3 s.h.
JUST 6008      Drugs and Crimes as a Community Health Issue................................3 s.h.
JUST 6007      Supervision: Substance Use, Abuse and Dependence........................3 s.h.
OR
SOCW 6808   Selected Topics in Mental Health: A Social Work Perspective...........3 s.h.
SOCW 6804   Selected Topics in Direct Practice in Social Work..............................3 s.h.