Substance Use Disorder Counseling Certificate
Educational preparation for professional Utah licensure (SUDC & ASUDC)
Program Overview
Offers two specialized certificate tracks tailored to Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) standards:
- SUDC Certificate: Basic Licensure Track
- ASUDC Certificate: Advanced Licensure Track
Career Focus
SUDC counselors assist individuals and families in recovery settings by:
- Identifying behaviors & recovery challenges.
- Building practical coping strategies.
- Creating personalized recovery plans.
- Connecting clients with resources.
Applicant Criteria
- USU Status: Must be admitted to USU prior to certificate application.
- SUDC Track: Degree & non-degree students.
- ASUDC Track: Requires 90+ credit hours.
- GPA: 3.0+ cumulative preferred.
- Sobriety: Minimum 3 consecutive years of recovery at application time.
Required Coursework (25 Credits)
1. Prerequisite Courses (6 Credits)
Must complete before clinical placement| Course | Title | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 1010 (or AP Score) | General Psychology (BSS) | Fall/Spring: In-Person Online Summer: Online |
3 |
| HDFS 1500 (or PSY 1100) | Human Development Across Lifespan (BSS) | Fall/Spring: In-Person Online Summer: Online | 3 |
2. Core Courses (15 Credits)
| Course | Title | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFS 4220 | Family Crises and Interventions | Fall: In-Person Spring: Online | 3 |
| HDFS 4250 | Addictions and the Family | Fall: Online Spring: In-Person | 3 |
| HDFS 4420 | Motivation and Medication in Treatment | Fall: In-Person Spring: Online | 3 |
| SW 5575 | Substance Use Disorders: Treatment & Policy | Fall: In-Person Spring: Online | 3 |
| HDFS 4900 | Professional Development & Pre-Practicum (CI) | Fall / Spring / Summer: Online | 3 |
3. Practicum Experience (4 Credits)
| Course | Title | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFS 4990 | Pre-Clinical Practicum in HDFS | Fall / Spring / Summer: Arranged | Min. 4 |
Credit & Clock Hour Requirements:
- SUDC License: Minimum 4 credits (200 clock hours)
- ASUDC License: Minimum 7 credits (350 clock hours)
Note: Clock hours completed for the SUDC license may be applied toward the ASUDC requirement.
Application Process & Materials
To enroll in the SUDC Certificate program, submit the online HDFS Departmental Application.
1. Obtain a Valid USU A-Number
- Current Students: Submit using your existing A-Number.
- New Applicants: Apply to USU first to receive an A-Number (opens in a new tab).
2. Required Materials
- Current Resume (Include 3 recent work/volunteer roles)
- Personal Statement (See requirements listed on the right)
- Two References (Provide email contact information for two academic or professional references)
- Unofficial Transcripts (Required only if you completed coursework outside USU)
Personal Statement Requirements (500–750 Words)
Your essay should clearly outline your preparation and fit for addiction counseling by addressing:
- Career Goals & Motivation: Why are you seeking a career in substance use disorder counseling, and how does this certificate align with your long-term plans?
- Relevant Experience: Describe any academic, volunteer, or professional experiences working with individuals, families, or human services.
- Personal Strengths & Readiness: Highlight key qualities (e.g., empathy, resilience, boundary management) that prepare you for clinical field placements.
- Sobriety & Recovery Insights (if applicable): If sharing lived experience in recovery, address how your time in recovery demonstrates stability (3+ years required) and readiness to support others objectively.
Background & Licensure Notices
Background History: Prior substance use or a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify applicants, but may impact clinical internship site placement.
Licensure: Satisfies educational requirements for licensure through Utah DOPL. Learn more on the USU State Authorization Website (opens in new tab) or Utah DOPL Website (opens in new tab).