Addiction and Substance Use

Zuckerman College of Public Health

There is an ongoing public health crisis in substance use disorders nationally. As a result, job growth for substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors is growing faster than average. Behavioral health positions, including patient advocates, youth, and health education counselors, are also expected to grow in Arizona and nationally, with above-average wages.

The 12-unit Addiction and Substance Use Undergraduate Certificate provides a comprehensive overview of substance use epidemiology, treatments, and policy. The certificate program follows a public health approach to explore substance use epidemiology, treatments, and policy. The program’s bio-psycho-social framework emphasizes the intersection of environmental, social, psychological, biological, and pharmacological factors contributing to substance use and substance use disorder.

Courses take a public health approach, exploring this issue from a population perspective that examines disparities in prevention and treatment programs. 

You are encouraged to apply to the program if you plan to work in health, public health, public safety, criminal justice, human resources, and social service settings. Working professionals seeking additional expertise are also encouraged to apply.

Delivered entirely online, this program can be completed in one academic year.

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.