Addiction Studies
Be a catalyst for change
Detroit Mercy's Addiction Studies program is among the nation's first and has been a forerunner in informing the national debate on education and training for substance use professionals.
What's New?
Complete the Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies virtually
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies is now available for completion virtually so that you can earn the certificate from wherever you are. The 18-credit-hour program is designed to be completed in one year and fulfills the educational requirements for state substance use certification for those interested in pursuing additional credentialing.
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall cohort. Information sessions will be held in March and May.
Find out more and register for a Virtual Information Session
Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Designed for individuals with a Bachelor's degree seeking to work in the substance use field and for individualsuFor students possessing a Master's degree in a health profession seeking advanced clinical training to specialize in addiction treatment. The Graduate Certificate fulfills educational requirements for state substance use certification.
Job Outlook
Job market for addiction specialists expected to grow 22% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Strong History
Detroit Mercy has been preparing addiction professionals for more than 50 years.
Career Outcomes
Our graduates are highly sought in the job market, with more than 80% employed in the substance use field within three months of graduation.
After graduation, I plan on heading to grad school to become a substance abuse counselor along with attaining my master’s degree in therapy. My goal is to empower, encourage, motivate, uplift and instill in others hope for change. I am so very grateful to my professors, mentors and friends for believing in me and leading me in the right direction, because I am the future therapist.
— Precious Pollard
Post-Degree Certificates
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Post-Bachelor's Degree Certificate
If you have already attained a bachelor’s degree in a major (e.g., Criminal Justice, Psychology or Social Work) related to the field of Addiction Studies, a post-degree certificate will equip you with 18-credit hours of additional information that will prepare you for entry-level positions in alcohol and drug treatment agencies. In addition, the certificate meets the minimum educational requirements to initiate a development plan for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential granted by the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).
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Post-Master's Degree Certificate
If you already possess your master's degree in a related discipline but want to further specialize in the field of addiction, the post-graduate certificate in addition studies is one of Detroit Mercy’s unique certificate programs.
Typically, individuals with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or Nursing pursue the certificate; however, individuals with a master’s degree in other major disciplines (e.g., Dentistry, Criminal Justice or Health Administration) may also be interested. The 18-credit-hour post-graduate certificate in Addiction Studies requires approximately one year to complete.Substance Use Certification
The post-graduate certificate in Addiction Studies fulfills the academic and internship requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug (CAADC) credential authorized by the State of Michigan. The CAADC is compulsory for professionals who specialize in the clinical treatment of substance use.
Complete the UDM Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies Virtually
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies is now available for completion virtually so that you can earn the certificate from wherever you are. The Post-Graduate Certificate is ideal for practicing clinicians wishing to specialize in addiction and/or further enhance their clinical practice, primary and oral health professionals seeking advanced training in substance use, and other professionals interested in pursuing specialized knowledge in addiction (e.g., law enforcement).
The 18-credit-hour program is designed to be completed in one year and fulfills the educational requirements for state substance use certification for those interested in pursuing additional credentialing. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 cohort.
Register for a Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, Jan. 14 at Noon
Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25 at Noon
Register for an Information Session
For questions related to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, contact:
- Director Varinder Kaur at kaurva@udmercy.edu or
- Department Chair Nancy Calleja at calleyng@udmercy.edu
I chose addiction studies because I want to help adolescents and young adults stay away from using and save those who have already started.
— Bradley Collins
Faculty
Kelli Anderson
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
313-993-1227
anderskb@udmercy.edu
Krystal Armstrong
Senior Adjunct Instructor
313-578-0392
armstrkr@udmercy.edu
Regina Bell
Counseling Clinic Manager
313-993-1626
leerc@udmercy.edu
Nancy G. Calleja
Professor of Counseling
*
Department Chair, Department of Counseling & Addiction Studies; Department of Social Work
Director of Addiction Counseling
313-578-0436
calleyng@udmercy.edu
Tahani Dari
Associate Professor of Counseling
Director of School Counseling
313-993-1165
darith@udmercy.edu
Varinder Kaur
Assistant Professor
Director of Addiction Studies Program
313-578-0392
kaurva@udmercy.edu
Daniel Lawrence
Assistant Professor of Counseling
313-993-1438
lawrendh@udmercy.edu
Administrative Support
Valerie Williams
Administrative Assistant
313-578-0392
williavw@udmercy.edu