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Substance Use Disorders Certificate

Earn a Certificate in Substance Use Disorders at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll study alongside instructors with experience in the field, explore relevant case studies, and apply the 12-step approach to substance use—expanding your skills and knowledge as you prepare to improve the health and wellness of individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD). Increase your qualifications and gain access to a competency that historically has been open only to those working in the SUD field. We designed this certificate for students already enrolled in the MFT program, as well as alumni wishing to return.

Program at a Glance

The School of Behavioral Sciences equips students for compassionate leadership in fields like physical therapy, social work, and psychology, guided by experienced faculty and hands-on learning.

Program Information

  • Program Units: 14
  • Cost per Unit: $860
  • Base Cost: $12,040

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Complete practical projects, such as creating individualized assessment and treatment plans.
  • Focus on the importance of faith in recovery models.
  • Apply the 12-step approach to substance use.

By the Numbers

22 % Projected growth of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2021 to 2031, much faster than all occupations *Bureau of Labor Statistics
20.4 million people in the United States were diagnosed with SUD in the past year, and only 10.3 received treatment *Bureau of Labor Statistics
10 :1 Student-to-faculty Ratio

Get Started

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James Lee: Helping Others in Time of Need

As James Lee ’24 pursues his God-given calling to become a marriage and family therapist, APU grows him professionally and spiritually. 

Program Details

The Substance Use Disorders Certificate is designed for students already enrolled in the MFT program, and for program alumni wishing to return and enhance their knowledge base. This program expands on the skills and knowledge needed to improve the health and wellness of individuals struggling with substance use, giving students access to a competency that historically has been afforded only to those working in the substance use disorder field.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Admission Requirements

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study

    An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Prerequisite of PPSY 511 Addictions, Assessment, and Interventions, or compatible course that meets transfer requirements AND,
  • Applicant must have completed or be currently enrolled in the MA in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy program OR
  • Applicant must have completed or be currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
gpadmissions@apu.edu

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

 

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel that partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Tuition and Fees
  Cost
Substance Use Disorders Certificate (per unit) $860

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

 

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contat Your Admissions Representative

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Phone

(626) 815-5009

Mail

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Student Services Center

For information about getting started in a graduate or professional (bachelor’s completion) program at Azusa Pacific, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 or admissions@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/student-services-center/ for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Center

International students applying to Azusa Pacific University should contact the International Center at +1-626-812-3055 or international@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
 
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.