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Substance Use Disorder Certificate

Evidence-Informed Assessment and Intervention

The Substance Use Disorder Certificate introduces current evidence-based treatment and prevention approaches and provides clinical and scientific knowledge about the nature of substance misuse.

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Program Highlights

100%

online

3

certificate courses

9

total certificate credit hours

Make a Difference Through Intervention

The Substance Use Disorder Certificate is taught by experts with years of diverse social work experience. The Substance Use Disorder certificate will deepen your understanding and ability to provide evidence-informed assessment and effective intervention related to substance misuse.

You’ll also gain valuable hands-on experience through an advanced practicum designed to improve your assessment and intervention skills related to substance misuse.

Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

Please note, Federal Title IV financial aid is only available for certificate courses when they are taken as a part of a degree-seeking program.

A Growing Need for Substance Abuse Counselors

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of mental health counseling for substance use disorders is growing at a rate of 13%, which is much faster than the national average industry growth rate. With this rate of expansion, more than 90,700 new positions for substance abuse counselors are expected to be created by 2029. The Substance Use Disorder Certificate will elevate your social work practice and help you improve the lives of those struggling with substances in your community.

A professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. View more information on social work licensure here.

For more information on our program’s SARA compliance please see here.

Careers and Salaries

An Evidence-Based Approach to Substance Misuse

The Substance Use Disorder Certificate utilizes a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice to deliver the clinical and scientific knowledge you need to help individuals struggling with substances. You’ll also gain practical experience in your practicum placements as you work within a substance use disorder-related agency.

Substance Use Disorder Certificate
(9 credit hours)

  • SW 524 Substance Misuse (3)
  • SW 580 Trauma-Informed Care (3)
  • SW 740* Advanced Practicum I (3) OR
  • SW 741* Advanced Practicum II (3)

The courses within the certificate replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.

Learn more about the courses required for this certificate on our courses page.

*Students complete either SW 740 or SW 741. Students are required to complete either course with a SUD-related agency.

Other Certificate Options

You may also be interested in these certificate options or an individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW.

Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection policy, and abuse intervention. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View Certificate

Gain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View Certificate

Gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services for this population. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View Certificate

Develop critical skills through study and experience to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents in a school setting. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View Certificate

Create your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View IPS

Learn how to help individuals in their healing journeys and promote post-traumatic growth and healing. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program. Students who have a conferred MSW from a regionally accredited institution may also apply.

View Certificate

Why Choose UK Online?

Join the Big Blue Nation

Joining the online MSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.

How to Apply

Submit an application to UK in three simple steps:

  1. Create an online account.
  2. Submit your application and supporting documents.
  3. Pay the $65 application fee.

You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Earning your degree online with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is a big step — but we’re here to support you along the way. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about the College and the online Master of Social Work program. If you have questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with an Admissions Counselor.

Yes, all certificate programs require an application. Students must apply for the certificate by creating an additional account within the Graduate School’s ApplyYourself application. Contact us for more information.

The certificates are completed as a part of the Master of Social Work program. Full-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two semesters and the Regular Standing program in 4 semesters in an accelerated format. Part-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two years and the Regular Standing program in three years. Accelerated completion options are available with program director approval.

The certificate programs provide a versatile credential that allows you to qualify for a myriad of roles in a variety of settings through career-ready skills that immediately apply to your chosen area of focus.

All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.

To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page. 

Visit our FAQ page