Graduate School
- About us
- Academics
- Admissions
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- Application deadlines
- Fall 2012: 8/1/12
- Winter 2013: 12/5/12
- Summer 2013: 3/26/13
- Fall 2013: 7/30/13
- Winter 2014: 12/5/13
- Dates are subject to change. Applications for admissions are accepted on a rolling basis as
they are completed.
- Current students
- Continuing Education
Graduate School of Addiction Studies
Addiction counseling
Become a certified addiction counselor
The Certificate in Addiction Counseling accommodates those individuals seeking a terminal program at the certificate level leading to certification and/or licensure in many states and other countries. It also accommodates professionals who wish to re-specialize in addiction.

Students achieve competency in gradual stages, integrating 467 hours of academic learning and 1,111 hours of clinical practice. Students are prepared for entry-level counseling positions based on a range of knowledge and skills, including Twelve Step facilitation.
Overview
- Appropriate for those seeking entry-level addiction counseling positions as well as for those with related advanced degrees seeking credentials in addiction counseling
- Full and part-time student enrollment accepted each semester
- Offered at Hazelden's campus in Center City, Minnesota. Not available through distance learning.
Admission Criteria
- Two years' post secondary education--with a minimum of 60 semester credits, or 90 quarter credits, or 900 semester hours
- Certification of no chemical use problems within the two years prior to admission
- English proficiency. An applicant who does not speak English as a first language is required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)--with a score of 213 or more on the Computer-based Test, or a score of 550 or more on the Paper-based Test, or a score of 80 or more on the Internet-based Test. Since the test is given on a limited basis each year, and preregistration is required, the student should allow sufficient time for the results to be included with the enrollment application. A TOEFL score is not required if the applicant has a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or if the student has completed a bachelor's degree or higher in English in another country, as evidenced by an official transcript in English.
- Basic computer skills (i.e. Power Point / Word)
Licensure
Graduates of the Certificate in Addiction Counseling meet requirements to pursue licensing in Minnesota as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). As of July 1, 2008, candidates for Minnesota licensure must hold a bachelor's degree. Licensing requirements vary from state-to-state. It is the candidate's responsibility to check licensing requirements in their respective states.
2009-2010 Completion of Certificate program
Of the two students enrolled in the Certificate program during the 2009-2010 academic year, 100% completed the program on time.
Job placement rates
Among certificate students graduating in the time period between 2005 and 2009, 87% were employed within the first six months following graduation.
Certificate student loan debt disclosure statement
The Certificate in Addiction Counseling qualifies as a "gainful employment" program as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. In compliance with federal regulations, the median loan debt among certificate students, specifically, is reported here. During the period between 2007 and 2010, graduates of the certificate program incurred a median Title IV loan debt of $10,500.
Information about career opportunities can be found at the Department of Labor O*NET website. HGSAS prepares students for the broad occupation (SOC) code 21-1000 counselors and the detailed occupation, 21-1011 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors.
Academic Programs
Attend our Open House June 2
- Learn more about how you can earn your graduate degree or certificate in addiction counseling in as little as one year.
- Meet the professors at our next Open House on June 2, 2012 at Hazelden in Center City, Minn.
Contact us
- Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies
- PO Box 11, CO9
- Center City, MN 55012-0011
- 888-257-7810, ext. 4175
- 651-213-4175
- 651-213-4710 fax
- graduateschool@hazelden.org
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