Special Notification

  • No application fee required.
  • Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
  • This program is open only to applicants residing within the United States.

Program Description

The Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate program is a 100% online, post-baccalaureate program designed to further master's-level behavioral health professionals' practical knowledge in addressing the needs of individuals with substance use disorders and their families. The certificate is specifically targeted toward individuals pursuing licensure or already licensed as mental health professionals. Thirteen quarter units (nine academic units and four practicum units) are taken over four quarters. Students complete 200 hours of supervised field experience in an acceptable treatment setting. Courses are offered as a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous formats, which is especially convenient for working adults. Applications are accepted for Summer (June) starts.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

One year (12 months) or four quarters

Possible Careers

Graduates may find employment as addiction counselors, substance abuse counselors in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment settings. With the appropriate licensure, qualified individuals may work in private practice settings. 

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Summer of 2025 Apr 9, 2025 — May 31, 2025

Admissions Requirements

  • Students are admitted during the Summer quarter.
  • A University application (including students currently enrolled in another program at Loma Linda University). Must meet all requirements for application prior to admission into the certificate program.
  • An essay (part of University application) describing how applicant will integrate drug and alcohol counseling certificate into work as a behavioral health professional as well as contributions applicant anticipates making to the substance use treatment field.
  • An interview, conducted either face-to-face or online via Zoom, with the program director.

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Enrollment in or completion of a master's degree in a behavioral health-related discipline.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
12
Tuition & Fees $12,311
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$1,000

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $16,020
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $26,400
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $27,540
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $9,720
  • Off Campus
    		•  $26,400
    Transportation Allowance $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $4,380
    Federal Student Loan Fees 0
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.
    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.