Utah Valley University

What you'll study

The curriculum covers both foundational and advanced counseling topics to prepare students for real-world client work. Core areas include:

• Foundational and advanced counseling skills — comprehensive study of substance use disorders, including pharmacology, co-occurring mental health conditions, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Assessment, treatment planning, and case management — clinical screening and assessment, development of individualized treatment plans, and coordination of care across stages of recovery.
• Ethical and culturally responsive practice — application of ethical standards and culturally sensitive approaches when working with diverse populations.
• Professional preparation for licensure — coursework aligned to the SUDP credential requirements to ready graduates for professional practice.

Entry requirements

Prospective students must be admitted to Utah Valley University before applying to the Fall cohort of this certificate. The Fall cohort application opens each year on April 4 and closes at 5pm on June 2. For full program details applicants are directed to the SUDC application page.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles supporting individuals and families with substance use disorders and to pursue the Substance Use Disorder Professional credential in Utah. The program emphasizes the practical skills employers seek in behavioral health settings and aims to position students for immediate impact in clinical or community-based roles.

Scholarships & funding angle

A certificate is presented as a faster, lower-cost pathway into behavioral health compared with a full degree. Tuition notes: fully online undergraduate students residing outside Utah pay a flat tuition rate of $285 per credit (must be U.S. residents); fully online in-state students pay the same rates as in-person students based on residency designation. Students should consult UVU's tuition & financial aid resources for details.