Program Overview

The addiction counseling certificate program is an online academic  program that prepares students to pursue licensure as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Montana.  Please note, this is a graduate certificate program--not a master’s degree program. Students must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a GPA of 3.0 to apply. However, we encourage motivated students with a GPA less than 3.0 to contact us to discuss the application process.

Certification and Licensing 

The Montana State University certificate in addiction counseling consists of 10 courses that can be completed in 1 year by full-time students and may be completed over longer time frames for students wishing to participate part-time. These courses fulfill, and are tailored to, the Montana Board of Behavioral Health addiction counselor licensure requirements. 

State licensure requirements vary. Course credits often count toward interstate licensure however, we encourage you to verify licensure requirements for the specific state where you are pursuing licensure prior to applying.

Prerequisite coursework for the State of Montana licensure depends upon on your educational background. The MSU addiction counseling certificate program provides individual academic advisement and tailors a program of study based on individual student academic backgrounds.

Dual Licensure 

Students who have completed, or are currently completing, master's- or higher level coursework in a related discipline such as counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology often opt to complete our addiction specific courses to pursue additional licensure as an addictions counselor.  Many master's- and doctoral-level courses fulfill the Montana Board of Behavioral Health addiction counseling licensure requirements and these students can fulfill the licensure requirements by completing several of our courses, depending on their specific academic programs. 

Program Prerequisites

This program is open to students with a bachelor's degree in any field with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. However, we highly encourage motivated students with a GPA less than 3.0 to contact us to discuss the application process.

Application Guidelines

You will be asked to provide the following information:

1. The names and email addresses of two (2) recommenders who will provide professional letters of recommendation, speaking to:

    • your ability to perform in a graduate program
    • your experience in relevant fields
    • or your ability to work in a helping profession

2. A three-page (3-page) essay addressing:

    • Your motivation for entering the field of addiction counseling
    • Your commitment to finishing the graduate program
    • Your professional aspirations (what do you want to do as an addiction counselor)

Your essay can be uploaded to the graduate application when prompted.

3.  Send transcripts to the

Graduate School
Montana State University
PO Box 172580 
Bozeman, MT 59717-2580

Application Submission Deadline

  • April 24 for Fall or Summer semester start
  • October 20 for Spring semester start

Following Submission of Application

After your application is complete, the reviewers will schedule an online video interview with selected applicants. Following the review of both the required paperwork and interview, students will be notified via e-mail of acceptance into the program. 

Apply to the Graduate School

Curriculum

Gainful Employment  Disclosure

The Addiction Counseling certificate program is a gainful employment (non-degree certificate) academic program.

For More Information

Please contact Edward Dunbar, Program Director, at [email protected]