Career Opportunities and Role of SUDC Counselors
Earning an SUDC certificate opens the door to a growing and in-demand career. Substance Use Disorder Counselors work in a wide range of settings, including:
Rehabilitation centers
Healthcare facilities
Community health organizations
Employee assistance programs
Correctional facilities
SUDC counselors support individuals who are struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues. They work with those currently experiencing addiction, individuals concerned about their substance use, and—at times—their loved ones.
Important Note: SUDC and ASUDC counselors do not prescribe medication or provide medical or psychological therapy. Their focus is on practical support and behavioral change, such as helping clients find employment, access resources, and build recovery plans.
In individual or group counseling sessions, an SUDC counselor typically helps clients:
Identify behaviors and challenges related to their substance use
Process emotions and develop coping strategies
Create and maintain personalized recovery programs
Establish healthy habits and long-term support systems
Program Format and Considerations
The SUDC program is offered entirely online and can be completed in two to three semesters, depending on the licensure track (Basic or Advanced).
The program is part-time by design; students will not be required to take more than three SUDC courses simultaneously.
For detailed course sequencing and planning, please refer to the table below.
Important Note on Background History:
A personal history of alcohol or substance use, or a prior criminal conviction, does not disqualify an applicant from being admitted to the program. However, students should be aware
that such history may impact their ability to secure an internship, which is a required component for completing the SUDC certificate program.
SUDC (Basic License) |
ASUDC (Advanced License) |
|---|---|
Fall Semester |
|
|
SUDC 4710: Introduction to Professional Development SUDC 4300: Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Counseling SUDC 3470: Dynamics of Addiction |
SUDC 4710: Introduction to Professional Development SUDC 4300: Introduction to Substance Use Disorder Counseling SUDC 3470: Dynamics of Addiction |
Spring Semester |
|
|
SUDC 3430: Psychopharmacology for SUDC SUDC 481R: Internship (200 hours) |
SUDC 3430: Psychopharmacology for SUDC SUDC 4400: Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling SUDC 481R: Internship (200 hours) |
Summer Semester |
|
| No courses required |
SUDC 4720: Advanced Professional Development SUDC 481R: Internship (150 hours) |
Please be advised that completing UVU's certificate program does not guarantee students will become licensed. However, the certificate of proficiency students earn in the program does meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor in the state of Utah. For other states, please reach out to the relevant licensing authority in the state you are interested in. Licensure is determined on a case-by-case basis in each state.
For more information on Utah licensure requirements, please consult the Utah Division of Professional Licensing For additional information, please feel free to view UVU's Professional Licensure website.
The SUDC application is open
EVERY YEAR
from April 4th-June 2nd.
Program Start Date: Students accepted into the program will begin coursework the following semester. Notifications of acceptance are sent by July 1.
UVU Admission Requirement: Prospective applicants must first be admitted as students at Utah Valley University (UVU) before applying to the SUDC program. For information on becoming a UVU student, visit the UVU Admissions website.
Program Tracks:
UVU offers two licensure tracks within the SUDC program:
Basic SUDC Licensure Track
Advanced SUDC Licensure Track (ASUDC)
Both tracks require passing the appropriate licensing exam and completing a supervised fieldwork component. For detailed licensing requirements, visit UVU's Professional Licensure page or consult the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Licensure Requirements:
SUDC License:
Completion of UVU’s two-semester SUDC program, including a 200-hour internship
Completion of 60+ semester credit hours (SUDC program courses count toward this total)
Fulfillment of all other DOPL licensure standards
ASUDC License:
Completion of UVU’s three-semester SUDC program, including a 350-hour internship
A completed bachelor’s degree (in any major)
Fulfillment of all other DOPL licensure standards
Prerequisite Courses
(All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher):
ENGL 2010 – Intermediate Academic Writing
PSY 1010 – General Psychology
PSY 1100 – Human Development Across the Lifespan
PSY 2300 – Abnormal Psychology
Eligibility Requirements
For the Basic SUDC Certificate, applicants must have completed at least 40 credit hours (equivalent to 75% of an associate degree).
For the ASUDC Certificate, applicants must have completed at least 90 credit hours (equivalent to 75% of a bachelor’s degree).
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.
Applicants in recovery must have a minimum of 3 years of sobriety, if applicable.
Two letters of recommendation are required, each with 100% positive endorsement.
Additional Application Materials
Current Resume: Must include educational background and your three most recent employment experiences.
Personal Statement (2–3 pages): Your statement should include the following:
A brief autobiography, including experiences that have influenced your interest in the field.
A discussion of the skills you bring to the program and the field of substance use disorder counseling.
Your personal philosophy of substance use disorder treatment, including key skills and attributes you believe a counselor should possess.
Professional References: Contact information for two professional references who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify their references before applying.
Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $40 is required at the time of application submission.
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