Undergraduate Minor or Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services
The Undergraduate Minor or Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services from the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) prepares students and professionals for meaningful careers in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This program is designed to meet the educational requirements set by the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors and supports workforce development across Nevada’s behavioral health sector.
Whether you are pursuing your first credential, working toward certification, or supplementing a social science degree, this program offers a direct and flexible pathway into community-based behavioral health careers.
Your Pathway Into the Field
As demand grows for qualified addiction professionals, this program builds expertise in treatment planning, prevention strategies, and recovery support. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches and co-occurring disorder awareness, while grounding students in the social, behavioral, and ethical dimensions of the substance use continuum of care.
You will gain practical skills in screening and assessment, relapse prevention, and individual and group counseling. Through applied coursework and an optional practicum, the program prepares you to support individuals and families affected by substance-related challenges in counseling and community settings.
| Program Overview | |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| Credit Hours | 18 credits (6 courses) |
| Optional Practicum | 3 credits, 120-hour field placement |
| Tuition | UNR Tuition and Fees |
| Course Offerings | UNR Course Catalog |
| Start Terms | Fall, Spring, Summer — applications accepted year-round |
What You Will Learn
- Counseling (CAS 355): For students pursuing careers in addiction counseling or CADC credentialing.
- Generalist (CAS 357): For students pursuing prevention, peer support, justice-involved, or other non-clinical behavioral health roles.
| Track | Course | Title | Key Topics | Prerequisites |
| All Students | CAS 154 | Problems of Substance Use and Addiction | Overview of substance use, health impacts, and prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches | None |
| All Students | CAS 254 | Signs and Symptoms of Addiction | Theories of substance use disorders, signs and symptoms of problematic use | 154 or equivalent |
| All Students | CAS 255 or 257 | Prevention or Behavioral Health Fundamentals | Prevention strategies or theories of wellness, peer support, and care navigation | None |
| All Students | CAS 354 | Screening and Client Engagement | MI, professional practice, ethics, and assessment fundamentals | 154, CASAT program acceptance |
| Counseling Track | CAS 355* | Treatment Approaches | Individual and group counseling theory and practice | 154, 254, 354, CASAT program acceptance |
| Generalist Track | CAS 357 | Justice Systems and Behavioral Health | Justice systems, behavioral health, and systems-level care | 154 or equivalent |
| All Students | CAS 454 | Assessment and Case Management | Assessment, treatment planning, case management, and continuum of care | 154, 254, 354, CASAT program acceptance |
* CAS 355 is required for students seeking careers in addiction counseling or pursuing CADC credentialing.
To enroll in the optional practicum (CAS 464), students must complete all six required courses, including CAS 355 (Counseling Track) or CAS 357 (Generalist Track). Students completing CAS 357 will be placed in a prevention practicum. For more information visit Undergraduate Practicum in Addiction Treatment or Prevention Services tab.
Who This Program Serves
This program is designed for a range of learners:
- Students in health, social sciences, or related fields seeking to complement their degree
- Individuals pursuing Nevada Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification or working toward licensure as an addiction counselor
- Career changers and community members building a foundation for work in prevention, treatment, or recovery services
The substance use counseling field is among the fastest growing in behavioral health. This program offers an in-demand credential with strong career potential across Nevada.
Application Requirements
| To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet all of the following: | |
| Current UNR Student | Must be enrolled at UNR. Not yet a student? Visit UNR Admissions. |
| CAS 154 Completion | Must have completed CAS 154 with a grade of C or higher. |
| Minimum GPA | Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. |
| If you meet the criteria, submit the CASAT Online Application to get started! | |
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Federal financial aid is not available for certificate-only enrollment, but students admitted to a degree program may qualify for support. Additional options include employer tuition reimbursement and funding through the Nevada Health Service Corps, particularly for students completing practicum hours in underserved communities.
Cost estimates are based on current UNR tuition rates and are subject to change. Contact an advisor for current figures.
Frequently Asked Questions?
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Undergraduate Program Questions? Email academic@casat.org