Addictions Counseling - Admissions Information

The Counselor Education program and Continuing Education/School of Education admit students to the Addictions Counseling Graduate Certificate on an ongoing basis. The sequence of courses, however, makes it advisable that a student be admitted prior to the fall term when the first course is offered. The admissions process takes approximately four weeks from receipt of complete admission packets.

To be considered for admission, candidates must:

• Be a graduate of an accredited college or university (BA, BS, or BSW)
• For applicants with 0-11 credits of graduate work, must have a cumulative UG GPA of 2.75 or higher for regular admission. An applicant with 12 or more graduate credits must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Conditional admission is possible for those who do not meet these requirements
• Have three years of experience in the human service area or strong academic credentials
• Fulfill the requirements for graduate certificates at Portland State University

Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling admission requirements

Applicants must submit one complete application packet to Continuing Education/Graduate School of Education in person (room 204, Graduate School of Education) or by mail:

Continuing Education
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
Attn: Kathy Lovrien

Students not currently admitted to a program at Portland State University should provide:

• PSU Application for Graduate Certificate Program
• Official transcript, in an unopened envelope, from the college or university from which accredited baccalaureate degree was recorded
• One set of official transcripts from all institutions in which graduate work was completed or taken
• $50 nonrefundable application fee*
• Addictions Graduate Certificate departmental application form
• Personal statement detailing professional experience and/or academic qualifications, and outlining how the addictions graduate certificate aligns with professional goals
• Two letters of recommendation from people who can address your professional and/or academic experience and expertise - see evaluation forms in packet
• An up-to-date résumé

*Fee subject to change

Students already admitted to a master's or doctoral program at Portland State University and currently registered for coursework

• Use the GO-19M or the GO-19D form to request addition of the graduate certificate program
• Provide a personal statement detailing professional experience and/or academic qualifications, and outlining how the addictions graduate certificate aligns with professional goals

PSU charges a one-time Matriculation Fee (charged on the first graduate admissions) for all new and transfer graduate students.