Online Substance Use Disorders Certificate Program

The UW Flexible Option format offers a different way to fulfill the educational hours required to become a SAC or CSAC. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Substance Use Disorders Counselor (SUDS) Certificate is the first online pre-certification program that fulfills state and industry educational requirements for becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (SAC-IT), a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC), or a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC).

You can help others struggling with substance use disorders by becoming a licensed substance use disorders counselor or by using the knowledge and skills gained in this program to make a difference in your community.

Download a Program Guide

Get comprehensive information about courses, admission requirements, costs, and more.

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Who should apply?

Mental health and human services professionals who want to:
- Become Dually credentialed
- Expand their scope of practice
- Add substance use disorders counseling to their skill set
Professionals who want the skills but do not need state licensure, such as:
- Clergy
- Corrections officers
- Nurses
- Other human services professionals

UW Flexible Option Advantage

Flexible, 100% Online

The UW Flexible Option is a national pioneer in competency-based education for adult learners. The self-paced format of UW Flexible Option programs fits around your schedule, helping you balance your responsibilities with your educational goals.

No live log-on requirements or set deadlines.

Program begins every month and is designed to be completed in 24 weeks or less.

Content created by UW-Madison faculty, with input from substance abuse counseling practitioners.

Growing Demand

Demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have grown in recent years, as the substance use crisis in both Wisconsin and nationwide continues to impact communities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field to grow 18 percent in the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Have you been looking for a program to expand the scope of your practice to aid those suffering from substance abuse, but haven’t been able to find a certification program that fits your schedule? This 100% online program builds off your existing human services training and allows you to control the pace at which you learn. You can advance your career, even while juggling family and other commitments.

—Kristi Obmascher, Executive Program Development Manager, Behavioral Health, UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies

A collaboration of the Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin is one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. By partnering with UW campuses to offer online degrees and certificates, students of UW Flexible Option programs receive a quality University of Wisconsin education—no matter where they live and work.