Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate Admission & Application Requirements

Admission Eligibility Requirement

Admission to the Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate is limited to individuals who have graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead’s MS in Counseling program. Applicants who earned their master’s degree at another institution are not eligible to apply for this certificate.

Graduate Addiction Counseling Certificate Application Dates & Deadlines

  • Summer 2026: July 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
  • Fall 2026: July 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
  • Spring 2027: December 15, 2025 - November 15, 2026

Consult Your Advisor Before Applying

Eligible applicants are encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor or the Counseling Program Coordinator before beginning the application process to confirm eligibility and discuss next steps.

Application Steps for Eligible Alumni

Access to the application steps for this certificate is available by logging into myMSUM for eligible MSUM Counseling alumni.

Addiction Counseling Admission Requirements

  • Graduation from Minnesota State University Moorhead’s MS in Counseling program.
  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.
  • Note: International students are not eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling.

Addiction Counseling Application Requirements

  • GradCAS application
  • A current resume.
  • Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
    • If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices.
    • Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
    • MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
  • An essay detailing your personal career goals (approximately 350 words).
  • An informational interview is required.
  • A criminal background check through CastleBranch before admission to the program. The cost is $55.50, and processing takes 48-72 hours. Your report will be shared with MSUM.
    • Select "Place Order".
    • Select "Counseling and Student Affairs".
    • Select "I am a new student".
    • Enter all the required information.
    • Previous address information is necessary.

For questions about the program or the application process please contact the Admissions Office at 218.477.2161 or email admissions@mnstate.edu.

Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.

Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
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