Addiction Studies Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

The Addiction Studies Certificate is a 30-credit embedded credential offered at the Nanaimo campus. Students build a self-designed set of courses specializing in addictions, with a grounding in research methods, pharmacology and addiction theory. Credits can also count toward a major, minor or bachelor's degree, and students in a concurrent VIU degree or diploma do not need to apply separately.

Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | Intake: January 5, 2027 (domestic; 2 intakes per year) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Required courses are the Degree English Requirement, a second-year methods course, PSYC 205 Introduction to Biopsychology, PSYC 345 Drugs and Behaviour, and one senior theories-of-addiction course (PSYC 441, HSD 369 or CYC 361). Twelve to fifteen credits of options come from psychology, sociology, criminology, Indigenous studies, health and human services, anthropology, philosophy and political studies.

Career pathways

Because the certificate supplements a primary degree or diploma, career outcomes follow that primary credential; for example, addictions knowledge supports work in policing, probation or juvenile services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; Notes on Admission; Students completing this certificate concurrent with and embedded within a VIU degree or diploma do not need to apply to this program. They should let their degree or diploma advisor, program coordinator, or the Registration Centre know of their intention.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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