Undergraduate certificate programs allow students the opportunity to focus on specialized areas within psychology. Certificates can be earned by any student, not just those earning the psychology major or minor. A transcripted certificate allows students to demonstrate their specialized training at Mizzou to employers and graduate & medical programs. The Department of Psychological Sciences offers two undergraduate certificates--Addiction Studies and Neuroscience.
Undergraduate Addiction Studies Certificate
Addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable and can be successfully managed. However, research is needed to understand its causes and investigate new treatments to help those with addiction.
The Addiction Studies Certificate will help prepare students for many jobs within the health and counseling sectors immediately after graduation. Students with a bachelor’s degree and an addiction certificate may find employment in mental health centers, schools, substance abuse treatment clinics, and prisons. Job prospects for occupations involved in treating and preventing substance abuse are projected to grow by 22% in 2014-2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015).
Students can explore this important field through coursework in psychology, social work, sociology, and medical pharmacology. These courses can then be brought together to earn the Addiction Studies Certificate. This transcripted certificate allows students to demonstrate their training at Mizzou to employers and graduate & medical programs.
To receive a Certificate in Addiction Studies, an undergraduate student must complete 12 credit hours of approved coursework.
- Students must complete all certificate coursework at the University of Missouri – Columbia.
- At least 6 of the 12 credit hours must be 3000-level or above.
- A maximum of 9 credit hours from any department may be applied to the 12 credit hour requirement.
- Certificate course grades must be C- or better.
- A maximum of 3 pre-approved credit hours may be in Special Problems/Research, Readings, or Internship coursework. Students must demonstrate the experiential learning is related to addiction science. Email Dr. Dennis Miller, Director of Undergraduate Studies, at MillerDen@missouri.edu to request approval.
- Introduction to Addiction Science (PSYCH-2520) is required
- Drugs & Behavior (PSYCH-2220) or Drugs & Society (SOCIOL-4620) is required. Students may take both courses to count toward a certificate. One will count as the required course, and one can count as an elective.
- Two additional courses from the approved course available by clicking here.
Undergraduate Neuroscience Certificate
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary approach that provides explanations of behavior in terms of the activities of the brain. Neuroscientists explain how millions of neurons operate to allow us to think & use information, interact with others, and experience the world. Neuroscientists work in many fields, including medicine & healthcare, research, pharmacy, and counseling.
Neuroscience coursework at Mizzou explores many topics, including human memory and cognition, medical physiology, bioelectricity and neural signaling, and pharmacology.
To receive a Certificate in Neuroscience, an undergraduate student must complete 12 credit hours of approved coursework.
- Students must complete all certificate coursework at the University of Missouri – Columbia.
- At least 6 of the 12 credit hours must be 3000-level or above.
- A maximum of 6 credit hours from any department may be applied to the 12 credit hour requirement.
- Certificate course grades must be C- or better.
- A maximum of 3 pre-approved credit hours may be in Special Problems/Research, Readings, or Internship coursework. Students must demonstrate the experiential learning is related to neuroscience. Email Dr. Dennis Miller, Director of Undergraduate Studies, at MillerDen@missouri.edu to request approval.
- Two additional courses from the approved course available by clicking here.
FAQs
Yes! Any undergraduate student is eligible to earn a certificate in Addiction Studies or Neuroscience.
No. A certificate must be completed and awarded at the same time as the MU undergraduate degree – certificates cannot be claimed after graduation.
To officially declare your certificate go to this link: https://advising.missouri.edu/majors-minors/minors-certificates/.
You will receive confirmation after you complete the online form. Once you have received confirmation, you can check your progress toward the certificate by running a degree audit at this link: https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-programs-catalogs.
Please direct questions to Dr. Dennis Miller in Psychological Sciences.
For questions about the undergraduate certificates, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Dennis Miller (millerden@missouri.edu).
We have a Canvas page with continually-updated information on the psychology major, minor and certificates, and with opportunities for students. To self-enroll in the Canvas page click this link.