PrintAddictions Program Frequently Asked Questions
I am currently registered under the Certificate program. Is it possible to switch to the Diploma program?
Yes, it is possible to switch between the two programs. If you have already completed the Certificate, you will need to reapply to the Diploma program (no resume is required this time, but you will need to pay the $79 application fee again). If the Certificate is not yet complete, you can request a program transfer from the Program Manager. All credits earned under the Certificate will be transferred to the Diploma program, but if you have taken more than the required electives, only those needed for the Diploma will count towards the program requirements.
It is also possible to switch from the Diploma to the Certificate, if the Diploma is not yet complete. Since the Certificate does not have any specific core course requirements, all courses are eligible for transfer.
What is the difference between the Certificate and Diploma program?
The Diploma (8951) requires 24 units of study, 16 of which are core compulsory courses. The Certificate (8922) requires 15 units of study, but students may select their courses from any on the list to meet their specific learning needs.
I have taken workshops over the past few years. Can I use these to apply for transfer of credit?
Only courses taken at a post-secondary institution (college, university, continuing studies) that are listed on an official transcript with a grade are eligible for assessment. Courses must have an 80% overlap in content and a similar number of classroom hours. They must also have been taken within the last five years.
How long will it take me to complete the Diploma program?
Since the Addiction Education Program is considered to be part-time study, students can complete it at their own pace and the length of the program is different for everyone. Students who work on several courses each semester tend to finish the Diploma within 14 – 18 months. Other students choose to work on the program at a more relaxed pace, and may even take a year off at some points.
There is no time limit on the completion of either program.
How many courses should I take at once?
Students may create their own schedule and take as many courses as they feel they can handle. It is highly recommended that students begin with just one course in the Addiction Education Program. Once you have an idea of the time commitment required, you can add on more courses. If you register for too many courses at the start, you may be subject to cancellation penalties or late penalties on assignments.
I would like to study online. Would I need to come to McMaster at any point to complete the program?
Both the Certificate and Diploma may be completed entirely online. All core courses have been adapted to an online self-study format, and a large selection of electives are also available.
Why do some of the courses have two codes?
All courses that are available in online have the number "4" as the fourth digit (i.e. 611-427 as opposed to 611-827). Please look at the code carefully, as some courses are only available in a classroom setting, while others are only available online.
I am a student completing undergraduate studies and my program does not cover Addiction Education. Will I be able to use the Addiction Careworker Diploma to gain extra credits?
McMaster University Students may be offered up to 24 units of credit if they complete the entire diploma, or up to 15 units with the completion of the Certificate. We do have other arrangements with Athabasca University, University of Lethbridge, and Thompson Rivers University (see http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/addiction-education/credit.html). For other institutions, students must check individually.
I have completed the Certificate (or Diploma) in distance format and am now interested in pursuing a degree in distance format. Are any of the credits transferable?
McMaster University does not offer any related degrees in distance format. You may wish to investigate Athabasca University, or Thompson Rivers University, where the Certificate and Diploma are both recognized as advanced standing towards specific degrees (see http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/addiction-education/credit.html).
I am a student completing a Master of Social Work MSW and my undergraduate program was in Social Development and Sociology. Will I be able to use the Addiction Careworker Diploma to round out my training?
Many graduate students use the Addiction Careworker Diploma to gain the specialized knowledge necessary to focus on the complexities of addiction.
I have not been in school for a while. How are students evaluated?
Students are expected to write papers and prepare assignments at a university undergraduate level using word processing software. Some classes have tests, take home case studies, online web-based research, role plays, self-assessment, group assignments and presentations, research within your local community and a variety of written reports.
My volunteer community placement is in a Residential Treatment facility, but I have no paid employment in the Addiction field. May I take courses towards a career?
Definitely! We encourage all students to seek out volunteer experience from a broad variety of areas such as shelters, correctional facilities, outpatient centres, and relapse prevention programs.