Addiction Psychology, MS

45 credit hours including the required applied project course (PSY 593)

Required Core (27 credit hours)
PSY 570 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSY 601 Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
PSY 602 Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 603 Evidence-based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 604 Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 605 Group Therapy for Substance Use-Related Problems (3)
PSY 606 Case Management for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 607 Family and Adolescent Treatment for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 608 Supervision of Addictions Counselors (3)

Research (3 credit hours)
PSY 600 Research Methods (3)

Other Requirements (9 credit hours)
PSY 591 Seminar: Ethics (3)
PSY 680 Practicum (6)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
PSY 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students complete six credit hours of practicum, which consists of 600 hours of applied work as an addiction counselor under supervision of licensed substance abuse counselors. With support from program advisors, students arrange for a supervision experience at a licensed addiction treatment center where they are located that provides supervision as part of the training experience. Program staff verify the licensure status of the agency and supervisor, and maintain a practicum training agreement. The practicum course also includes a weekly didactic class that facilitates the training process and monitors for any problems and successful completion of the practicum experience.

The culminating experience is a six credit hour applied project. For the applied project, students evaluate existing research on addiction treatment, identify gaps in the literature, and generate a study or recommendations that contribute to the field of addiction psychology. The applied project course also includes completion of a practice licensing exam that helps prepare students to obtain state licensure as an addiction counselor.

Courses listed for other requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in health, behavioral health, psychology, counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. professional resume
4. two letters of recommendation
5. written statement
6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Substance abuse counselor jobs can be incredibly rewarding and offer a wide variety of experiences. Graduates can find employment in substance abuse treatment centers; community mental health agencies; the primary care, integrated health and criminal justice fields; hospitals; schools and universities; and military and veterans affairs offices and hospitals.