Addiction Psychology, MS


At a Glance: program details

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  • Second Language Requirement: No



Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Addiction Psychology

The MS program in addiction psychology pairs state-of-the-art research from internationally recognized experts in addictions with clinical expertise from licensed psychologists and licensed addiction counselors who have decades of experience providing addiction treatment.

This program provides the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for graduates to pursue state licensure for becoming an addiction counselor.



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Professional licensure and certification

ASU's master's in addiction psychology meets the educational requirements to qualify for licensure in Arizona. Please note there are additional post-degree requirements for licensure. Our program also covers the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S. 

In addition, we are a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. Please visit our professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 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.


Admission Requirements

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.


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Career Opportunities

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.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.