Addictions Counseling MS
Major: Addictions Counseling
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 73.5
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.1501
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 21-1011
Note: Applications are not being accepted for the 2024-2025 academic year
About the Program
The Master of Science in Addictions Counseling (MAC) online program's mission is to develop the next generation of addictions counselors for the workforce. Students learn classical, postmodern and evidence-based counseling interventions. Students are trained to work with individuals and families impacted by trauma, behavioral and process addictions disorders, to practice in diverse substance treatment environments and to address dual disorders, intersecting identity locations and other contextual issues that often impact persons with a substance use disorder. Program faculty are licensed professionals who have expertise and certifications in an array of treatment models, including clinical trauma, solution focused brief therapy and prolonged exposure therapy.
The online program consists of a 73.5-quarter credit curriculum with a required field experience practicum and clinical supervision. The program is in the Department of Counseling and Family Therapy within the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The curriculum covers the knowledge, theory and skill development areas as suggested by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and TAP 21.
Individuals who wish to advance their career options and have a greater impact on the development of workforce competencies and treatment policy and resources will benefit from this program of study. Community members and professionals continue to seek educational advancement opportunities in addictions counseling and education due to the historical and continued impact of substance use on individuals, families and communities.
The online Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling provides individuals in professions such as probation and parole, criminal justice, nursing, physician assistants and public health to receive supplemental education to improve their effectiveness in responding to the clinical problems associated with substance use disorders. In addition, this degree will provide a pathway to eligibility for a student’s state certification requirements.
Additional Information
For more information, go to Drexel Online Master's In Addictions Counseling webpage.
Admission Requirements
The following minimum criteria determine an applicant’s eligibility for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Academic transcripts(s)
- Focused personal essay:
- Reason for applying to the program
- How the program mission fits with their professional goals
- No GRE test scores
- Professional resume
Degree Requirements
Required Courses | ||
BACS 500 | Theories of Counseling | 4.0 |
BACS 510 | Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorder | 3.0 |
BACS 530 | Understanding Prevention and Prevention Programs | 3.0 |
BACS 531 | Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | 4.0 |
BACS 532 | Ethical Issues in Addictions Counseling | 4.0 |
BACS 535 | Motivational Enhancement Skills | 3.0 |
BACS 537 | Psychopharmacology & Addictions | 3.0 |
BACS 540 | Treatment Planning and Relapse Prevention | 3.0 |
BACS 545 | Psychopathology & Co-Occurring Disorders | 3.0 |
BACS 568 | Substance Use Counseling with Special Populations | 3.0 |
BACS 570 | Clinical Supervision Skills | 3.0 |
BACS 573 | Group Dynamics and Techniques | 4.0 |
BACS 646 | Multicultural Approaches in Addictions Counseling | 4.0 |
BACS 672 | Family Trauma and Addictive Disorders | 4.0 |
CFTP 513 | DSM I: Adult Psychopathology | 3.0 |
CFTP 516 | Behavioral/Process Addictions | 4.0 |
CFTP 517 | Addictions in The Family | 4.0 |
CFTP 521 | Human Development | 4.0 |
CTCN 603 | Clinical Appraisal and Assessment | 4.5 |
Practicum Courses | ||
BACS 541 | Addictions Practicum Supervision I | 2.0 |
BACS 542 | Addictions Practicum Supervision II | 2.0 |
BACS 543 | Addictions Practicum Supervision III | 2.0 |
Total Credits | 73.5 |
Sample Plan of Study
Part-time Plan of Study with Practicum Supervision
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
BACS 500 | 4.0 | BACS 537 | 3.0 | BACS 545 | 3.0 | CFTP 516 | 4.0 |
BACS 510 | 3.0 | BACS 540 | 3.0 | BACS 568 | 3.0 | CFTP 517 | 4.0 |
7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
BACS 532 | 4.0 | CFTP 513 | 3.0 | BACS 672 | 4.0 | BACS 531 | 4.0 |
BACS 646 | 4.0 | CTCN 603 | 4.5 | CFTP 521 | 4.0 | BACS 573 | 4.0 |
8 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
BACS 535 | 3.0 | BACS 530 | 3.0 | BACS 570 | 3.0 | ||
BACS 541 | 2.0 | BACS 542 | 2.0 | BACS 543 | 2.0 | ||
5 | 5 | 5 | |||||
Total Credits 73.5 |