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 500Theories of Counseling4.0
BACS 510Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorder3.0
BACS 530Understanding Prevention and Prevention Programs3.0
BACS 531Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences4.0
BACS 532Ethical Issues in Addictions Counseling4.0
BACS 535Motivational Enhancement Skills3.0
BACS 537Psychopharmacology & Addictions3.0
BACS 540Treatment Planning and Relapse Prevention3.0
BACS 545Psychopathology & Co-Occurring Disorders3.0
BACS 568Substance Use Counseling with Special Populations3.0
BACS 570Clinical Supervision Skills3.0
BACS 573Group Dynamics and Techniques4.0
BACS 646Multicultural Approaches in Addictions Counseling4.0
BACS 672Family Trauma and Addictive Disorders4.0
CFTP 513DSM I: Adult Psychopathology3.0
CFTP 516Behavioral/Process Addictions4.0
CFTP 517Addictions in The Family4.0
CFTP 521Human Development4.0
CTCN 603Clinical Appraisal and Assessment4.5
Practicum Courses
BACS 541Addictions Practicum Supervision I2.0
BACS 542Addictions Practicum Supervision II2.0
BACS 543Addictions Practicum Supervision III2.0
Total Credits73.5

Sample Plan of Study

Part-time Plan of Study with Practicum Supervision

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BACS 5004.0BACS 5373.0BACS 5453.0CFTP 5164.0
BACS 5103.0BACS 5403.0BACS 5683.0CFTP 5174.0
 7 6 6 8
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
BACS 5324.0CFTP 5133.0BACS 6724.0BACS 5314.0
BACS 6464.0CTCN 6034.5CFTP 5214.0BACS 5734.0
 8 7.5 8 8
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
BACS 5353.0BACS 5303.0BACS 5703.0 
BACS 5412.0BACS 5422.0BACS 5432.0 
 5 5 5 
Total Credits 73.5