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Program Overview
Addiction Psychology, MS
The Master of Science 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.
Program Description
This program provides the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for graduates to pursue state licensure for becoming an addiction counselor. ASU is an NAADAC Approved Education Provider.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Degree Requirements
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.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements:
- All students are required to meet general university 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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- professional resume
- two letters of recommendation
- written statement
- proof of English proficiency
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze different theories of addiction and models of addiction treatment in course projects.
- Develop integrated treatment plans based on client needs and assessment results and implement the treatment plan in supervised practicum setting.
- Formulate resolutions to ethical, legal, and cultural dilemmas that occur in clinical practice.
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.
Professional Licensure
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.
ASU's master's degree in addiction psychology meets the educational requirements to qualify for licensure in Arizona. Students should note there are additional postdegree requirements for licensure. The program also covers the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S.
