Program Overview

Program Overview

The Accelerated Masters in Addiction Counseling is a place-based, accelerated pathway to a master's degree in Addiction Counseling. This program offers a clear, 5-year route to licensure as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Students earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree while building the skills needed to create meaningful change in the communities they already know and call home.

Why This Program Matters

Each day, rural communities struggle with higher suicide rates, increased rates of substance use disorders, and a scarcity of mental health professionals. This program blends synchronous online and intentional in-person training, equipping students with the theoretical foundation, clinical skills, and cultural awareness to meet the needs of underserved populations across Colorado.

Who Should Enroll

This program is designed for individuals who want to create positive change in their communities. For Northeastern Junior College students, this program allows them to stay in Sterling and earn a respected Colorado State University degree. Non-NJC students can also enroll, and their academic background will be evaluated to determine the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need transfer credits? The program is in collaboration with Northeast Junior College (NJC) in Sterling, CO, and can accept up to 60 credits from NJC.
• Is this program online? Some classes are offered online, but since the field is regulated by Behavioral Health Administration, some classes are only offered face-to-face and must be taken at NJC in Sterling, CO.
• What is an Accelerated Master’s Program? The accelerated master’s program (AMP) allows high-achieving students in the bachelor’s program who are interested in graduate studies to pursue an advanced degree in less time.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to align with the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) standards, ensuring students are prepared for licensure upon graduation. The program includes courses such as:

• Addiction theory and treatment
• Ethics and legal standards in counseling
• Trauma-informed care
• Cultural humility and rural health equity
• Community-based intervention strategies

The curriculum is divided into five years, with a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework. Students will work with their academic advisor to create a program of study that works for their unique situation and academic goals.

Faculty

The faculty includes:

• Brad Conner, Professor and Director of Addiction Counseling
• Noah Emery, Assistant Professor
• Hollis Karoly, Assistant Professor
• Wendy Lee, Instructor
• Ryan Scarborough, Instructor

How to Apply

To apply, students must:

1. Review admission requirements, including an associate's degree or equivalent, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and transfer mathematics requirement.
2. Talk with a student success coach to determine if the program is a good fit for their goals.
3. Complete the online undergraduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee.
4. Apply for financial aid (optional) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
5. Check their application status to ensure their application checklist is complete.

Application Dates

• Fall semester: July 30
• Spring semester: November 1

Program Details

• Degree awarded: Master's in Addiction Counseling
• Time frame: 3 years (following completion of associate's degree)
• Tuition: $448 per credit
• Credits: 90
• Hybrid program with a combination of synchronous online learning and community-based, in-person training.