Program Overview

Introduction to the Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology Program

The Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology Program at Colorado State University provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide addiction counseling treatment services. Upon completion, students will receive a Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology and should be eligible to sit for the Masters in Addiction Counseling Exam to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

Program Structure

The program of study is 2 years, consisting of one year on campus taking classes and one year off campus completing an addiction counseling internship. Hours completed on the internship count towards licensure. Completion of the coursework in the first year covers all of the required instruction for licensure in the State of Colorado. The program is considered a Plan C Masters Program, meaning that a research thesis is not required, instead competency is demonstrated through successful completion of the internship process and passing of a comprehensive examination.

Admissions

In order to be considered for admission to the Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology at Colorado State University, you must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on behavioral health (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Human Development and Family Studies). Additionally, ideal candidates will have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and will have a strong desire to help those struggling with addictions.

Courses

The program includes the following courses:

• Year 1:
  • Fall:
    • PSY 612: Introduction to Addiction Counseling (3 units)
    • PSY 620: Addiction Counseling Concepts (4 units)
    • PSY 675: Ethics (3 units)
    • PSY 724: Motivational Interviewing (3 units)
  • Spring:
    • PSY 613: Advanced Addiction Counseling (3 units)
    • PSY 726: Neuropharmacology of Addiction (3 units)
    • PSY 775: Treating Diverse Populations (3 units)
    • PSY 793: Clinical Supervision of Addiction Counseling (3 units)
• Year 2:
  • Fall:
    • PSY 787: Internship (9 units)
  • Spring:
    • PSY 787: Internship (9 units)

Licensed Professional Counselor by Equivalency

Students in the Masters of Addiction Counseling in Psychology program can simultaneously take four additional courses that are required to be eligible for the professional counselor licensing exam by equivalency. The four extra courses are:

• PSY624: Career Counseling (online course)
• HDFS505: Human Development (online course, typically offered in the summer)
• PSY671: Assessment for Addictions Counseling (online course, offered during the summer)
• PSY654: Research Methods in Counseling (online course, offered during the summer)

Student Admissions and Outcome Statistics

The program has a spotless reputation for graduating all students who have been admitted into the Masters in Addiction Counseling in Psychology program. Many students secure employment before graduating from the program based on their expertise and passion for treating individuals facing addiction.

Time to Completion

• The time to completion for all students entering the program is as follows:
  • 2 years: 7 (100%), 11 (92%), 10 (91%)
  • More than 2 years: 0 (0%), 1 (8%), 1 (9%)

Internship Sites and Experiences

Students begin their internship after completing all coursework for their Masters of Addiction Counseling in Psychology degree. Although each site is unique, students can gain experience working at sites that treat individuals struggling with addictions by conducting individual and group counseling, engaging in case management and consultation, and providing other general services.

Licensure

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies provides information on licensure requirements.

Faculty

The faculty list for this program is available.

Morgan Sneed Memorial Scholarship

The Morgan Sneed Memorial Scholarship is available to support students in the program.

MACP in the News

The program has been featured in various news articles, including "Second generation teacher builds legacy of inclusion at CSU" and "Psychology master’s student turns personal heartache into a fulfilling career".

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Department Resources page
• Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals (CAAP)
• Colorado State University Graduate School handbook
• NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
• Handbook for Addiction Counselors
• MACP Program Student Handbook

Accreditation

The Master’s of Addiction Counseling in Psychology Program at Colorado State University is accredited through NASAC until December 31st, 2028.