To complete the master's degree in Addictions Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum below as well as the specialized training in Addictions Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help students become competent and confident mental health counselors that specialize in Addictions. See below for the required courses.
Core Counseling Curriculum
EXPAND TO SEE THE CORE CURRICULUM
COURSE CODE | CREDIT HOURS | COURSE TITLE | COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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CO 610 | 3 | Counseling Orientation and Ethics | A review of the historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic and political dimensions of and current trends in the community mental health movement; a historical perspective of the counseling profession, counselor roles and functions, professional affiliations, and professional legal and ethical decision-making skills. |
CO 611 | 3 | Social and Cultural Counseling | Present the cultural context of the counseling relationship; examination of issues and concerns related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious and spiritual values, socioeconomic status and other various unique characteristics. |
CO 612 | 3 | Human Development | Theories of human development; developmental crises, tasks and transitions across one’s lifespan; theories of learning and personality development; strategies for facilitating optimal human development. |
CO 613 | 3 | Research Methods and Program Evaluation | An overview of the qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the ability to critically examine research and the basic principles of disseminating professional knowledge. |
CO 614 | 3 | Career Counseling | Exploration of educational and career planning – theories, decision-making models, assessment inventories, and resources, and its integration with human development. |
CO 615 | 3 | Assessment and Testing | Examination of the most frequently used assessment and testing procedures in counseling, outcome evaluation, multicultural issues, ethical and legal issues. |
CO 616 | 3 | Psychodiagnosis | Examination of the development of diagnostic and case conceptualization skills, major theories of etiology & treatment, and diagnostic principles and skills. |
CO 617 | 3 | Crisis, Trauma and Suicide | An introduction to the theories, principles and concepts of crisis intervention; contemporary techniques of crisis intervention and resolution used in community, school, family and individual counseling settings and the prevention and treatment of trauma. |
CO 618 | 3 | Substance Abuse and Addictions | Examination of substance abuse and process addictions in multiple populations - the effects of drugs and/or other addictive behaviors on the client and others. The various etiologies – including diagnosis and implications for counseling and treatment. |
CO 630 | 3 | Counseling Skills | Introduction to the knowledge, techniques, skills, and processes basic to initiating and conducting an effective counseling relationship; discussion and attention to the specific nature and process of helping, as well as the unique attitudes and skills required of the effective helper. |
CO 619 | 3 | Theories in Counseling | Examination of the major models of counseling and psychotherapy, theoretical integration, review of outcome research, and its implication with the counseling relationship. |
CO 631 | 3 | Group Counseling | Overview of the theoretical and experiential components of the nature of group counseling, group dynamics, and group leadership. |
Addictions Counseling
COURSE CODE | CREDIT HOURS | COURSE TITLE | COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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CO 651 | 3 | Psychopharmacology and Treatment Planning | Introduction to the field of psychopharmacology. Integration of diagnostic, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills; review of best practice guidelines. |
CO 657 | 3 | Biopsychosocial Aspects of Addiction | Examination of the biopsychosocial aspects of substance abuse and addictions; with a focus on the physical predispositions, family history and systemic trauma as well as current social mores and legal perspectives. |
CO 656 | 3 | Treatment of Addictions | In depth look at the historical and current evidence-based treatment procedures and techniques of substance abuse and addictions treatment. |
Clinical Experiences
EXPAND TO SEE THE CLINICAL CURRICULUM
COURSE CODE | CREDIT HOURS | COURSE TITLE | COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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CO 670 | 3 | Counseling Practicum | Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. |
CO 671A-D CO 672A-D CO 673A-D CO 674A-D CO 675A-D | 1-6 | Counseling Internship Mental Health (671A-D) School (672A-D) Addictions (673A-D) Clinical Rehabilitation (674A-D) Marriage, Couples, and Family (675A-D)
| Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills. Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health, School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling). Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling. |
Other Courses (Electives)
EXPAND TO SEE ELECTIVE OPTIONS
COURSE CODE | CREDIT HOURS | COURSE TITLE | COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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CO 699A-C | 1-3 | Special Topics in Counseling | Special topics course will address current developments or special-interest topics within the counseling profession. Each offering will include section-specific learning objectives. Students may repeat this course by taking different sections. Topic, learning objectives, and credits will be determined prior to registration and outlined in a unique section-specific syllabus. |