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Master of Science in Addiction Counseling

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Counseling

General Addiction Counseling specialization

Position yourself for increased career opportunities and job satisfaction in the fast-growing field of addiction counseling. This master's program in Addiction Counseling is designed to develop professionals trained in the areas of addiction counseling, treatment, and prevention. There is a particular emphasis on treating addictions and co-occurring mental health illnesses, which can improve the possibility that your clients will complete treatment and have better post-treatment outcomes. The curriculum covers both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to offer integrated services and treat co-occurring disorders in an addiction counseling or general clinical setting. This rigorous program includes online course work, residencies, and clinical experiences. People likely to be interested in this specialization include addiction prevention and treatment professionals who wish to pursue licensure or certification†, or advance to supervisory or leadership positions in the field.

Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the licensure website for mental health professionals.

This specialization requires course work and clinical experience, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 92 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Next Start Date: March 5, 2012
Credit: $451

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Residency requirements: Two 6-day residential colloquia

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will attend two 6-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your MS studies and beyond.

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • COUN5004 - Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
  • COUN5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
  • COUN5106 - Assessment, Tests, and Measures
  • COUN5107 - Principles of Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment*
  • COUN5214 - Theories of Personality
  • COUN5215 - Professional and Scientific Ethics for Counselors/Therapists
  • COUN5223 - Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
  • COUN5239 - Theories of Psychotherapy
  • COUN5241 - Group Counseling and Psychotherapy*
  • COUN5279 - Life Planning and Career Development
  • COUN5334 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness

All academic courses listed below are 10-week online courses. Each includes specific residential colloquia or clinical experiences. Learners must complete prerequisites and residency and clinical experience requirements to be eligible to complete each course in the sequence.

 

  • COUN5940 - Addiction Counseling Pre-Practicum Course I* AND
  • COUN-R5940 - Addiction Counseling Residential Colloquium I* - non-credit
  • COUN5941 - Addiction Counseling Pre-Practicum Course II* AND
  • COUN-R5941 - Addiction Counseling Residential Colloquium II* - non-credit
  • COUN6402 - Addiction Counseling Clinical Practicum*
  • COUN6431 - Addiction Counseling Clinical Internship I*
  • COUN6432 - Addiction Counseling Clinical Internship II*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • COUN5108 - Foundations of Addictive and Compulsive Behavior*
  • COUN5225 - Human Sexuality
  • COUN5258 - Group Therapy and Treatment of Compulsive and Addictive Behaviors
  • COUN5260 - Theories and Models for the Treatment of Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors
  • COUN5262 - Interventions with Substance Abuse and Dependence
  • COUN5264 - Current Issues in Compulsive and Addictive Behavior Treatment
  • COUN5945 - Addiction Counseling Integrative Project*
†Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. (Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information)
New York and North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

Course Descriptions

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Related specialization

You can also increase your knowledge of substance abuse, addiction, and compulsive behaviors with Capella's Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior.





Capella: A Marvelous Learning Environment

November 22, 2010Wayne Capella is certainly a university that truly is interested in the success of their students. The resources available to the students are absolutely amazing! The library is the best online with over a million volumes to access online. Their tech support is outstanding and the professors are committed and dedicated to helping students have the best learning experience possible while at the same time challenging them to expand their horizons. Capella is an intense experience and should only be considered by students who really want to excell in their education.

CA-CREP

May 13, 2011Lisa This is the only accredited online program designed specifically for aspiring addiction counselors that has its CA-CREP accreditation, which I have discovered is very important when seeking licensure in my state.

Changing my Career.

April 22, 2011Donald I have a Master of Science in Management degree.Plus 36 doctoral crs.Can you help me out? I want substance abuse counseling.

Capella: A Marvelous Learning Environment

November 22, 2010Wayne Capella isÿ
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