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Master of Science in Addiction Counseling | Substance Abuse Counseling Degree | Graduate Degree Program

Master of Science in Addiction Counseling | Substance Abuse Counseling Degree

Online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling

Ottawa University’s accelerated, online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) degree program prepares learners to pursue careers as addiction counseling professionals, treating individuals with substance abuse and dependency disorders. Graduates may work in a variety of settings, including private practice, substance abuse clinics, group practices, and hospital settings.

As most states require that individuals seeking the highest level of licensing and/or certification have a master's degree, the MSAC puts you on track for career advancement in the field. Our online program meets the educational requirements, in most states, for licensure or certification. It also meets the requirements for licensure in Arizona for the Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC). Licensure or certification requirements vary from state-to-state. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to contact their state licensure or certification authority to assure that the degree requirements meet their state’s requirements.

Why Earn a Degree in Addiction Counseling?

“I truly believe that Ottawa University's Addiction Counseling degree programs are among the top in the nation. OU offers outstanding masters, bachelors and certificates online. Our faculty are all highly qualified addiction professionals with many years of experience. I’m also proud to note that in 2017 Ottawa’s Addiction Counseling program was honored as the ‘Outstanding Addiction/Offender Program of the Year’ by the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors, which is a division of the American Counseling Association." – Dr. Kirk Bowden, Professor in Charge of OU’s Addiction Counseling Program    
 
The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) has awarded Ottawa University, accreditation of its Addiction Counseling programs.


For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

Advance your career and make a difference in people's lives by earning an online Masters of Science in Addiction Counseling.

Related Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling

Master of Arts in Counseling

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To learn more about earning your online MSAC from Ottawa University, contact us today. 

Addiction Counseling | Substance Abuse Counseling Degree is offered at the following locations.

  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Brookfield, Wisconsin
  • Online

Education and Qualifications for Addiction Counselors

Addiction counselors must have a strong desire to help people who have a substance use disorder, and should be able to inspire respect, trust and confidence in those individuals. They provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation and support services work in diverse community settings, including schools, clinics, community, mental health and family counseling centers, law enforcement agencies, churches, hospitals, and private practice for those who struggle with substance abuse.

Curriculum for the accelerated, online addiction graduate program integrates evidence-based counseling theory, research, and practice and provides students with a foundation for doctoral studies and/or professional practice in addiction counseling. OU’s substance abuse counseling degreee will also prepare students for future study and work in mental health counseling, clinical psychology, social work, counselor education, law enforcement, law, and human services.

Addiction Counseling Careers 

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems. The career outlook for substance abuse counselors is on the rise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The need for substance addiction counselors is expected to grow by 23% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Upon completion of your online counseling degree, you will be qualified for several careers. Substance abuse counselors can work in a wide range of settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.

Careers in Addiction Counseling 

  • Substance Abuse Counselor/Addiction Counseling Agencies
  • Residential Treatment Facilities
  • Hospitals (State, Local & Private)
  • Outpatient Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centers
  • State and Local Government Agencies
  • Military Addiction and Substance Use Counselors
  • Jail and Prison Addiction Counselors
  • Parole and Probation Officers

Professional Licensure Disclosure

  • This program meets professional licensure requirements in certain states, as outlined on the University’s Licensure Disclosure page. Students are advised to verify that they are located (or plan to seek initial licensure) in a state where Ottawa University’s program meets requirements. Students who have questions about a program’s status should consult with an enrollment advisor. Those who relocate to another state during their course of study may no longer be eligible to enroll in the program or receive federal financial aid, and they may not meet licensure requirements in their state.

Master of Science in Addiction Counseling Courses

Required Courses (36 credit hours)

Graduate Seminar: Clinical and Addictions Foundations | ACG 7000 (3 credits)
Provides an overview of necessary foundations in the content areas of abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and theories of personality. Introduces the core functions of addictions counseling from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21 series. Other topics include APA style and format. 

Introduction to Addictions | ACG 7100 (3 credits)
Introduction to patterns, causes, assessment and treatment of addictions.  Introduces the core functions of addictions counseling from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21 series. 

Multicultural Concerns in Addictions Counseling ​| ACG 7200 (3 credits)
Study of social, cultural, and gender differences and issues related to counseling clients with various backgrounds, beliefs, and concerns. Includes a focus on addictions counseling theories and techniques and how they are applied to addictions counseling clients.

Law and Ethics in Addictions Counseling​ | ACG 7300 (3 credits)
Study of the ethical, legal, and professional concerns in the practice of addictions counseling.

Theories and Practices of Groups in Addictions Counseling​ | ACG 7400 (3 credits)
Examines group theories and techniques of observation, assessment and facilitation in therapeutic groups.

Methods and Models of Research in Addictions Counseling ​| ACG 7500 (3 credits)
Examination of the research and application of scientific methods to investigate, analyze, and develop solutions relative to addictions counseling.

Appraisal, Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addictions Counseling | ACG 8100 (3 credits)
Preparation for clinical practicum. Students expand their knowledge of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), diagnostic categories, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis will also be placed on the clinical interview and other initial assessment techniques, as well as skills critical to selecting and evaluating treatment options.

Psychopharmacology and Addictions Counseling | ACG 8200 (3 credits)
Study of the pharmacology of drug abuse/addiction concerns with additional examination of the use of medication in treatment interventions. 

Co-Occurring Disorders | ACG 8300 (3 credit hours)
Examines the current research on psychopathology and co-occurring disorders to include relapse and recovery, and how they impact addictions counseling. 

Fundamentals of Treatment of Trauma, Abuse, and Deprivation | ACG 8400
Introductory course presenting an integrated view of effects on personality development of childhood trauma, abuse and deprivation. Therapeutic interventions examined. 

Addictions Counseling in Family Systems | ACG 8500 (3 credit hours)
Examines addiction in the context of the family  system, including relapse and recovery. Emphasis on family system theories and techniques of addictions counseling.

Practicum in Addictions Counseling | ACG 8600 (3 credit hours)
Students participate in a seminar led by a faculty member. Provides the opportunity for the student to perform the activities of a regularly scheduled employee in an addictions counseling setting and complete 150 contact hours, of which half will be direct contact. 

Practicum in Addictions Counseling Continued | ACG 8610 (No credit)
Continuation of ACG 8600. Students participate in a seminar led by a faculty member. Provides the opportunity for the student to perform the activities of a regularly scheduled employee in an addictions counseling setting and complete 150 contact hours, of which half will be direct contact. 

For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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