MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADDICTION STUDIES
| Mary Murphy, Graduate Coordinator |
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| murphym@wcsu.edu | |||||
| Carol O’Connor, Psychology Dept Admin Asst. |
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Full-time faculty, Licensed Clinical Psychologists: N. Gallucci, Ph.D.; M. Murphy, LADC, Ph.D.
Part-time faculty: J. Conrad, LADC; B. Gee, Ph.D.; K. Heybruck, MPH; S. Murphy, Ph.D.; R. Murtaugh, MBA, LADC ; J. Poling, Ph.D.; R. Woodward, LADC
Mission
Our mission is to develop professionals with the knowledge and values to be career-long learners, and effective and ethical providers in the treatment of addiction. We serve the state of Connecticut by providing the highest quality training in best practices for treating and preventing substance use disorders through integrated behavioral health services with a focus on treatment and recovery in high need and high demand areas.
Program Objectives
The M.S. in Addiction Studies Program will produce professionals who can:
1. Apply evidence-based principles to lead effective individual, family and group counseling for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
2. Develop and implement best-practice treatment plans and propose risk reduction interventions.
3. Employ and articulate the professional values and ethics specific to intervention and prevention in this field.
4. Utilize current DSM diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and related psychological disorders across diverse populations, and provide referral, consultation and collaboration with mental health providers and/or medical providers to ensure continuity of care, adherence to best practice treatment standards for the individual’s Co-occurring Diagnosis (COD), and achieve through the treatment of SUDs & CODs, optimal treatment outcomes.
5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct effective program reviews on addiction services and psychopharmacological treatment.
Licensure
Graduates will be prepared to meet CT Department of Public Health educational requirements to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Students are responsible for knowing the up to date guidelines for licensure as described by DPH at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/alcohol-drug-counselor/alcohol-and-drug-counselor-licensure-requirements
The LADC in Connecticut requires a Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, psychology or a related field that included a minimum of eighteen graduate semester hours in counseling or counseling-related subjects as well as supervised experience in the field. Additional requirements for licensure are:
– 300 hours of supervised practical training in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.
– Two years of supervised work experience.
– The M.S. in Addiction Studies program includes a supervised internship. The program provides all of the education that satisfies CT DPH licensure requirements for the LADC.
Job Prospects
Graduates will be prepared to apply for jobs as counselors, supervisors, team leaders, inpatient managers, outpatient coordinators, and other careers in the substance use disorders field. Given the unfortunate and devastating surge in opioid use in New England, our graduates regularly gain immediate employment before or upon graduation so they are able to work toward the two years of supervised work experience requirement for LADC. Addiction counselors are in high demand in Connecticut as the state has the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in this occupation in the nation – 2,600 jobs (www.bls.gov.).
Admission Requirements
Applicants who wish to be admitted to the M.S. in Addiction Studies must submit the following materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
1. An online application for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a $50 application fee. WestConn graduates should apply using the Fast Track online application. https://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/
2. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education at time of entry into the program. Students who are graduating in the current year are encouraged to apply. Final transcripts will be requested before finalizing admissions decisions.
3. One official transcript mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions from each college or university previously attended, including all earned grades and degrees. Mail transcripts to Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810 Attention: Office of Graduate Admissions. Electronic transcripts can be forwarded to graduateadmissions@wcsu.edu
4. Applicant’s cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) must be at least a 3.0 for admission consideration into the program. Students who do not meet this criterion are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator. Students may be asked to complete a prerequisite course before admission decisions are finalized.
5. An interview with the department admissions committee.
6. A psychology undergraduate major is not required. However, it is preferred for students to have skills (e.g., completed coursework) in the following areas. Such courses are not required. Applicants should specify the relevant courses or experiences they have completed.
o research methods in the behavioral sciences
o basic understanding of the current DSM.
o applied experience in psychology or a related field
Advanced Standing Pathway Option
Individuals with demonstrated competency in substance use disorder counseling evidenced by exemplary performance in relevant undergraduate coursework and field placements may apply for advanced standing. Such students complete the M.S. in Addiction Studies in 30-31 credits (rather than 37).
Courses waived for advanced standing will be established upon admission, after a review of prior work by the graduate coordinator. Students will receive documentation of the approved program prior to the start of the program.
WCSU Psychology Candidates
The WCSU Psychology Department four-course (16 credit) undergraduate sequence in Substance Use Counseling prepares students for certification as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) in Connecticut. Students who have completed three (3) courses of this CADC sequence at WCSU and a relevant field placement are eligible to apply for admission with Advanced Standing to the M.S. in Addiction Studies program. Specifically, eligible candidates must have:
· An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. (see above for exceptions)
· Completed three courses in the WCSU Substance Use Counseling sequence (three of: PSY 392, PSY 393, PSY 394, PSY 395) with a grade of B or better in each course
· Completed a field placement through PSY 306, or PSY 439, or the equivalent as determined by the Psychology Graduate Admissions Committee, e.g. prior work experience in the substance use field.
External Candidates
Applicants to the M.S. program who have completed a Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) program at a Connecticut Community College, such as Manchester Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, and Gateway Community college, are also encouraged to apply for Advanced Standing recognition. The DARC program is nationally accredited through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). In addition to the 30-credit DARC curriculum, candidates must have completed an internship in their DARC program and have a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Course Schedule:
Students complete the following coursework. Students may choose full-time or part-time options and can enter the program in the Fall or Spring.
Option 1 : Full-time Pathway ___ Option 2 : Part-time Pathway ___
Core Addiction Studies Courses (4 credits each, 16 credits total)
PSY 592 Substance Use Counseling: Assessment and Counseling (offered every Fall)
PSY 593 Substance Use Counseling: Psychopharmacology (offered every Spring)
PSY 594 Substance Use Counseling: Counseling Techniques (offered every Fall)
PSY 595 Substance Use Counseling: Applied Individual and Group Counseling (offered every Spring)
Additional Required Courses (3 credits each, 15 credits total)
PSY 581 Development and Evaluation of SUD Intervention Program (offered every Summer I)
PSY 584 Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders: Diagnosis and Interventions (offered every Fall)
PSY 582 Professional Development and Ethics (offered every Fall)
PSY 583 Theories of Psychotherapy (offered every Winter int.)
PSY 585 Current Topics in Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Treatment (offered every Summer I)
Internship (3 credits)
PSY 530 Internship in Addiction Studies (offered every Spring)
200 hours of supervised practical training in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Master Project (3 credits)
PSY 590 Masters Project (offered every Spring)
Completed in one semester or over the entire program.
Total credits: 37
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the program begin?
Students are admitted in both Fall and Spring semesters. Full-time students can complete all program requirements in one year; part-time students in two years. Note: Spring admissions must start at part-time status but can choose to switch to full-time in the Fall. - How much is tuition?
Student tuition rates and fees, and information on financial aid, can be found at: Tuition and Fees - Are Graduate Assistantships available?
Yes. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for information. - Can courses be taken online?
Some designated courses are offered online. - Is there an interview for admission?
Yes. This is scheduled after review of application materials. - Is there an internship?
Yes. The program places you at an internship site. Students are also welcome to propose agency placements with approval of the Graduate Coordinator, or in cooperation with the faculty. - Do I have to be a psychology major to apply?
No. Applications are encouraged from a variety of related undergraduate fields. - I have been working many years. Can I successfully come back to school for this program?
Some of our most successful graduates have been in similar situations.
Sample course schedule:
FULL-TIME PATHWAY
Fall
PSY 583 Theories of Psychotherapy (3 Cr)
PSY 592 Substance Use Counseling: Assessment and Counseling (4 Cr)
PSY 530 Internship in Addiction Studies (3 Cr) online
PSY 594 Substance Use Counseling: Counseling Techniques (4 Cr)
Winter
PSY 581 Development and Evaluation of SUD Intervention Programs (3 Cr) Online.
Spring
PSY 595 Substance Use Counseling: Applied Individual and Group Counseling (4 Cr)
PSY 593 Psychopharmacology (4 Cr)
PSY 590 Masters Project (3 Cr) hybrid
PSY 584 Substance Use Disorders & Co-Occurring Disorders: Diagnosis and Interventions (3 Cr)
Summer I
PSY 582 Professional Development and Ethics (3 Cr) Online
PSY 585 Current Topics in Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Treatment (3 Cr) Online
Summer II
PSY 581 Development and Evaluation of SUD Intervention Programs (3 Cr) Online
TOTAL: 37 Credits
PART-TIME PATHWAY
Fall Year 1
Please note that students pursuing the part-time pathway may start in the Fall or Spring semester.
1st Fall
PSY 530 Internship in Addiction Studies (3 Cr) online
PSY 594 Substance Use Counseling: Counseling Techniques (4 Cr)
1st Winter
n/a
1st Spring
PSY 593 Substance Use Counseling: Psychopharmacology (4 Cr)
PSY 595 Substance Use Counseling: Applied Individual and Group Counseling (4 Cr)
1st Summer
PSY 582 Professional Development and Ethics (3 Cr) online
2nd Fall
PSY 583 Theories of Psychotherapy (3 Cr)
PSY 592 Substance Use Counseling: Assessment and Counseling. (4 Cr)
2nd Winter
PSY 581 Development and Evaluation of SUD Intervention Programs (3 Cr) online
2nd Spring
PSY 584 Substance Use Disorders & Co-Occurring Disorders: Diagnosis and Interventions (3 Cr)
PSY 590 Masters Project (3 Cr) hybrid
2nd Summer
PSY 585 Current Topics in Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Treatment (3 Cr) online
TOTAL: 37 Credits