The Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies program is designed to provide graduate level counseling skills in the area of chemical dependency and addiction. The focus of the program is to develop professionals able to provide individualized services informed by evidence-based practices integrating a variety of models, theories, and research-based approaches to diverse cultural and sub-cultural populations.
With this program, students will gain an understanding of the inter-relatedness of addictions and chemical use and dependency on individuals, families, and society. A goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to recognize and treat individuals with chemical and co-occurring concerns. A variety of treatment approaches will be studied with an emphasis on chemical health. Through their coursework and practicum experiences, students will be expected to develop competency in the following twelve core functions of an alcohol and drug counselor:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment planning
- Counseling
- Case management crisis management
- Crisis intervention
- Client education
- Referral
- Reports and record keeping
- Consultation with other professionals regarding treatment and services
Working As An Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies program and obtaining licensure from the State of Minnesota, students may find themselves working in a hospital, private practice, or treatment center, or perhaps they may be providing Chemical Health assessments for employers or the court system. Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors perform a variety of duties that require academic as well as practical experience.
Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the requirements outlined in the requirements for 2008 licensure in the Minnesota 2007 Statutes for Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensing. Licensure applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with 18 semester credits of alcohol and drug coursework followed by an 880-hour practicum. All courses within the certificate program are aimed at higher level thinking focusing on analyzing and synthesizing providing graduates the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to succeed in today’s chemical health workforce.
Addiction Studies Panel
On May 16th, 2012, the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies will host it's first discusson panel, Contemporary Issues in Chemical and Mental Health Treatment.
Location
Admission Contact
Kate Connor | kconnor@smumn.edu | (612) 238-4520
Gainful Employment Information
Effective July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education requires institutions with non-degree programs defined as “Gainful Employment programs” to disclose certain information about these programs.
Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies Gainful Employment Report (PDF)
