• Apply By
    Fall: March 1 | Spring: Oct 1
  • Admission GPA
    3.0+
  • Total Credits
    30
  • Time to Complete
    2-3 years (average)
  • Cost
    $850 per credit

See Addiction through an Integrative Lens

This master's in addiction counseling program prepares students to treat clients with substance use disorders by providing strong theoretical and practical foundations in evidence-based treatment modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy. You will experience a cutting-edge curriculum that addresses the biological, social, and psychological factors of addiction.

    What makes our master's in addiction counseling program stand out:

    • A faculty of distinguished educators, clinicians, and public policy advocates
    • A case-based learning approach to enhance understanding of counseling theories and techniques
    • A curriculum that integrates co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
    • Course content that addresses the counseling needs of a diverse society
    • An inclusive, welcoming student environment

    Courses

    The MPS in Addictions Counseling consists of 30 total credits: 27 required, plus 3 credits of electives you'll choose with the help of your advisor. You'll have up to five years to complete the degree.

    Required Courses

    Internship Information

    All students admitted to the University of Minnesota’s Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling (ADDC) are expected to complete a minimum of 880 hours of supervised internship at an area agency approved by ADDC internship faculty as part of their academic program.

    The ADDC program coursework fulfills the education and internship requirements for the Minnesota Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (MNLADC). All additional post degree supervision hours or other requirements for this license are not part of or fulfilled by the ADDC program.

    For detailed information on LADC licensing requirements, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (MN BBHT) website.

    On the completion of the ADDC program, and once a degree is awarded, any post-graduation supervision hours for those seeking professional licensure in Minnesota are the responsibility of the student. The ADDC program does not facilitate or guarantee any post-graduate opportunities or professional licensure in other states or another country.

    Choose Your Pathway

    Choose the Accelerated Cohort if you:

    • can take the equivalent of a full-time course load for five consecutive terms, including summer.
    • are able to intern 35−40 hours per week at an agency during the internship experience.
    • are eager to proceed through the program with a cohort of peers taking the same coursework at the same time.
    • would like to save on tuition by completing the substance abuse counseling master's program at your own pace.

    Choose the traditional, flexible path if you:

    • need flexibility in the courses you choose and the number of credits you might want to take each term due to work, family, or other obligations.
    • would like to extend your internship by going part-time, 20−35 hours per week.
    • already hold an allied license or have eligible credits you would like to transfer to the addiction counseling degree program.

    Accelerated Cohort

    You may be eligible to earn the MPS in Addictions Counseling in as quickly as five terms through the Accelerated Cohort. The Accelerated Cohort is intended for students who have the capacity to attend daytime, evenings, or weekend courses full-time for five terms, in both in-person and online environments.

    The Cohort admits for fall start only, and admitted students who are unable to take the courses as scheduled would simply be moved to the traditional ADDC program to complete the degree at their own pace. Students who take the Accelerated Cohort will progress quickly through the program, develop deep connections with their fellow cohort students, and receive a tuition discount over the course of their program.

    Year Term Courses Term Credits
    Year 1 Fall ADDS 5011 (2 cr)
    ADDS 5021 (3 cr)
    ADDS 5071 (2 cr)
    7
    Year 1 Spring ADDS 5031 (2 cr)
    ADDS 5041 (2 cr)
    ADDS 5051 (2 cr)
    6
    Year 1 Summer ADDS 5091 (3 cr)
    ADDS 5061 (3 cr)
    ADDS 5121 (1 cr)
    7
    Year 2 Fall ADDS 5996 (2 cr)
    ADDS 5081 (3 cr)
    5
    Year 2 Spring ADDS 5996 (2 cr)
    IBH 6XXX elective (3 cr)
    5
          30 total

    * For course titles, see Courses section.

    Career Outlook

    The job outlook for Addictions Counseling program graduates is excellent.

    • 40%Employment growth in Minnesota in occupations related to substance abuse and addictions counseling between 2019-29*
    • $70KMedian salary for positions which request an LADC**

    This demand is expected to be strong for a variety of reasons.

    • As society becomes more knowledgeable about addiction, more people may choose to seek treatment.
    • People arrested on drug-related charges are increasingly being sent to treatment programs rather than jail.
    • Many counselors are reaching retirement age.
    • More employers are offering employee assistance programs (EAP) that provide alcohol and drug abuse services.

    With an ADDC degree, you could earn a job as a:*

    • Behavioral Counselor
    • Social Service Assistant
    • Alcohol and Drug Counselor
    • Clinical Supervisor
    • Program Manager
    • Youth Services Coordinator

    * Burning Glass Technologies Program Insights, accessed 7/15/21
    **  Lightcast™, accessed 3/6/23

      Faculty

      The Addictions Counseling program is supported and directed by skilled, engaged professionals at every level. Their experience and knowledge will help you navigate an educational and career path that works for you.

      Meet the Faculty

      Admissions Advising

      Graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks is happy to answer your questions about the ADDC program and the application procedure.

       

      Or you can give Steve a call at 612-301-6127.

      Do you have a more detailed question or want to tell us a little bit about yourself before the meeting? Fill out this brief questionnaire.

      Apply

      Fall Semester Application Deadline: March 1
      Spring Semester Application Deadline: October 1

      We strive to be fair in the admissions process. Our program thrives when we have students from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. The admissions committee completes a holistic review of all required application materials to ensure that you will be successful in the program. We do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

      You will receive an admission decision four to six weeks after the application deadline. Learn more about the application process in the video below. If you have questions about admission requirements, or would like advice on how to gather your application materials, please contact admissions advisor Steve Wicks.

      Read the transcript here.

      Admission Requirements

      We welcome applications from students who have:

      • a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution, or its international equivalent.
      • an undergraduate GPA of 3.0*.

      * If you have a GPA below 3.0, please include a statement of extenuating circumstances.

      If you're ready to take the next step, visit the ADDC/IBH Application Instructions page for details on how to submit each piece of your application.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      Applying to a master's degree is a big decision. We're here to help with answers to the most common questions about the ADDC program.

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