Graduate
Certificate Program in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
Eligible candidates who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services may be admitted into a 5th year certificate program in order to complete additional training and field work experiences that meet the educational training requirements for being credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor or Student Assistance Professional. Student Assistance Professionals are typically employed in school districts where they provide primarily prevention, education, outreach, and other support services to students, under the direction of a certified or licensed alcohol and drug abuse counseling supervisor.
Becoming credentialed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor provides higher level employment opportunities in hospitals or in residential-, school-, or community-based substance abuse counseling agencies. In addition to meeting educational and supervised practical training requirements, certification as a CADC requires a total of 6,000 hours (three years) of supervised work experience (paid or volunteer) providing alcohol and drug counseling services within 10 years prior to the date of the application. An earned Bachelor Degree may be substituted for 2,000 hours of work experience.
In addition, applicants must
- pass the IC&RC/AODA, Inc.’s international written examination.
- present a written, representative case of the applicant’s choosing which demonstrates his/her skills, knowledge, and competence.
- pass a case presentation method examination, which measures competence in the twelve core functions, as measured by peers through an oral examination.
In order to complete the Certificate program, students must satisfactorily complete the IC&RC/AODA equivalent practice exam.
Master of Science
The Division of Psychology and Human Services currently offers Master of Science degrees in five areas: Clinical Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Counseling, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling, and School Counseling. All programs are structured to provide students with the theoretical knowledge base and professional competence required for effective counseling in a variety of settings. In addition, all programs provide a solid educational base for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies.
Clinical Psychology Program
The Clinical Psychology Program trains master’s degree level professional psychologists who can assist clients in the enhancement of their psychological well-being. It is based on a foundation that recognizes the importance of the scientific method of clinical inquiry, sound research and psychological assessment, and a developmental, psycho-educational model of intervention that focuses on a client’s strengths while recognizing the behavior deficits that interfere with effective living.
The faculty looks at master’s level psychologists as human development teachers whose primary function is to help individuals enhance life adjustment, facilitate personal growth and develop behavioral competencies. The faculty believes that an effective psychologist requires an integration and internalization of both personal and professional attributes. The faculty works with the belief that an effective therapist is an effective human being. For this reason, the program emphasizes the development of theoretical knowledge, therapeutic competencies, personal awareness and growth, and professional ethical thinking.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
The Clinical Mental Health Program trains competent, master’s level professional counselors who can help others to understand their personal and interpersonal difficulties, develop effective decision-making strategies, utilize appropriate resources and implement appropriate courses of action to enhance their level of personal functioning and psychological adjustment. Like the other programs within the Division, the Mental Health Counseling Program is also based on the premise that self awareness, commitment to continuous personal and professional growth and ethical decision making are necessary to function as an effective counseling professional. The program is designed to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor. Additional post-degree supervised experience and examination are required by the state before licensure can be obtained.
Community Counseling Program
The Community Counseling Program trains master’s level professional counselors who can help others to understand their personal and interpersonal difficulties, develop effective decision-making strategies, utilize appropriate resources and implement appropriate courses of action to enhance their level of personal functioning and psychological adjustment. Like the other programs, the Community Counseling Program is also based on the premise that self-awareness, commitment to continuous personal and professional growth and ethical decision making are necessary to function as an effective counseling professional.
Community Counseling Program: Alcohol and Substance Abuse
The Community Counseling Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Program trains master’s level professional alcohol and substance abuse counselors who can help others to
- understand their personal and interpersonal difficulties, and the effects which alcohol and/or other drug abuse and dependence have on their own personal functioning as well as family members and significant others in their lives.
- develop effective decision-making strategies, utilize appropriate resources and implement appropriate courses of action to engage in a process of recovery from alcohol and/or drug abuse or dependence.
- enhance their level of personal functioning and psychological adjustment.
Like our other graduate programs, the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Program is also based on the premise that self-awareness, commitment to continuous personal and professional growth and ethical decision making are necessary to function as an effective counseling professional.
School Counseling
The theme of the School Counseling Program is to develop holistic school counselors through an emphasis on self-awareness and ethical and moral behavior as well as through fostering a developmental approach to the acquisition of a solid theoretical and scientific knowledge base, professional competencies, and a commitment to the community through service to others and issues of social justice.
