Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling
The graduate degree in addictions counseling will assist students to develop their skills not only in the therapeutic areas but also in the area of social advocacy for better treatment/facilities. Leadership/management skill development will be stressed in order to keep pace with the field’s quickly evolving standards of best practices and legal/political changes. Moreover, the graduate degree will promote sound research supporting proper advancements in the treatment of the debilitating diseases of substance abuse and dependency.
A Master of Arts in substance abuse studies will enable you to develop your skills not only in therapeutic practices but also in the area of social advocacy for better treatment and facilities. Leadership and management skills are honed in order to keep pace with the field’s quickly evolving standards of best practices, legal changes and political changes.
In 2004, The Oklahoma state legislature created a license for substance abuse counselors. Among the innovations contained in this law was the requirement that a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) not only have a master’s degree but that the degree shall be in “...alcohol and substance abuse counseling...” or a master’s degree in a behavioral science or counseling related field which is “content-equivalent” to a graduate degree in alcohol and substance abuse counseling. The law also specifies knowledge areas known as “the twelve core functions” as well as graduate hours (Title 59. Chapter 43B-Licensed Alcohol and Drug).
Courses You'll Take
Students pursuing this degree will complete a total of 42-45 hours. Students can choose between the thesis option or the field/independent study option.
Training students to be competent licensed professionals in their field supports both primary goals of the UCO Mission Statement: 1) to provide excellent education enabling students to achieve their intellectual, professional, personal, and creative potential; and 2) to contribute to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities and individuals it serves. A Master of Arts in substance abuse Studies will enable you to develop your skills not only in therapeutic practices but also in the area of social advocacy for better treatment and facilities. Leadership and management skills are honed in order to keep pace with the field’s quickly evolving standards of best practices, legal changes, and political changes.
Requirements for Admission
- Online application for admission.
- Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from each institution attended with all degrees posted. All transcripts must be from accredited institutions.
- A student may be admitted by one of the three following methods.
- A minimum 2.75 GPA overall or 3.00 GPA in the last 60 hours attempted.
- Completion of 18 hours in substance abuse studies or behavioral science with a GPA of 3.00.
- Application will be allowed for those candidates possessing a master’s degree from an appropriately accredited university/ college in behavioral science.
- Applicants shall submit a one (1) page paper at the time of application stating, “Why I will be successful as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.”
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, one (1) must be from a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, or the equivalent licensure from another state, submitted at the time of application.
- Students with a native language other than English must submit evidence of English language proficiency.
*Students falling below these standards may qualify for conditional admission.
For more information, contact Dr. J. Keith Killian, graduate advisor or phone (405) 974-5534.
