Addiction Psychology, MS
Gain hands-on clinical experience through 600 hours of supervised practicum training. Explore addiction science, psychopharmacology, co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment through flexible, online coursework.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Addiction Psychology master's description
The Master of Science program in addiction psychology pairs state-of-the-art research from internationally recognized experts in addictions with clinical expertise from licensed psychologists and licensed addiction counselors who have decades of experience providing addiction treatment.
This program provides the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for you to pursue state licensure for becoming an addiction counselor.
ASU is an NAADAC Approved Education Provider. https://www.naadac.org/providers
Why study addiction psychology at ASU?
Study a curriculum built to meet the educational requirements for national certification and to support your path toward addiction counselor licensure in most states, with advisors ready to guide you through practicum placement and licensure options. Your work connects to a nationally recognized center that turns psychological research into programs strengthening child, family and community well-being.
Additional details
Established in 1959, the clinical psychology center delivers evidence-based psychological services to children, adolescents, adults and families across Arizona while serving as a training environment for future mental health professionals. For decades, Reach Institute researchers have developed and evaluated prevention and intervention programs that have improved mental health, parenting outcomes and long-term resilience for thousands of families.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
45 credit hours including the required applied project course (PSY 593)
Required Core (27 credit hours) Research (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The culminating experience is a six credit hour applied project. For the applied project, students evaluate existing research on addiction treatment, identify gaps in the literature, and generate a study or recommendations that contribute to the field of addiction psychology. The applied project course also includes completion of a practice licensing exam that helps prepare students to obtain state licensure as an addiction counselor. Courses listed for other requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
PSY 570 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSY 601 Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
PSY 602 Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 603 Evidence-based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 604 Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 605 Group Therapy for Substance Use-Related Problems (3)
PSY 606 Case Management for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 607 Family and Adolescent Treatment for Substance Use Related Problems (3)
PSY 608 Supervision of Addictions Counselors (3)
PSY 600 Research Methods (3)
PSY 591 Seminar: Ethics (3)
PSY 680 Practicum (6)
PSY 593 Applied Project (6)
Students complete six credit hours of practicum, which consists of 600 hours of applied work as an addiction counselor under supervision of licensed substance abuse counselors. With support from program advisors, students arrange for a supervision experience at a licensed addiction treatment center where they are located that provides supervision as part of the training experience. Program staff verify the licensure status of the agency and supervisor, and maintain a practicum training agreement. The practicum course also includes a weekly didactic class that facilitates the training process and monitors for any problems and successful completion of the practicum experience.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze different theories of addiction and models of addiction treatment in course projects.
- Develop integrated treatment plans based on client needs and assessment results, and implement the treatment plan in supervised practicum setting.
- Formulate resolutions to ethical, legal and cultural dilemmas that occur in clinical practice.
Analyze different theories of addiction and models of addiction treatment in course projects.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in health, behavioral health, psychology, counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this addiction psychology master's degree prepares you for
Substance abuse counselor jobs can be incredibly rewarding and offer a wide variety of experiences. Graduates can find employment in substance abuse treatment centers; community mental health agencies; the primary care, integrated health and criminal justice fields; hospitals; schools and universities; and military and veterans affairs offices and hospitals.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of Psychology
|
PSY 201
addictionms@asu.edu
480-727-4561
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
