Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling

Courses

The MPS in Addictions Counseling consists of 30 total credits and must be completed within 5 years of admission. If you would like a faster pathway to graduation, explore the Accelerated Cohort.

Required Courses

• Foundations of Counseling: Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders (ADDS 6001)
• Counseling Ethics and Professional Counselor Identity (ADDS 6005)
• Applied Psychopharmacology (ADDS 6011)
• Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling (ADDS 6015)
• Counseling Skills: Group Counseling (ADDS 6021)
• Counseling Skills: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing (ADDS 6025)
• Foundations of Assessment and Treatment Planning (ADDS 6031)
• Practicum (ADDS 6905)
• Internship (ADDS 6996)

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

The Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling (ADDC) program is offered in two flexible formats to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether you prefer the convenience of fully online learning or the engagement of in-person classes, both program modalities offer the same high-quality curriculum, expert faculty, and pathway to licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Minnesota.

Online Program

Designed for maximum flexibility, the fully online program allows you to complete coursework remotely, making it ideal for those balancing professional, personal, or geographic constraints. You engage in interactive, asynchronous and remote synchronous learning with access to faculty support, peer collaboration, and virtual resources. The online program is offered with the following types of courses:

• Asynchronous Courses: You access lectures, assignments, and course materials on your own schedule throughout the day or evening. There are no required live sessions, so you can complete coursework at times that work best for you, within set deadlines.
• Remote Synchronous Courses: You attend live, scheduled class sessions via video conferencing. These sessions mimic a traditional classroom experience, with real-time discussions, lectures, and group activities.
• Blended Asynchronous + Remote Synchronous Courses: You combine the flexibility of asynchronous, online learning activities with scheduled, real-time virtual meetings for instructor-led lectures, discussions, or group work. 

Hybrid Program

The hybrid format blends in-person and online learning. You attend classes on campus in Saint Paul, Minnesota, while also completing additional online asynchronous and remote synchronous coursework. This program modality is perfect for those who value face-to-face interaction and a structured schedule, while still benefiting from the convenience of online learning.

Important Licensure Requirement:

For any program modality, students must meet one of the following conditions:

• Currently reside in a state where the program meets the state’s licensure requirements.
• Plan to seek licensure in a state where the program meets the state's professional licensure requirements.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for addictions counselors and therapists is excellent.

• 22.9%Employment growth in Minnesota for substance use and mental health counselors, 2020-30*

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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.
   

* Projections Central, accessed 4/15/24

Apply

Admission Requirements

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).

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.

Visa Requirements and Restrictions

Due to the structure of course offerings and immigration regulations regarding enrollment requirements and employment, the University is not able to issue a visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) for international students on an F or J visa to enroll in the MPS in Addictions Counseling and MPS in Integrated Behavioral Health programs. International applicants on a F or J visa who submit an application will have their application withdrawn and the application fee is nonrefundable. International students must be in the United States in a status that allows for at least part-time study in a degree program and at least part-time work. See the International Students section for further information.

View Admission Deadlines
and Application Instructions

Learn more about the application process in the video below. If you have questions about admission requirements or materials, please contact admissions advisor Steve Wicks.

Read the transcript here.

Application Fee Waiver

CCAPS offers a limited number of application fee waivers to US citizens/permanent residents. Please read the application instructions for full details on how to apply.