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BS - Addictions Counseling

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Addictions Counseling program is a 22-month course of study that provides an in-depth education from a Christian perspective for persons who desire to understand and/or serve addicted persons and their families. Most coursework is completed online with onsite practicums offered at mutually agreed-upon sites.

Graduates from this major should be able to:

  • Explain the biological, psychosocial, and spiritual dimension of addictions.
  • Describe how God brings about holistic transformation through trained addictions professionals within their therapeutic community/system. 
  • Relate evidence-based addictions counseling techniques to the assessment, treatment planning, and client/system change process. 
  • Evaluate theories and empirical evidence underlying addictions counseling practice. 
  • Discuss the pharmacological properties of major drugs and their impact on the brain and behavior. 
  • Apply principles of ethical practice with diverse populations. 
  • Employ theories and techniques of effective client interaction and group counseling. 
  • Appraise the needs and strengths of the addicted individual within the context of the family system. 
  • Assess personal and professional development needs and manage an approach for life-long learning and growth.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for this program are as follows:

  • Proof of high school graduation or GED certification.
  •  Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Prior completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours is required before the student is eligible to start a bachelor core program.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer credit for core curriculum requirements for undergraduate programs within the School of Integrated Health may be granted as follows:

  • Credit must have been earned at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a minimum grade of "C".
  • Students may transfer in up to 15 hours of credit for the following core courses: ADC-210, SOC-210, PSY-250, ADC-310, ADC-320, PSY-370, and PSY-366.
  • Students must complete at least 30 hours of the core curriculum at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Practicum Requirements

As part of the Bachelor of Science degree with a major Addictions Counseling program at IWU, each student will be required to complete a practicum experience whereby students will engage in on-site learning via an agency or center focused on the practice of addictions counseling. Sites are secured through a collaborative effort between the Coordinator of Practicums and Field Experiences and each individual student. Student will be required to complete a total of 350 hours of practicum experience  over the span of 20 weeks. These hours will coincide with the final four courses of the program (ADC-471, ADC-472, ADC-473 and ADC-474). This averages out to about 17.5 hours each week where students will participate in a practicum experience. This practicum is key to the student’s learning experience as it provides opportunity for students to receive constructive feedback and continual supervision while gaining experience in a professional counseling setting.

    Graduation Requirements

    To graduate with a baccalaureate degree with a major in Addictions Counseling from the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, the following requirements must be met:

    • Completion of 120 semester hours.
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
    • Completion of the required core courses with a GPA of 2.50 or higher.
    • Completion of 30 hours of general education as specified (General Education Requirements).
    • Completion of a total of 350 supervised hours of practicum field experience.
    • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

    Addictions Counseling - Program of Study

    Prerequisite Course

    (Must be completed prior to starting the core program)

    PSY-150General Psychology

    3

    Core Courses

    Before beginning any practicum class (ADC-471, ADC-472, ADC-473, ADC-474), students must complete ADC-202, ADC-210, ADC-310, ADC-320, and ADC-458.
    ADC-202Principles of Addictions Counseling

    4
    ADC-210Addictions Theory

    3
    SOC-210Intergroup Relations

    3
    PSY-250Developmental Psychology

    3
    ADC-310Addictions Counseling Skills

    3
    ADC-320Theory and Practice of Group Counseling

    3
    PSY-370Theories of Personality

    3
    PSY-366Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

    3
    ADC-212Psychopharmacology

    3
    PSY-322Physiological Psychology

    3
    ADC-330Counseling Addicted and Dysfunctional Family Systems

    3
    ADC-458Addiction Programs and Professional Development

    3
    ADC-471Addictions Counseling Practicum I

    2
    ADC-472Addictions Counseling Practicum II

    2
    ADC-473Addictions Counseling Practicum III

    2
    ADC-474Addictions Counseling Practicum IV

    2
    Total Credit Hours:45

    Indiana Weselayan