2023-2024 Catalog

 

Addictions Counseling - B.S.

Purpose

The addictions counseling program mission is to develop professionals who understand the bio-psycho-social-spiritual correlates of substance use disorders and are capable of facilitating appropriate interventions with affected individuals, families and communities. The courses are intended to establish a solid understanding of the dynamics of addiction as well as the evidence-based clinical practices used to treat these disorders. Students will become knowledgeable of the current scientific literature and the diverse perspectives on the nature and treatment of addictions. The program seeks to balance didactic and experiential learning opportunities. The program also partners with other majors that prepare students for the helping professions. Students majoring in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Nursing, or Education will likely find addictions courses helpful in preparing to meet the needs of the populations that they will encounter in their professional endeavors. The program meets nationally established standards, and prepares students to meet licensure requirements for alcohol and drug counselors in Indiana and many other states. Students interested in licensure in certain states should review the specific requirements and guidelines for those states.

The addictions counseling program seeks to emphasize Christian commitment and compassionate service in a manner that resonates with the "heart" of the University and our world-changing focus. The addictions counseling major promotes development in the areas of Christian character, critical thinking, oral/written communication, analytical reasoning, scholarship, and the awareness of diversity issues. Successful graduates will evidence a comprehensive understanding of addictive behavior, the capacity to facilitate effective client interventions, and a commitment to ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and a Christian worldview.

Admission to the Major

Students should apply to the major before taking any course above the ADC 200 level and must have completed or be currently enrolled in ADC-210 and ADC-212. Admission to the major requires completion of an application, and a formal interview with the Addictions Counseling Committee. The Addictions Counseling Committee reserves the right to deny any student admission to the major who fails to demonstrate adequate academic, personal, or pre-professional effectiveness.

Continuation of the Major

Students should maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in Addictions. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the Addictions major. Students must also demonstrate appropriate pre-professional readiness before being placed in a field practicum placement.

Requirements

The addictions counseling major consists of 30 hours in addictions, 12 hours in psychology and 3 hours in sociology for a total of 45 credit hours. Students in this major meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses.

Requirements (45 credits)

Required Courses

ADC-210Addictions Theory

3

ADC-212Psychopharmacology

3

ADC-291Urban Encounter for the Helping Profession

1

ADC-310Addictions Counseling Skills

3

ADC-320Theory and Practice of Group Counseling

3

ADC-330Counseling Addicted and Dysfunctional Family Systems

3

ADC-458Addiction Programs and Professional Development

3

ADC-461Addictions Counseling Practicum I

2 to 3

ADC-462Addictions Counseling Practicum II

3

ADC-463Addictions Counseling Practicum III

3

PSY-250Developmental Psychology

3

-
or

PSY-251Child Development

3

-
or

PSY-252Adolescent Growth and Development

3

PSY-322Physiological Psychology

3

PSY-366Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

3

PSY-370Theories of Personality

3

SOC-210Intergroup Relations

3

Select 3 courses

ADC-411Addictions Seminar-Prevention

1

ADC-412Addictions Seminar-Eating Disorders

1

ADC-413Addictns Seminar-Sexual Addictions

1

ADC-414Addictions Seminar-Pathological Gambling

1

3 + 2 Option

Required Courses

CNS-501Human Growth and Development

3

CNS-502Multicultural Counseling

3

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