Addiction Counseling - M.S.

The Addiction Counseling Master of Science degree program at Johnson & Wales University is designed to prepare graduates to serve the community as addiction counselors after 18 months of full-time study. The primary goal of the program is to prepare master's-level clinicians with the counseling skills that integrate theoretical foundations of professional counseling into positive client interaction and intervention skills. The program emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge and skills essential in the formation of professional counselors who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. In addition to the coursework required, students experience practicum and internship experiences under supervision of clinical professionals. Students who are preparing to specialize as addiction counselors are expected to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide range of issues in the context of addiction counseling, treatment and prevention programs, as well as in a broader mental-health counseling context.

Upon completion of this program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate professional proficiency and exhibit familiarity with professional orientation and ethical practices as advocated by the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.
• Illustrate the importance of multicultural issues in the counseling profession when working with diverse clients.
• Provide illustrations of human growth and developmental theories framed in the principles of assessment and appraisal.
• Demonstrate planning and implementation of career development practices and theoretical perspectives.
• Show command of counseling theories and how to conceptualize cases from a wellness perspective.  
• Exhibit knowledge of group dynamics, group leadership, group development and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of group types.
• Implement basic and advanced assessment techniques in the framework of helping relationships.  
• Demonstrate the role of research in advancing the counseling profession.
• Articulate and demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to identify and treat behaviors and situations and apply counseling theories, models and approaches to individuals and groups who face addiction.

Addiction Counseling

Master of Science 

Students who do not complete the 600-hour internship in the prescribed two semesters will schedule for CSLG6980 Clinical Supervision Advising - Post Internship. This continuation requires a Clinical Supervision Advisement Fee each fall, spring and summer semester until the 600 hours have been accumulated.

Admissions Criteria

• Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. or international institution before matriculation into this program. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Prerequisites:

The following coursework must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better, prior to enrollment. 
- Introductory / General Psychology (3.0 credits)
- Abnormal Psychology (3.0 credits)
- Statistics / Research Methods (3.0 credits) 

Applicants can apply with some prerequisites outstanding or in-progress. Applicants should consult with an admissions counselor prior to enrolling in any pre-requisites.

How To Apply

1. Complete the online application through the JWU application system.

2. Provide transcripts from all institutions attended, including bachelor's and master's degree conferral (if applicable). When a graduate program application is submitted prior to completing requirements for the bachelor's degree, Admissions will consider the application and, if admissible, will offer an acceptance pending submission of final transcript verifying bachelor's degree conferral. Without such verification, students will not be allowed to register for the current semester or continue enrollment, and will be in jeopardy of losing their academic status with the university. Admitted and enrolling students must send in official transcripts before program start. 

3. Statement of Purpose: An essay responding to each of the provided question prompts related to counseling graduate-level academic study. This is completed by the applicant in the admissions portal after submission of the application. 

4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to attest to the applicant's potential for success at the graduate level of study. A formal written letter is required from each individual recommending the student; applicants will provide references’ contact details in the application and then Admissions will contact them directly with instructions for uploading their letters of recommendation.

5. A current résumé or CV