Master in Addiction Counseling
School of Social and Human Studies
Academic Freedom to Discover Your Purpose
Open Curriculum Design at Atlantic International University
The AIU master in addiction counseling is designed for individuals who are dedicated to helping others get sober from their addictions through compassionate care & evidence based support. The program combines psychological theory with counseling skills along with studies about behavioral health and real world experience to prepare students for careers in; rehabilitation, mental health services, community outreach and wellness advocacy. Through AIU’s flexible and self-directed online master’s in addiction counseling degree learning approach, students will be able to tailor their coursework to meet their unique goals as well as develop strong skill sets in; counseling, ethics, psychotherapy, and understanding of human behavior. This program will promote academic freedom, experiential learning, and global perspectives allowing graduates to positively impact individuals, families, and communities around the globe.
What are the Core Courses & Topics for Master in Addiction Counselling ?
Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list, as AIU programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at AIU? Check here: Course and Curriculum
The AIU master in addiction counseling is designed for individuals who are dedicated to helping others get sober from their addictions through compassionate care & evidence based support. The program combines psychological theory with counseling skills along with studies about behavioral health and real world experience to prepare students for master of science in addiction counseling careers in; rehabilitation, mental health services, community outreach and wellness advocacy. Through AIU’s flexible and self-directed learning approach, students will be able to tailor their coursework to meet their unique goals as well as develop addiction counseling in psychology, strong skill sets in; counseling, ethics, psychotherapy, and understanding of human behavior. This program will promote academic freedom, experiential learning, and global perspectives allowing graduates to positively impact individuals, families, and communities around the globe.
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Behavioral Psychology
- Crisis Intervention
- Group and Family Therapy
- Psychopharmacology
- Trauma and Recovery
- Ethics in Counseling
- Mental Health Assessment
Orientation Courses : Master in Addiction Counselling
Atlantic International University’s Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling program offers a variety of introductory courses to help prepare students for future academic success at the graduate level. In addition, these courses will introduce students to essential aspects of Graduate Level Education (GLED) such as: core principles and theories associated with Graduate-level programs; the fundamentals of how to apply these principles and theories while practicing as a professional counselor; and AIU’s unique self-directed education (SDE) approach.
These introduction courses also assist with development of important strong skills needed for success when pursuing further studies toward a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling or related Behavioral Health area.
- Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
- Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
- Organization Theory (Portfolio)
- Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
- Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
- Seminar International Development (Publications)
Research Projects
Through practical investigations of problems in addiction treatment, recovery, and behavioral health, the Master’s program in Addiction Counseling offers opportunities to develop analytical skills through project-based research. Students will have the opportunity to work on practical solutions to the problems faced by people, their families, and their communities who experience substance use issues. In addition, students are encouraged to examine broad interdisciplinary areas related to the field of interest in order to meet their career goals.
- MBM300 Thesis Proposal
- MBM302 Masters Thesis (5,000 words)
Publication – The Master of Arts Program in Addiction Counseling strongly encourages participation in both academic and professional publications by the students’ research findings, counseling perspectives, and creative ideas related to addiction recovery and mental health treatment, thus giving the students an opportunity to be a part of enhancing the dialogue regarding behavioral health, treatment methodologies, community wellness, and evidence based treatment methodology, while also increasing their own skill level of academic writing, critical analysis, and professional communication. Through published articles, case examples, research papers, and reflective writings, the students will share their knowledge with the hope that they can help create awareness, education, and ultimately positive change for the field of addiction counseling.
Thesis Defense
In the Master of Addiction Counseling Thesis Defense, students have the opportunity to present and defend their research study to an academic review panel. During the thesis defense, students are given a chance to demonstrate their knowledge about theories related to addiction counselling, research methods, ethical practices, and how to provide treatment using evidenced-based practices. By participating in the thesis defence, students exhibit their ability to conduct analyses related to complex behavioural health issues, provide professional insight into those issues, and create workable solutions related to addiction recovery, mental health, and community-based support services.
The master addiction counselor thesis defence will provide master of arts in addiction counseling degree online students with opportunities to advance not only their critical reasoning and academic self-confidence, but also their competence in delivering formal presentations as leaders in the counselling and rehabilitation industries.
Master in Addiction Counselling Student Experience
The structure of the Master in Addiction Counseling Program is geared towards providing students with a flexible and, while doing so, providing students with a stimulating academic experience and enhancing their professional skills in ways that support their continued personal development. In this program, students also experience opportunities for independent research; collaborative group learning; and experiential application of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed in the field of addiction, mental health, and recovery, as well as in behavioral counseling. In addition, the curriculum is designed to develop the students as critical thinkers, as compassionate leaders, and as professional communicators by allowing them to customize their educational experiences in accordance with their specific interests and professional goals.
A global and culturally diverse addiction counseling degree education fosters the development of ethical standards and ethical behavior, and the ability to develop interpersonal relationships with counselor clients and to positively contribute to the fields of rehabilitation centers, health care organizations, community programs, and wellness initiatives.
Community & Social
Masters in addiction counseling online programs in addiction counseling place a strong emphasis on community and society as being central elements that contribute to the treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse disorders. As students pursue their education in this field, they will learn how to recognize social factors that impact an individual’s use of substances, such as family dynamics, cultural contexts, financial conditions, and the availability of various types of support within one’s community or society. Counselors play a large part in raising substance abuse counseling degree awareness about addiction, decreasing stigma, and building stronger community based services that will support and promote substance abuse prevention and recovery. Students of master in addiction counseling will also develop the necessary skills to work with other professionals – including addiction studies master degree healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, etc.), social workers, agencies and/or philanthropic organizations – to develop an atmosphere of support for the sustained recovery, resiliency, and overall health of each person, as well as society as a whole.
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Academic Resources
Atlantic International University’s Addiction Counseling Master’s program offers academic resources that enable students to have an individualized, flexible, and research-based experience. Students will have access to a wide array of digital learning tools, an online library and a Virtual Campus containing materials aimed at improving knowledge of addiction counseling theory and practice. All of the resources are intended to encourage active academic involvement and provide opportunities for professional growth through materials such as digital learning tools, interactive learning activities, archive video/audio presentations from networking events (such as webinars and symposiums), and collaboration platforms. With access to a global database of knowledge and AI empowered learning tools, students of master in addiction counseling will have greater access to research in order to improve their counseling skills and develop new ways of treating and recovering from substance use disorders.
Virtual Campus
Complete assignments online or offline at your convenience with 24/7 access to distance learning through AIU’s Virtual Campus. Step by Step guides including videos, tutorials, live webinars and examples for each course. All materials can be access on all web browsers as well as via AIU's Mobile App which brings all the features of the Virtual Camus to your Mobile Device.
My AIU Elements
MyAIU’s primary goal is to go beyond Academics, it looks to guide students through 11 elements that are key to living life optimally in all aspects. By identifying and reflecting on these key areas, an opportunity arises to holistically address them, through positive change, habits, reinforcement and tools to keep students on their chosen path.
AIU TV & Radio
The students have the opportunity to produce, edit and host their own show reaching a worldwide audience, the AIU community and giving notice of their expertise/passion in the subject. AIUTV & AIU Radio allow students to explore new ways to communicate, develop a platform and form potential collaboration with likeminded individuals.
AIU Campus Mundi
AIU Campus Mundi is a monthly magazine that gathers the most notable news and information about the university and its members in one convenient place. The magazine allows our community to be well informed, involved and keep in tough regardless of their geographic location. AIU Campus Mundi publishes, news, research, events, awards, academic achievements.
Graduation Ceremony
Each year AIU organizes graduation ceremonies where the students can assist and share their experiences with fellow students and academic members Participation in the ceremony is optional, the day’s events include conferences, research presentations, group meetings, networking, lunch and formal dinner.
Symposiums & Webinars
The master in addiction counseling at Atlantic International University offers an international symposium for students to connect with experts, professors, and practitioners from around the world, in the area of addiction and mental health, and also to promote master in addiction counseling collaboration, idea-sharing and the development of new practices on a collective basis.
Live Classes
AIU’s Master of Science in Addiction Counseling offers a unique learning model of two live classes per day, allowing for consistency and stimulation of interest in the subject matter. The live classes provide the opportunity for students to interact with faculty, engage in conversation, ask clarifying questions, and get a better understanding of both the theory and practice of addiction counseling.
Additionally, the live classes provide an opportunity for masters in substance abuse counseling students to utilize real-time learning and encourage active participation while bridging Theory and practice through the daily attendance of these classes. By attending each master in addiction counseling clinical addiction counseling class, students will continuously build on their skills as well as get constant academic support while being a part of a structured, but flexible, addiction therapy degree environment that supports the growth of their expertise in the field and builds their ability to master addiction counseling.
Special Projects, Research Publications, & Co-Authoring
Atlantic International University offers a master in addiction counseling to foster academic and professional growth through participating in research, special projects, and co-authoring. As a student in this program you will complete special projects that address real-world issues associated with recovery and mental health care, research publications to provide evidence based data to the academic and professional community at large, and co-authoring opportunities that will enhance your ability to engage collaboratively in learning, analysis and writing. Students of masters addiction counseling program who participate in these activities develop a comprehensive counseling degree and behavioral health research portfolio and make valuable contributions to the field of addiction counseling.
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Career Center for Master in Addiction Counselling
The master in addiction counseling Career Center at the American International University (hereinafter “AIU”) provides specialized assistance to aid in transitioning from the educational environment to work as a counselor within the mental health and addiction services field. MMAC Career Center assistance may include assistance with career planning, résumé creation, interview preparation, and job search strategies related to employment within the counseling, rehabilitation, community outreach and healthcare domains.
The MMAC Career Center has access to a global recovery counselling database of potential job opportunities and also provides students with access to a plethora of industry-related data and resources, such as global networking opportunities, in order to assist in developing the student’s employability and career growth. Through its strong emphasis on providing individualized assistance and support throughout the student’s professional career, the MMAC Career Center seeks to provide graduates with every opportunity to further their career and to contribute to building meaningful careers that will provide a positive impact on the recovery of individuals struggling with addiction and other behavioral health issues.
Job Description
The graduates from the Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling Program offered by Atlantic International University have an extensive assortment of professional options within Mental Health and Addiction Counseling, Rehabilitation and Community Support Services. The classes give each student the tools they will need in knowledge and skills development in the multiple settings of their profession of choice (e.g. hospitals/healthcare centers, counseling centers/clinics, rehabilitation centers, non-profit organizations (NGOs), and public health organizations) to assist people with addiction by overcoming the use of addictive substances, overcoming behavioral issues, or helping individuals to have successful, long-lasting recoveries.
Tools for Master in Addiction Counselling
Students enrolled at Atlantic International University can complete a Master of Science degree program in addiction counseling and will learn current, evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and recovery support frameworks utilized by clinicians on an international, national and local level. For example, clinicians working with individuals presenting with substance-related issues are able to assess the severity of their substance use, determine if they also have co-occurring mental health problems, and create appropriate and effective treatment plans for use in their respective agencies.
Associations for Master in Addiction Counseling Professionals
At Atlantic International University, the master in addiction counseling is associated with globally certifying organizations that establish best practices, ethical standards, research opportunities and professional development for students studying addiction counseling or behavioral health. These organizations offer a variety of resources to help students stay connected with current trends and standards, including certifying bodies, conferences, publications, and international networking opportunities.
- American Counseling Association
- National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
- American Psychological Association
- International Society of Substance Use Professionals
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- World Health Organization Mental Health
- European Federation of Addiction Societies
- World Federation Against Drugs
- International Association of Addictions and Offender Counsellors
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Master in Addiction Counselling Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in psychology, social work, counseling, behavioral science, or a closely related field is normally needed for entry into a master’s degree program in addiction counseling. Some schools will also consider applicants from other degree programs depending on their experience with addiction counseling. Many graduate programs require that applicants have maintained an adequate master in addiction counseling academic record, including a minimum cumulative GPA, and furnish the following additional documentation: a copy of your academic transcripts; a resume or curriculum vitae (CV); letters of recommendation; and a written personal statement outlining your career aspirations within the field of counseling and/or addiction studies. In addition to the above documentation, a limited number of programs may evaluate applicants based upon their previous work/volunteer experience within a health care, mental health or social services environment, while others may want applicants to go through an interview process prior to admission or other forms of evaluation before accepting them into their graduate program.
How Can You Apply?
The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling offered by Atlantic International University is available for those who want to complete their degree online. As the program is open to self-directed learners, the application process is designed around this type of learner allowing them flexibility in applying for their degree. Before applying, all applicants must review all of the requirements of the MS in Addiction Counseling and confirm they have met at least the minimum requirements for admission to the university.
The minimum requirements usually include having a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university and providing copies of official academic transcripts (including the Bachelor’s Program) and a resume or CV documenting all experience related to addiction counseling. Once you have confirmed your eligibility to apply, you can proceed to complete and submit your application (the online application can be completed through the official AIU website) along with supporting documentation necessary to complete your application including copies of the required educational certificates, proof of identification, and a statement of purpose outlining your educational and career goals. After receiving your application, the Admissions Department will review your master in addiction counseling application, request any additional documentation if you have not provided sufficient information, and then notify you of your admission status. You will then be able to proceed with the enrollment process and begin using the AIU Virtual Campus and the resources available through the Virtual Campus in order to begin your Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling.
Financial Support & Scholarships
A variety of resources exist to provide financial assistance for students enrolled in The Master’s in Addiction Counseling program; resources include a variety of grants, scholarships, and flexible payment options that help reduce total cost of education and allow for appropriately paced education. Atlantic International University (AIU) provides multiple varieties of aid options (both needs-based and merit-based) that include scholarships for international students and other forms of institutional financial assistance depending on student’s income, family situation, therapy clinical academic ability, etc. Both current and prospective students are urged to develop a personalized financial plan with their admissions or financial aid representatives based on their individualized needs/educational goals.
What’s the Cost Per Year for Pursuing a Master in Addiction Counselling at AIU?
Atlantic International University has developed an affordable and flexible Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling that will allow students from many different backgrounds to obtain their credentials without being burdened by high tuition costs. The tuition structure provides several convenient payment options so that students can make smaller monthly payments versus one large payment before starting classes. This flexible tuition structure helps students complete their higher education, while also keeping them from experiencing undue master in addiction counseling financial stress as they balance their personal, career, and academic obligations. Through its combination of affordable pricing and a self-paced format, the AIU Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling allows mental health addiction students to concentrate on their education and career advancement, while at the same time maintaining an excellent financial situation.
FAQs
What is a Master in Addiction Counseling?
An Addiction Counseling Master’s degree is a higher education program that equips graduates with the ability to evaluate, treat, and help people with substance abuse and other addictive behaviours. Students will learn about psychological theory, counselling methods, and how to provide prevention, intervention, and recovery support through practical training exercises.
What can I do with a master’s degree in addiction counseling?
Individuals with a master’s in addiction counseling may qualify for careers as substance abuse or mental health counselors, rehab specialists and recovery coaches, case managers in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, as well as in nonprofit agencies and other community-based organizations. The program also prepares professionals to assist people who are struggling with substance-related and behavioral attachments and their families.
How long does it take to complete an addiction counseling master’s program?
2 years.
Can I study addiction counseling online?
Yes, AIU offers addiction counseling online.
