• On-Campus Component
    No
  • Cost
    $884 per credit
  • Total Credits
    30
  • Credential
    Graduate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.0
  • Application Deadlines
    Rolling Deadlines
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Continuing and Professional Studies

The master's in Addictions Counseling (ADDC) program prepares students to treat clients with substance use disorders by providing strong theoretical and practical foundations in evidence-based treatment modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy. You will experience a cutting-edge curriculum that addresses the biological, social, and psychological factors of addiction.

What makes the ADDC program stand out:

  • Dual modality: online and hybrid program options
  • A faculty of experienced educators, clinicians, and public policy advocates with diverse identities
  • A case-based learning approach to enhance understanding of counseling theories and techniques
  • A curriculum that integrates co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
  • Course content that addresses the counseling needs of an evolving society
  • A welcoming, inclusive culture created by instructors, staff, and a supportive community of learners

Required Courses

The MPS in Addictions Counseling consists of 30 total credits and must be completed within five years of admission. 

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.

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

State Licensure Requirements

Professional licensure is regulated individually by each state, meaning educational and experiential requirements can vary significantly across state lines due to differing legislative standards and public health needs.

The MPS in Addictions Counseling prepares students to meet the educational and internship requirements for the Minnesota Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC). All additional postdegree 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.

For most other states, the individual applicant’s credentials (education and experience) are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine what, if any, additional education or experience is required for licensure in that state. State requirements may change, and we recommend that you contact the applicable licensing boards in the state where you want to pursue licensure before beginning an academic program to verify whether a program meets educational requirements for licensure in that state.

States with licensure requirements that may not be met by the ADDC degree program at this time: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.

States with licensure requirements that are not met by the ADDC degree program: OH, KY, NC, NY, FL, MO.