To address a growing need for more counselors, healthcare professionals and social services professionals with adequate training and credentialing in alcohol, other drugs and behavioral addictions, Falk College has announced the creation of a 36-credit master of arts in addiction studies. The degree program provides students with opportunities to develop broad competencies in preparation for employment in a number of fields addressing alcohol, other drugs and behavioral (process) addictions.
The new degree will address a growing need for more counselors, healthcare professionals and social services professionals in the addictions area.
Throughout the academic program, students will be exposed to a public health perspective of substance use and addictive behaviors, specializing in prevention and counseling. The 36-credit M.A. in addiction studies spans many topics, including the impact of addictions on families and relationships, treatment planning and referral, clinical evaluation, global perspectives in alcohol and other drug policies, among other areas. Program requirements include: theoretical foundations (25 credits), research and assessment (8 credits), electives (3 credits), a qualifying examination and a master’s paper.
Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (HP AEA) has driven an increased need for an addictions-informed workforce and adequately trained addictions counselors. In addition to the identified need for more counselors and a better-trained workforce in substance abuse treatment, there is a need for addictions-informed professionals working in public health, public policy, education and medicine, among other areas. As such, the M.A. in addiction studies meets a pressing need in communities across the nation.
Upon completion of the program, students will have met the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) education training requirements for the Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Graduates are eligible to sit for the CASAC exam and initial certification as a CASAC trainee. Full certification as a CPP or CASAC requires supervised post-graduate work experience before full certification is awarded by OASAS. Students seeking credentialing in states other than New York must contact the specific credentialing office for that state.
Falk College public health and addiction faculty have close ties with the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services and worked closely with this office to develop a program that is uniquely positioned to train providers in both prevention and counseling capacities, thus enabling the seamless delivery of both forms of addiction services. In addition, faculty have been internationally recognized for their work in addictions training, scholarship and practice. The program offers an option to study addictions policy from an international perspective during a three-week summer course in the Netherlands and other selected European locations.
For more information, contact Falk College’s Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition at 315-443-2141 or its Office of Admissions at 315-443-5555.
