Dec 17, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Addiction Counseling and Prevention (M.A.)


Admissions Information  

Student Learning Outcomes  

There are two tracks available for this program. The advanced track requiring 33 credit hours and the standard track requiring 45 credit hours. Details below:

Program Overview


As one of twelve NASAC accredited master’s programs in the nation, you will be eligible for the highest level of addiction/prevention credentialing. The master’s degree can be completed in as little as 33 credit hours, or as many as 45, depending on your certification and academic background. An optional co-occurring specialization is available.Individuals outside the state of South Dakota should contact their state chemical dependency certification board to ensure courses meet their requirements which may differ by state. Learn more at usd.edu/acp.

DELIVERY: Online

Master of Arts, Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Advanced Track: Total 33 credit hours


The advanced track of 33 credit hours is dependent upon applicant’s addiction credentials and academic background. An undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for provisional admission status or a 3.0 or higher for full admission status.

* At least 50% of the total credits for a graduate program must be at the 700- level or above.

Master of Arts, Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Standard Track: Total 45 credit hours


The standard track of 45 credit hours is dependent upon applicant’s addiction credentials and academic background. An earned bachelor’s degree is required for admittance and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for provisional admission status or a 3.0 or higher for full admission status.

*At least 50% of the total credits for the graduate program must be at the 700-level or above.

Major Area Coursework*


All 700 and 500 level courses are offered on-line only. 

Optional Co-Occurring Specialization 6 hours (Available with Standard Track only)


All 700 level courses are offered on-line only.

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification


The educational curriculum for your academic program may or may not meet educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, please review that state and your program on USD’s Licensure-Track Programs webpage. Licensure-Track Programs

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Department of Addiction Counseling and Prevention
605-658-5950 | acap@usd.edu | usd.edu/acp

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad