45 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours
Addiction Counseling and Prevention Vermillion Campus and Online
The Addiction Counseling and Prevention (ACP) Department offers a Bachelor of Science Degree which is unique and innovative in that it is one of only a few four-year degrees of its kind in the region. This model program positively impacts one of the nation’s major health issues, alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol/other drugs appear to affect every culture, facet and discipline in life. Theoretical knowledge regarding the nature, etiology, prevention, and treatment of alcohol/other drug issues provides students with a multidisciplinary approach for career opportunities. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through practical applications of knowledge gained. Graduates of the degree will be eligible for addiction/prevention credentialing through the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (SDBAPP). Participants should contact their state addiction and prevention certification/licensure board to assure courses meet requirements for certification. Requirements may differ from state to state. For details regarding South Dakota’s certifying standards, please refer to the SDBAPP manual.
The ACP Department is accredited through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission.
The Addiction Counseling and Prevention (ACP) curriculum is fully sanctioned by the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals.
Admission: ACP majors of sophomore standing (a minimum of 32 total semester hours) must apply for formal admission to the major. Minimum admission requirements are: completion of ACP 116, ACP 117, ACP 220 and ACP 222 with at least the grade of “C” and a 2.5 overall grade point average. A successful criminal background check is also required for admission into the major and must be completed and approved by the Health Sciences Background Check Committee. Admitted students are required to show proof of comprehensive personal health insurance and comply with all immunization policies as required by USD Health Affairs.
No credit hours may be awarded for “life experiences” toward the ACP major.
Please contact the department for further details on the Admissions Process, 605-658-5950.
45 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours
- ACP core courses (30 credit hours)
- Specialization (6 credit hours)
- Electives (9 credit hours)
The ACP Department requires a grade of “C” or higher in all courses that are completed for the ACP Major.
Distance Program Leading to Professional Licensure
Location Matters. This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for a professional license or certification and allows students to enroll in at least one course through distance education during the first semester. Pursuant to Federal Regulations, the program may only admit students who are located in states where the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or who attest in writing that they intend to seek licensure or employment in a state where the program meets those requirements. As part of your application to this program, you will be asked to provide additional information regarding your location to assist the program in determining your eligibility for admission.
If you have questions regarding licensure, we encourage you to contact a program representative prior to submitting your admission application. For more information, visit USD’s Licensure-Track Programs page for links to the USD program websites and state licensure board websites.
Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. If you have questions regarding supervised field study, please contact a program representative.
Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outsides of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) whether the program meets licensure or certification requirements in the country including the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.
