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.
General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts*
- Letters of recommendation*
- Statement of purpose
- 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
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, as the application fee is non-refundable. 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.
