Master of Science in Addiction Counseling Curriculum
Mission, Goal and Objectives
The mission of the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center forwards the mission of the University by providing a practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of diverse communities, especially in rural settings. We are committed to preparing entry-level addiction counselors to work competently and ethically through the mastery of evidence-based counseling practices. Our focus centers on understanding the unique needs of persons with substance use and behavioral health disorders across their lifespans in the community, workplace, personal relationships and activities.
The goal of the program is to prepare counselors with the counseling knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assist clients with substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, and/or addictions to use their own resources and opportunities to meet their developmental, educational and interpersonal needs. To accomplish this goal, the program provides educational and practical experiences that allow students to meet the following knowledge and outcome expectations:
The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:
- Educational experiences that facilitate the development of knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to practice as qualified addiction counselors with a diverse population in a wide variety of contexts.
- Learning opportunities to support the ability to implement culturally responsive and ethically sound counseling practices throughout their careers, and to advocate for individuals with disabilities and the profession.
- Clinical training experiences focused on translating acquired knowledge, attitudes and skills to evidence-based practice in a wide range of real-world opportunities.
Addiction Counseling Curriculum
| Course Designation | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HPAC 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice | 0 hours |
| HPAC 5301 Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5302 Counseling Theories | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5303 Human Growth and Development | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5304 Career Counseling | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5305 Psychopathology and Diagnosis | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5307 Multicultural Counseling | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5308 Research and Statistics | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5311 Addictions Counseling | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5312 Assessment | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5318 Abnormal Behavior: Treatment Planning and Case Management | 3 hours |
| Total Hours | 30 hours |
| Course Designation | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HPAC 5330 Foundations of Addiction Counseling and Ethical Development | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5331 Advanced Addiction Counseling | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5332 Neurobiology of Addiction | 3 hours |
| HPAC 6050 Comprehensive Examination | 0 hours |
| Total Hours | 9 hours |
| Course Designation | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HPAC 5340 Micro Counseling Techniques | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5342 Group Counseling Techniques | 3 hours |
| HPAC 5344 Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling Methods | 3 hours |
| Total Hours | 9 hours |
| Course Designation | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HPAC 5360 Practicum | 3 hours |
| HPAC 6001 Internship | Var 3-9 hours |
| Total Hours | 12 hours |
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Licensure and Certification
Upon completion of the MSAC program, students will possess the competencies and experiences necessary to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Successful applicants can be credentialed as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and sit for licensure as an LPC in most states.