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Master's in Addiction Counseling

There is a great need for addiction professionals in America today. The Lewin Group, a Maryland-based consulting firm, reports that 5,000 new addiction counseling professionals are needed each year just to replace those who are leaving the field. The need for professionals with an addiction counselor degree is created by the rising number of addicting materials created and used each year. Individuals all over the world are fighting a battle with drug and alcohol abuse, substance abuse, or other addictive behaviors.

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we offer a 48-credit-hour master’s in addiction counseling that allows participants to gain hands-on experience while being clinically supervised by men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds with doctoral degrees in a variety of areas related to counseling. IWU’s goal is to provide the world with highly qualified Christian counseling professionals who are equipped to serve their communities in character, scholarship, and leadership.

Why Pursue My Master’s in Addiction Counseling Online at IWU?

Our master’s in addiction counseling program helps prepare students to meet credential requirements. The program adheres to current evidence-based practice, integrating a Christian worldview with a behavioral and social sciences orientation. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Through our addiction counselor degree programs, IWU is an Approved Education Provider of NAADAC, the National Association for Addiction Professionals. Our graduate-level addiction counselor degree is also accredited through NASAC, The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission. Participants in this program qualify for student membership and Addiction Professional in Training national certification through NAADAC and will be academically qualified to seek accreditation upon graduation.

What Will I Learn in a Master’s in Addiction Counseling Program?

Upon completion of the master’s in addiction counseling program, you’ll be prepared to articulate a clear understanding of CADC professional identity and deliver mental health services with multicultural competence. You’ll develop essential counseling skills that will prepare you to apply relevant research findings and evaluation models to inform treatment and intervention strategies in addiction counseling. Our addiction counselor degree program will help you demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental domains in addictions counseling and deliver addictions counseling services with multicultural competence and sensitivity while integrating faith into your addictions counseling practice in a clinically appropriate, sensitive, and ethical manner.

Graduate Counseling at IWU

Your Master of Arts in Graduate Counseling may be closer than you think! Learn more about the Graduate Counseling programs at Indiana Wesleyan, and the incredible faculty team dedicated to making helping you take the next steps in your counseling career!

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

Tuition & Aid

48 Credit Hours

...

$602/ Credit Hour

Net Price Calculator

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.
What You Will Study in This Master’s in Addiction Counseling Program?

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence.

  • CNS-502 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-503 | Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship | 3 Hours
  • CNS-504 | Theory and Techniques in Group Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-506 | Appraisal of Individuals and Families | 3 Hours
  • CNS-507 | Research and Evaluation of Methods and Practice | 3 Hours
  • CNS-508 | Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues | 3 Hours
  • CNS-509 | Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling | 3 Hours
  • CNS-511 | Issues in Addiction Recovery | 3 Hours
  • CNS-512 | Psychopharmacology | 3 Hours
  • CNS-533 | Psychopathology | 3 Hours
  • CNS-535 | Theories and Treatment of Addiction | 3 Hours
  • CNS-545 | Counseling Addicted Families | 3 Hours
  • CNS-550 | Supervised Practicum | 3 Hours
  • CNS-551 | Supervised Internship | 3 Hours
  • CNS-552 | Supervised Internship | 3 Hours

View Courses

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After Graduation
Potential Careers

  • Addiction Counselor
  • Clinical Addictions Therapist/Lead (treatment facility or private practice with state requirements)
  • Clinical Program Director
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Treatment Facility Administrator/CEO
  • Adjunct Faculty


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. 
  • An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which at least 30 hours was completed. 
  • Six semester hours in undergraduate psychology of which three semester hours must be in Abnormal Psychology. 
  • Six semester hours in Bible (Old and New Testament) or passage of the Bible exam administered by the Division of Counseling. Students who lack prerequisite undergraduate coursework may be admitted on a conditional basis. All prerequisites must be completed within the first twelve hours of coursework. 
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for those applicants with undergraduate cumulative GPAs of less than 3.25. The test must have been taken within five years of application to the program. A typewritten autobiography, philosophy of counseling, and supplemental application. Verbal (V) score of at least 146/400 (new/old scoring) is required. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE. 
  • An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended. 
  • A criminal background check. 
  • Three recommendations – at least one from a professor and one from a supervisor/professional. 
  • Applicants whose application documents demonstrate potential for success in the Graduate Program in Counseling will be invited to participate in a personal interview. All students are required to complete the CNS 500 New Student Orientation course online when they are admitted into the program. 

NOTE: The graduate admissions committee retains the right to waive an admission requirement for special circumstances. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE.

Transfer of Credits in Graduate Counseling

Up to 35% of a program's required credit hours may be transferred from an accredited institution into a graduate-level counseling program at Indiana Wesleyan University.

  1. Successful completion of the required core curriculum, specialization courses, and electives with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  2. All degree requirements must be completed within six years of enrollment.
  3. Payment of all tuition and fees.

SPECIAL NOTE

  1. State regulations may prohibit licensure for individuals who have ever been convicted of a crime of violence or of any crime that has a direct bearing on the ability to practice competently.
  2. The applicant is responsible to check the licensing requirements with his or her state licensing agency prior to beginning the program.
  3. International students must know the laws and regulations where they reside for potential practicum and internship placement as well as for licensing after graduation.
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

The addictions counseling specialization at Indiana Wesleyan University is an Approved Education Provider of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, 1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 201, Alexandria, Va. 22314, 800-548-0497, and the Indiana Association for Addiction Professionals (IAAP), 1829 Cunningham Rd., Indianapolis, Ind. 46224, 317-481-9255.

The addictions counseling specialization at Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited through NASAC, National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission, https://nasacaccreditation.org/.
Take the Next Step

Ready to jumpstart your career? Apply now! Or, if you have any questions about the program, contact us via the Request Info button.

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