Academic Catalog

Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies

Program Description:

The mission of the Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies program is to educate students in the foundations of the addiction field and associated theories, to prepare individuals to apply ethical reasoning and discerning critical thought while presenting the strong communication and analytical skills needed to examine the challenging roles in the field.

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with the courses needed to gain a deeper understanding of addiction studies. The program includes detailed information, guidelines, terminology, and procedures used in the addiction field. This program alone does not prepare students to become a licensed counselor nor does it fulfill state licensure requirements.

The Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies program provides courses that cover fundamental theories of general counseling and addiction and courses that tie the two together, so that students can have a wide berth of knowledge to draw upon with a focus in the addiction field.

Degree Requirements: 48 Credits

Program Learning Goals:

It is intended that Graduates of the Aspen University Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies program will learn or be able to do the following:

  1. Breadth of Knowledge: Apply a well-rounded and comprehensive knowledge of general education topics including psychology, sociology, American history, physical science, mathematics, communications, statistics, as those disciplines apply to increased efficacy in addiction studies.
  2. Theoretical Frameworks: Synthesize the basic theories and contemporary issues in psychology and addiction studies into a personalized framework for understanding the field
  3. Operational Considerations: Devise a system of incorporating economic, accounting, human resource, ethical and operations principles, and best practices within a counseling setting
  4. Ethical, Legal, and Strategic Case Management: Evaluate and examine methods of patient assessment and development within a legal, ethical, and strategic framework.
  5. Collaborative Treatment: Communicate effectively, integrating a collaborative professional approach within the counseling community
  6. Competent Communication: Competently assess, interpret, and communicate counseling information using oral, written, and electronic methods.

Academic Schedule

Courses:

RSH505Research in Practice

3

ADC510Addiction Theories and Practice

3

ADC515Psychology of Addiction

3

ADC605Substance Abuse Prevention

3

ADC655Neurobiology of Addiction

3

ADC665Advanced Addiction Theories

3

PSY530Advanced Helping Skills

3

PSY650Ethics

3

ADC630Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders

3

ADC660Addiction and Families

3

CJ545Drug Enforcement

3

PAC610Psychopharmacology

3

PSY540Clinical Supervision

3

PSY620Psychological Interactions

3

Final Proctored Exam

PAC799AAddiction Studies Capstone

3

PAC799BAddiction Studies Capstone

3