Master of Science (MS) in

Addiction Studies
 Master of Science (MS) in

Addiction Studies
The Master of Science in Addiction Studies degree program provides learners with
the knowledge, competencies, and skills necessary to become practitioner-scholars
in addiction treatment delivery, service coordination, and supervision. The curriculum
emphasizes principles of addiction treatment and intervention for individuals and
groups and focuses on established standards and ethics of addiction professionals,
including awareness and sensitivity to the complex needs of a multicultural society.
Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to pursue positions as
addiction professionals in treatment and prevention programs, as well as in general
clinical settings where addiction professionals serve as members of a treatment team.

Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession

Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the American Counseling
Association (ACA) related to professional counseling programs in that the faculty,
training staff, supervisors, and administrators within the General Addiction Studies
specialization have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure,
insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional
relationships in an effective and appropriate manner and that they possess the
emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to
work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession
includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional
competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes
of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional
development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training
of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners
with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.

2 This guide is intended to provide an overview of the specialization and is subject to change. Your enrollment counselor
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY can provide updates, details, and Capella’s official University Catalog that specifies your program requirements.
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Capella’s Career Center
proactively assists learners
and alumni in developing and
implementing their unique
career management goals.
The Career Center staff is
committed to helping you
move forward in your career.
3 †
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Career Information
POTENTIAL EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS
Mental health
• Community mental health
center
• Employee assistance
program
• Family service agency
• Managed mental health
program
• Outpatient treatment
• Partial (day treatment)
hospital
• Psychiatric hospital
• Residential treatment center
• Mental health agency
• Therapeutic community
Educational institutions
• Community college
• Public or private P–12
schools
Government agencies
• State and federal agencies
• Homeless shelters
COMMON JOB TITLES/POSITIONS*†
• Residential counselor
• Case manager/worker
• Clinical supervisor
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
• Articulate knowledge, skills,
and practices related to
addiction treatment
• Apply addiction intervention
and prevention theories,
models, and approaches to
individuals and groups
• Deliver ethically, culturally
and ethnicity sensitive
services to clients in practical
settings
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Because many factors determine what position an individual
may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title.
Most positions require licensure and/or other designations. We encourage you to research requirements for your job
target and career goals.
Vocational rehabilitation
• Church
• Private practice
• Group practice
• Consulting practice
• Employee assistance
program
• Insurance company
Health care
• Behavioral health unit in
hospital
• Clinic
• Group home
• Health maintenance
organization
• Hospice program
• Hospital
• Nursing home
• Inpatient and outpatient
rehabilitation/treatment
• Methadone maintenance
program
• Detox specialist
• Alcohol and drug counselor
• Recovery specialist
• Select appropriate
assessment interventions
to evaluate and develop a
treatment plan for clients
• Analyze research and
models of program
evaluation for addiction
treatment and prevention
• Hospital emergency room
and trauma unit
• Detoxification center
• HIV/AIDS clinic
• Research facility
Criminal justice/corrections
• Halfway house
• Prison system
• Probation/parole
department
• Juvenile detention center
Management/administration
• Employee assistance
program
• Family service agency
• Federal, state, or local
government
• Social service agency
• Licensing organization
• Certification board
• Substance abuse
counselor/specialist
• Addiction counselor/specialist
• Apply principles of clinical
supervision and program
evaluation
• Communicate professionally
through writing and effective
collaborative interactions

TRANSFER CREDIT
A maximum of 12 quarter
credits from previous
graduate course work
may be transferred and
applied to your program’s
requirements.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree from
an institution accredited
by a U.S. Department of
Education-recognized
accrediting agency or an
internationally recognized
institution
Grade point average of
2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Applicants will be assessed
on professionalism and
academic fit to the program
as determined by the school.
4 ers who require assistive technology or alternative communication methods to participate in these activities should
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Curriculum
• 12 required courses
• Total program credits: 48 quarter credits
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT(S)
One six-day residency.
PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S)
Minimum of 300 internship hours.
REQUIRED COURSES
ADD5004 Survey of Research in Human Development for
Addiction Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5106 Assessment of Addiction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5107 Principles of Integrated Addiction and
Mental Health Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5217 Ethical and Legal Issues in Addiction Treatment. . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5258 Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5260 Theories and Models for Addiction Treatment . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5262 Interventions in Addiction Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5264 Foundations and Current Issues in
Addiction Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5336 Implications of Addiction Treatment
with Diverse Populations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD5945 Supervision and Program Management in
Addiction Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
All academic courses listed below include specific residency, practice, or clinical
experiences. Learners must complete prerequisites to be eligible to complete each
course in the sequence.
ADD-R5941* Addiction Studies Residency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
ADD6431* Addiction Studies Internship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
*Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for further details.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement.
State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying
with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the Licensure section for
this program on Capella’s website (www.capella.edu).
This program will not meet Substance Abuse Counselor certification requirements in Wisconsin.
The courses in this program may require live web conferencing activities and/or learner audio/video recordings. Learn-
contact Disability Services to request accommodations.
 Core Course Descriptions
ADD5004 Survey of Research in Human Development for
Addiction Professionals 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course presents theories of human development and behavior throughout the lifecycle.
Learners examine approaches for researching human development, including personality
and moral development theory. Learners also focus on the developing person by applying
biological, psychological, and addiction concepts. Must be taken during the learner’s first
quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

ADD5106 Assessment of Addiction 4 QUARTER CREDITS

Learners in this course examine the assessment process and the use of addiction-specific
assessment tools and mental health screenings. Learners also explore the role of assessment
methods, testing strategies, and basic measurement constructs in relation to the evaluation of
co-occurring disorders.

ADD5107 Principles of Integrated Addiction and

Mental Health Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS
Learners in this course examine diagnostic categories, professional literature, and current
issues associated with an integrated addiction treatment model. Learners also explore the
current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classifications and
diagnostic issues associated with multicultural populations.

ADD5217 Ethical and Legal Issues in Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS

In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the addiction
profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration
strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children,
adults, couples, and families. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems influence
addiction professionals’ responses to those issues.

ADD5336 Implications of Addiction Treatment with

Diverse Populations 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course is an introduction to the theory and research related to culturally competent
addiction services and social justice advocacy. Learners consider the characteristics and
concerns of diverse populations as they inform treatment and advocacy practices that
promote optimal wellness and growth for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Learners
also assess the influence of their own characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs on the counseling
process; examine their roles in promoting social justice at multiple levels; and evaluate
approaches for prevention of addiction issues in a multicultural society.

ADD5258 Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS

In this course, learners study the group therapy process and apply clinical theories, research,
and skills to addiction treatment. Topics include group therapy development, leadership
styles, and critical incident management in group therapy, including members “acting out”
(e.g., relapsing), inter- group conflict, and group member transference with leaders. Learners
also consider ethics and culture and their influences on addiction treatment.

ADD5260 Theories and Models for Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS

Learners in this course investigate the nature of addiction and study various addiction models
and their tenets to evaluate the validity and efficacy of associated treatment approaches.
Learners also explore alternatives to addiction models, including cognitive behavior therapy
and the psycho-dynamic compulsive behavior model.

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 ADD5262 Interventions in Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS
Learners in this course evaluate traditional and non-traditional treatment approaches to
address addiction, recovery, and relapse. Throughout the course, learners examine inpatient
and outpatient treatment programming and self-help groups; the use of alternative treatment
approaches; community resources; and individual, group, and family approaches in the
treatment of addiction. The course also addresses ongoing changes in the health care
delivery system, with particular emphasis on current trends in service delivery.

ADD5264 Foundations and Current Issues in Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS

In this course, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of treatment processes
throughout the treatment continuum—from intake to continuing care and community and
family support. Learners consider the significance of the client engagement process and the
role of the addiction professional from a variety of perspectives, along with issues such as
the impact the client and community’s culture has on treatment. Other course topics include
a review of addiction treatment and trends, current research on effective treatment models,
evidence-based treatment, and ethics.

ADD-R5941 Addiction Studies Residency 4 QUARTER CREDITS

The residency includes both an online courseroom and a face-to-face residency experience.
Learners engage in online courseroom activities to prepare themselves for the residency
experience and focus on developing clinical addiction counseling skills, including building
therapeutic relationships, performing therapeutic assessments, and applying ethical and
legal standards of practice. During the face-to-face residency experience, learners integrate
addiction theories for both individuals and groups. Learners then engage in post-residency
online courseroom activities to assess knowledge gained. This course requires travel.
Prerequisite(s): ADD5004, ADD5106, ADD5107, ADD5217, ADD5258, ADD5260,
ADD5262, ADD5264, ADD5336. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

ADD5945 Supervision and Program Management in

Addiction Treatment 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course presents an overview of various supervision approaches and the ways these
methods support the development of addiction professionals. Learners explore addiction
treatment issues associated with training, staff credentials, working with multidisciplinary
staff, and ethics from research and administration perspectives. Learners also review various
methods used to conduct contemporary addiction research, with particular emphasis on
the emerging research practices and perspectives used for evaluating substance-related
treatment programs.

ADD6431 Addiction Studies Internship 4 QUARTER CREDITS

This course is an online-directed, supervised internship during which learners fulfill the
minimum of 300 total required contact hours. Of the 300 total hours, learners must provide
direct services in an addiction-related setting for at least 120 hours. Learners must also
complete 10 hours of face-to-face contact with field supervisors. This internship provides
learners with specific clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation,
and consultation in a field setting relevant to addiction treatment. Grading for this course
is S/NS. It is the learner’s responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical
experience requirements of their states. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite(s):
ADD5941, and ADD5945 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by
transfer.

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 Recommended Course Sequence
This recommended course sequence assumes learners take two courses per quarter.
Some learners elect to take fewer or more based on workload and the amount of time
available for graduate study.

YEAR 1 COURSES
Q1 ADD5004 Survey of Research in Human Development for Addiction Professionals
Q2 ADD5336 Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
ADD5217 Ethical and Legal Issues in Addiction Treatment
Q3 ADD5260 Theories and Models for Addiction Treatment
ADD5264 Foundations and Current Issues in Addiction Treatment
Q4 ADD5107 Principles of Integrated Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
ADD5106 Assessment of Addiction
MBA6018
YEAR 2 COURSES
Q5 ADD5258 Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment
ADD5262 Interventions in Addiction Treatment
Q6 ADD5945 Supervision and Program Management in Addiction Treatment
RESIDENCY ADD-R5941 Addiction Studies Residency
Q7 ADD6431 Addiction Studies Internship
MBA6024 Organizational Strategy

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Digital course materials
covered by the quarterly
resource kit fee offer
advantages such as immediate
mobile access to books; fast,
easy full-text search of materials;
digital note-taking; and peer
collaboration through note
sharing.
There are many financial aid
options available to help you
offset tuition costs.
Contact an enrollment
counselor at 1.888.CAPELLA
(227.3552) to discuss your
financial aid opportunities.
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Tuition and Fees
This tuition estimate is effective July 11, 2016, and is subject to change. For current pricing,
visit the Capella University website at www.capella.edu.
TUITION/FEE TOTAL
Tuition per credit* $518 $18,648–$24,864
Resource kit per quarter $175 $1,225–$2,100
Total combined tuition and fees $19,873–$26,964
*Based on an evaluation of your previous graduate course work, the equivalent of 12 quarter credits may be
transferred and applied to your program’s requirements.
Financial Aid
Capella University offers assistance to learners who qualify and would like to secure
educational funding to help finance their academic program. A number of options are
available, given the diverse needs and backgrounds of prospective learners. Options
include:
• Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program
• Non-federal loans through preferred lenders and financial institutions
• Capella scholarships
• External scholarships
• Veterans’ educational benefits and U.S. armed forces discounts
• Corporate and higher education alliances
• Employer tuition reimbursement
Regarding loan programs, interest rates for Stafford student loans are low compared to
other types of consumer loans, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation. In
compliance with federal and state laws, Capella University has established policies for
all learners regarding satisfactory academic progress, which is necessary for financial aid
eligibility.
 Academic Leadership

Anna Hultquist, PhD

Dean
Anna Hultquist is dean of counseling and human behavior programs within Capella
University’s Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, having previously served
as associate dean for the Department of Counseling. Dr. Hultquist has more than 20 years
of experience as a licensed therapist, counselor educator, and program director, designing
programs to meet state and national accreditation standards. In addition to maintaining
an active private practice, Dr. Hultquist has established and served as clinical director for
two community-based counseling centers that trained graduate-level clinical interns. Her
service to the profession has included professional licensure initiatives, appointment to the
Oregon State Board for Professional Counselors and Therapists, and numerous conference
presentations and professional articles. Dr. Hultquist earned a COAMFTE-accredited Master
of Science in Human Development, Counseling and Family Studies from the University
of Rhode Island, completed graduate work in guidance and school counseling at Rhode
Island College, and earned a PhD in Adult Education from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Hultquist holds the distinction of Certified Family Life Educator from the National
Council on Family Relations, as well as Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor from the
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also a member of the American
Counseling Association, the Association for Conflict Resolution, and the International
Association of Coaches.

Neil Duchac, DrPH, PhD

Interim Faculty Chair
Neil Duchac, DrPH, PhD, is currently serving as the Interim Faculty Chair for the Addiction
Studies and School Counseling programs. He has worked in the field of Human Services
and counseling for the past twenty two-years in a variety of positions, including fourteen
years working for the Ohio Department of Corrections, Mental Health, and Developmental
Disabilities. He is licensed as a professional clinical counselor, certified as a school counselor,
and is a nationally certified counselor and approved clinical supervisor. His school counseling
experience involves working in corrections and with the board of developmental disabilities.
His areas of interests include developmental disabilities, military service members and their
families, and the interconnection between public health and mental health. He has worked
full-time at Capella University since October 2007 and served as an adjunct since January
2003. Neil has been a core faculty in our Mental Health Counseling program area for the past
eight years. In that role he has contributed to the program’s overall strength through service
in several faculty leadership positions.

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Move Forward with Capella University
WORKING SCHOLARS
Capella provides an online, flexible learning environment for working adults
who are also determined scholars. That connection between academic and
professional work infuses the entire Capella experience—from the faculty
we recruit to the course projects you complete. The theories discussed in
the courseroom are designed to develop working knowledge for everyday
situations.

AN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY
Our accreditation* is an assurance to students, employers, and the public
that Capella University meets or exceeds established standards for quality
of faculty, curriculum, and learner services. It is also an important factor in
the ability to transfer credits among higher education institutions. Regional
accreditation, the type held by Capella, is the most common type for major
public, state, and private institutions in the United States.

VALUING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Adults bring a wealth of experience and learning to their education.
Capella courses are designed to bring out your perspectives just as you gain
from others’ ideas. Your knowledge can also be worth time and money:
An enrollment counselor can help you estimate how much of your prior
learning may apply toward your Capella degree program.

Capella Tower 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552)

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Minneapolis, MN 55402

*ACCREDITATION
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
© 2016 Capella University. All rights reserved. 10-10-2016