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Addiction Studies

What do addiction counselors do?
As an addiction counselor, you will work to prevent and treat addiction disorders. Working one-on-one and in group sessions, you will help clients to:

  • Understand addiction and develop strategies to maintain a sober lifestyle
  • Learn how to cope with stress and life’s problems
  • Rebuild professional relationships and reestablish careers
  • Improve their personal relationships with family and friends

Is addiction studies right for you?
As a licensed addiction counselor, you will assess and treat substance use disorders and help clients and families improve their health, wellbeing, and prevent future generations from experiencing similar problems.

The addiction counseling profession is an exciting and challenging career. Excellent addiction counselors are good at working with people, problems solving, and being innovative.

Learn with us
Addiction studies majors take general studies core courses, mental health and addiction courses, psychology courses, and courses from other disciplines to provide a broader understanding of addiction and treatment. You will study the physiological effects of drug use, the dynamics of addiction, treatment methods, and receive practical experience in addiction counseling.

Career outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median pay of $49,710 per year.

Offered: On campus

Be inspired . . . earn your addiction studies degree

Job opportunities
Addiction counselors work in a variety of settings, such as mental health centers, hospitals, prisons, private practice, and research institutions. You will work closely with psychologists, psychiatrists, and the legal system.
Employment outlook
Employment of addiction counselors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2029. The highest demand, 44% higher than average for most jobs, is expected in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities.
Get involved
As an addiction studies major, you’re invited to join the Psychology & Addiction Studies Club to help you build a rewarding life outside the classroom. With faculty permission, you may assist in faculty research.
Experienced faculty
Our faculty members are sought after for their scholarly expertise and their contributions to the community. They have both the academic training and the real world experience to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective addictions counselor. Faculty members are involved in research related to addictions and are actively involved in state licensing and setting national standards for addiction studies education.

Training required for licensing
A six-month supervised clinical experience is a requirement for licensing as an addiction counselor in North Dakota, but is not required for the degree. Faculty will assist you through the process of applying for the consortia which provide the clinical experience. Graduates who complete their academic requirements are eligible to take the national licensure exam required by the state.

Accreditation
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Minot State University addiction studies program is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission.

Licensure
All Minot State programs fulfill the requirements for licensure in the state of North Dakota. If you are seeking a professional license in a state other than North Dakota, learn more about program disclosures and licensure requirements at MinotStateU.edu/licensure.

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