Addiction Studies - Certificate of Advanced Study

The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Addiction Studies provides an intensive concentration of coursework on the biology, psychology and cross-cultural sociology of addictions as a supplement to professional work experience or a graduate program of study.  The academic program is designed to support working professionals and supplement undergraduate and graduate study in fields such as anthropology, child and family studies, counseling, couples and family therapy, education, law, nutrition, psychology, public health, public policy, sociology, and social work, among others. Students are exposed to broad perspectives in the addictions field through the core curriculum, and may subsequently apply their courses toward their professional fields to expand employment and placement opportunities. Courses include experiential labs and an optional study abroad component in Amsterdam.

Students from broad inclusive fields of undergraduate study and work experience will be considered for admission. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. The admissions process for this program will require a college transcript, along with letters of recommendation. GREs are not required for admission into this program.

Students do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program or have a graduate degree for this Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Addiction Studies. Students may, however, simultaneously complete a graduate degree and the CAS in Addiction Studies counting some coursework towards both their graduate degree and the CAS in Addiction Studies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are one of the fastest-growing fields of practice today. The CAS in Addiction Studies program addresses one of society’s major problems and provides students with opportunities to develop broad competencies in preparation for employment in a number of fields dealing with substance abuse, gambling, and related behavioral addiction problems. Completion of the CAS in Addiction Studies satisfies the educational requirements for the national certification as a Certified Addiction Specialist from the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders, and partially satisfies the educational requirements for the certification from the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS) and Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP).

Addiction Studies Curriculum (19 credits)

Required  Core Courses
HTW 618:  Alcohol, Other Drugs, Gambling and Sex:  Dynamics of Addiction (3 credits)
HTW 606:  Clinical Evaluation and Assessment of Addictions (3 credits)
HTW 607:  Wellness Counseling and Coaching:  Overcoming Resistance to Change (4 credits)
HTW 608:  Addictions and Treatment in Cultural Context (3-4 credits)

Elective Courses (choose 2)
HTW 605:  Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to Stress Reduction (3 credits)
HTW 609:  The Impact of Addictions on Families and Relationships (3 credits)
HTW 610:  Addictions Planning, Treatment and Referral (3 credits)
SWK 781 Alcohol and Other Drugs in Social Work Practice (3 credits)

Course descriptions are available in the Syracuse University Graduate Course Catalog

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For more information, contact:

College of Human Ecology

Office of Admissions
315.443.5555

HumanEcology@syr.edu