The Master of Arts in Addiction Studies program provides the necessary course work and preparation for the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I or II exam with the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and credentialing as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) with Washington State Department of Health. This 48-credit program is fully online, allowing for flexibility to pursue a career while maintaining work/life balance. Full or part-time enrollment options are available.

Washington State Substance Use Disorder Credentialing Requirements

• Apply for Substance Use Disorder Trainee (SUDPT). Note: this application requires students to notify the Department of Health with an approved SUDP supervisor within one year.
• 1,500 hours of supervised experiential learning within an state approved treatment agency and an approved SUDP supervisor who has been credentialed for at least one year. Note: An optional in-school practicum is offered for those students who are interested in obtaining credentialing hours as a trainee while completing the program. 
• Complete and pass Washington State Patrol's Criminal History background check.
• Students who complete all state required courses for certification are eligible to take the NAADAC NCAC Level I or II exam before completing the required experiential learning hours needed for certification. For more information, refer to NAADAC certification exam page.

For additional credentialing information please review WAC 246-811-030 and information on the Department of Health Substance Use Disorder Professional certification page.

Out-of-State Applicants: Certification/licensing requirements differ from state to state. Students should check with their local certification/licensing board to confirm this is the right program for their residence, or contact Addiction Studies for more information. 

Contact ADST@ewu.edu for additional credentialing or program specific questions. Reach out to EWU Financial Aid & Scholarships at finaid@ewu.edu to inquire about funding opportunities.

Students interested in completing the MA in Addiction Studies and have completed credits from an accredited program noted above, contact ADST@ewu.edu to discuss transfer credit eligibility.

The MA Addiction Studies program prepares students for credentialing as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) in Washington State. This program provides the 45 credits of substance use disorder coursework, which includes one human development course. Additionally, students need to complete and pass a background check, obtain 1,500 hours in an approved agency as a substance use disorder trainee (SUDPT), and pass the NCAC Level I or II exam.

For additional licensing information, contact the Addiction Studies department at ADST@ewu.edu.

Required Courses
ADST 501	RELAPSE PREVENTION	2
ADST 502	COUNSELING THEORIES FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS	2
ADST 503	HIV/AIDS AND ADDICTION TREATMENT	2
ADST 504	ADOLESCENT ADDICTION ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT	4
ADST 505	ADDICTION GROUP COUNSELING	2
ADST 512	PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS	4
ADST 520	CASE MANAGEMENT	4
ADST 530	ADDICTION TREATMENT WITH FAMILIES AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS	4
ADST 535	CONFIDENTIALITY, LAW AND ETHICS FOR THE ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL	4
ADST 542	SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION OF CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS	4
ADST 544	TREATING CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS	4
ADST 548	MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT	2
ADST 550	SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION	4
or ADST 552	PROCESS ADDICTIONS
ADST 576	ADDICTION: A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH	4
ADST 602	ADST PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO	2
Total Credits		48

Students who earn an MA in Addiction Studies from EWU should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of models and theories of addiction; 
• demonstrate knowledge of models of treatment;
• apply concepts of addiction studies to practice with individuals, groups, families, and communities;
• demonstrate readiness to engage in professional practice as an addictions counselor.