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Addiction Studies, Master of Arts (MA)

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 501RELAPSE PREVENTION2
ADST 502COUNSELING THEORIES FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS2
ADST 503HIV/AIDS AND ADDICTION TREATMENT2
ADST 504ADOLESCENT ADDICTION ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT4
ADST 505ADDICTION GROUP COUNSELING2
ADST 512PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS4
ADST 520CASE MANAGEMENT4
ADST 530ADDICTION TREATMENT WITH FAMILIES AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS4
ADST 535CONFIDENTIALITY, LAW AND ETHICS FOR THE ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL4
ADST 542SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION OF CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS4
ADST 544TREATING CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS4
ADST 548MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT2
ADST 550SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION4
or ADST 552 PROCESS ADDICTIONS
ADST 576ADDICTION: A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH4
ADST 602ADST PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO2
Total Credits48
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.