Curriculum & Requirements
Behavioral Health, Master of Arts (MA)
This online program, offered through the Addiction Studies program, is designed to prepare students for careers in substance use disorder counseling. We assist both in- and out-of-state students in preparation to meet academic requirements for state licensure. Substance Use Disorder Professionals find rewarding careers in behavioral health, counseling, criminal justice, health education, psychology, social work, and other areas where their unique skills are required.
Upon completion of all coursework, students are eligible to take the National NCC AP examination. Learn more about additional requirements for Washington state certification/licensure requirements at www.doh.wa.gov.
Note: MA Behavioral Health students wanting the SUDP in WA state will also need to complete: 1,500 hours in an approved Behavioral Health Agency NAADAC, NCC AP exam. Have a human development course in current or previous coursework.
Addiction Studies has not yet determined if this program meets the educational requirements to sit for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. The department works to provide education that qualifies students to sit for certification/licensure examinations through states affiliated with NAADAC and IC & RC.
Please contact the respective certification/licensing board for exact requirements in your state. Many states require students to have a practicum/internship listed on transcripts when they apply for certification/licensure. If students do not know their state licensing/certification board, or need assistance determining if EWU’s program is right for them, please contact adst@ewu.edu.
Admission Requirements
- Overall Grade Point Average 3.0 or above.
- Current resume.
- Statement of intent/essay.
- 2 professional references.
- Other requirements described from Graduate Programs.
A practicum option is available for students and may count toward Washington State Certification required hours. Practicum options are available for students after the successful completion of two quarters of coursework.
| RELAPSE PREVENTION | 2 |
| COUNSELING THEORIES FOR ADDICTION PROFESSIONALS | 2 |
| HIV/AIDS AND ADDICTION TREATMENT | 2 |
| ADOLESCENT ADDICTION ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT | 4 |
| ADDICTION GROUP COUNSELING | 2 |
| PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS | 4 |
| CASE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| ADDICTION TREATMENT WITH FAMILIES AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS | 4 |
| CONFIDENTIALITY, LAW AND ETHICS FOR THE ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL | 4 |
| SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT OF CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS | 4 |
| TREATING CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS | 4 |
| ADST PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO | 2 |
| MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT | 2 |
| SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION | 4 |
| PROCESS ADDICTIONS | 4 |
| TRAUMA INFORMED CARE | 4 |
| FOOD AND ADDICTION | 4 |
| RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE | 4 |
| ADST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING PRACTICUM | |
| ADST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELING PRACTICUM II | |
| Total Credits | 60 |
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