Master of Science in Human Services and Addiction Counseling Certificate
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Human Services in Addiction Counseling, M.S.
The Master of Science in Human Services is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students for professional positions in psychosocial health and human services in a variety of public and private agencies. Graduates are empowered with advanced skills for serving clients within the context of their communities and environments.
The program promotes educational access to students from a wide range of backgrounds, provides a transformative educational process in which students gain advanced professional knowledge and skills, and builds students’ capacity as informed, effective and ethical citizens.
The program offers two tracks, an 18 month 39-credit degree in Human Services and a 2-year graduate degree in Human Services in Addiction Counseling that includes all the academic preparation necessary to be eligible for the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential in the State of Connecticut once they have completed the state requirements for licensure.
Upon completing the program of study in Human Services, students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to advocate for clients through knowledge of community resources in the human services network.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze major social issues, social problems, and current socio-political and socio-cultural events which affect human services.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply basic methods and techniques used to evaluate individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities or cognitive impairments.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement common psychosocial treatment approaches based on key theories and related concepts.
- Demonstrate the ability to define achievable goals of counseling and contributions and limitations of various treatment modalities.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and apply legal and ethical standards affecting the delivery of human services.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess behavioral, cognitive, affective, and environmental factors in order to identify and set long-term achievable client goals.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand psychological and socio-cultural aspects of normal and abnormal behavior, theories of causation and treatment approaches.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).*
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Personal interview.
- Proficiency in the business application of personal computers.
- For non-native English-speakers, a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 80 internet-based, or 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language .
- Proof of immunization in accordance with Connecticut state requirements.
- Applicants intending to use VA benefits submit a copy of their certificate of eligibility to a school certifying official.
- Completion of at least 15 credits in psychology, human services and/or social work. Credits from closely related disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis.*
The applicant must submit:
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- Official transcripts from all nationally and regionally accredited degree-granting institutions, approved by the USDE or CHEA, attended.
- An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program.
- Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.
- Resume or C.V.
*This program fulfills all of the strictly educational requirements for licensure, may include some of the required experience and clinical supervision, and should enable students to prepare for the licensure examination. The program is optimized for fall admission.
Transfer Credits
Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from nationally
or regionally accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education
(USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying
the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must
satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum
grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an
individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion
of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed
prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate
programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (30 credits) in the Albertus
M.S. in Human Services program.
Tuition and Fees
Costs vary by graduate program; please consult https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.
- Application Fee: $50.00
- Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)
- Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.
Fees and rates are subject to change.
Accreditation
Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Human Services and certificate in Addiction Counseling are accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
The Master of Science in Human Services is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) located at 3337 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA.
Program Format
Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year.
Academic Advisement
Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.
Course Load
Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod. or 9 credits per semester.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of all requirements within seven years of matriculation, including completion of the capstone course.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Minimum grade in each course of 2.0.
- Payment of all tuition and fees.
Graduation with Honors
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or above.
- Receive an A or A- in HS 660.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Human Services, M.S. - Addiction Counseling (57 credits)
REQUIRED CORE (39 credits)
HS 504 - Writing in the Social Sciences
HS 530 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Human Services
HS 531 - Theory, Practice, Trends and Multicultural Issues in Human Services
PY 530 - Theories of Counseling
PY 533 - Psychopathology
PY 536 - Case Management
PY 537 - Counseling Techniques
PY 539 - Program Evaluation
PY 540 - Organizational Behavior and Group Dynamics
HS 580 - Field Experience
HS 660 - Capstone Project
* Note: HS 580 (6 credits)
Select one (3 credits):
PY 541 - Addictions Counseling
PY 542 - Career Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (18 credits)
PY 583 - Drugs and Behavior I: Basic Science
PY 584 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling
PY 585 - Drugs and Behavior II: Applications
PY 586 - Culture, Gender, and Special Populations in Addictions
PY 587 - Addiction Counseling I: Core Concepts and Competencies
PY 588 - Clinical Assessment of Substance Use Disorders
PY 589 - Addiction Counseling II: Advanced Techniques
PY 591 - Treatment Planning and Evaluation in Addictions Counseling