Due to declining applications for the Master of Science of Clinical Counseling degree, the program has been suspended. We hope to offer a new degree in mental health counseling in the near future. Stay tuned for updates!
The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with Specialization in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (MSCC) program is designed for students who wish to prepare for careers in addiction counseling. Before submitting an application (and spending your hard-earned money on the application fee), please review carefully both the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and the Prerequisites listed below. Positive admissions decisions are most likely when: 1) overall GPA is very close to or exceeds the minimum of 3.0; 2) most or all of the prerequisite classes have been completed with grades of B- or higher; 3) letters of recommendation (minimum of two) from professors or employment managers/supervisors (letters from friends or colleagues are not accepted); and 4) personal statements are carefully written and address the requested topics. See the FAQ on writing a personal statement.
Application here. Priority deadline is March 1. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after March 1. IU Northwest will need official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. Official transcripts should be sent by these schools to: Indiana University Northwest, Psychology Department, Raintree 141, 3400 Broadway, Gary IN 46408, ir emailed to PSY@iun.edu.
Program Objectives
The program recognizes that drug and alcohol addiction and treatment are complex topics driven by an array of biological, genetic, neural, psychological, social, and cultural forces. The program will help students acquire information about assessment, psycho-pharmacology, evidence-based counseling methods, addiction theory, and professional practice.
Students will study various addictions and how they affect the mind, body, and emotions as well as diagnostic formulation, documentation procedures, treatment planning, and facilitation of individual and group sessions.
Students will gain basic knowledge about pharmacology, abnormal psychology, theories of addictions, and treatment options. Students will develop and practice counseling skills and learn how to evaluate treatment methods and techniques. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure.
Prerequisites
To be considered for admission to the MSCC program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and should have obtained an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are recommended. Students with a GPA slightly below 3.0 who are returning to college with relevant work experience in a health or human services agency may be admitted if their applications contain sufficient evidence of their skills and ability to succeed in graduate work.
Prerequisites include 15 hours of coursework in psychology, including introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology with grades of at least a B-.
Degree Requirements and Course Sequences
What can I do with an MSCC?
The program is specifically designed to help candidates master the background information needed to qualify for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor credential in the State of Indiana. In addition to direct service to clients, addictions counselors may become supervisors or administrators in their agencies, move into research or consulting, or go into private or group practice. Some may choose to pursue a doctoral degree to improve their chances for advancement.
For a recent story on the great work our graduates are doing, read the following story: Opioid Addiction: A Grand Challenge for Indiana and its Universities.
Part One: https://www.iun.edu/news/2018/mscc-part-ONE.htm;
Part Two: https://www.iun.edu/news/2019/opioid-partII-IPRP.htm
For more information, please see or Frequently Asked Questions
Career Outlook
The latest information about the career outlook for MSCC graduates can be found here
Drug and alcohol addictions remain one of the most vexing problems facing society. One in ten adults in the U.S. is currently addicted to alcohol or drugs and almost one-third of all adults will struggle with addictions at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, there exists a shortage of therapists who are prepared with graduate-level knowledge and skills in addictions treatment.
According the labor department figures, job prospects for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
