Graduate Course Descriptions
ADA 6200 Introduction to Substance Use and Addiction
This course introduces students to the field of substance use and addiction. Students will have exposure to addiction-related topics such as: the history of substances and addiction, the physiology and biology of addiction, the pharmacological effects of commonly used drugs, family and social systems, and co-occurring mental health and behavioral disorders. Students will also be introduced to the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders, and be given a broad understanding of drug policy and legislation. Throughout the course students will evaluate these topics through a cultural lens, to build an understanding of racial, ethnic, and cultural differences in the field of addiction and substance use.
ADA 6330 Cultural Humility and Social Justice in the Addiction Field
This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural context in which substance use and addiction exist, including risk and resiliency factors of individuals and groups. Racial, ethnic, and cultural aspects are addressed in regards to strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Students are expected to participate in self-exploration of their beliefs, values, and behaviors in an effort to expand their cultural humility and become social justice advocates within the field of addictions.
ADA 6350 Approaches to Addiction Services
This course will increase students’ competency in a variety of helping strategies to employ with individuals that use substances. Students will learn how to identify and utilize screening and assessment tools, evidence-based approaches and services, and medical and pharmacological resources. The class will explore the needs of individuals, families, and communities through an equity and social justice lens that focus on the evaluation of social determinants of health to provide the appropriate supports and increase individual's ability to engage in a recovery continuum.
ADA 6400 or CECP 6390 Co-Occurring Disorders and Addictions
The course will instruct students on how to screen for co-occurring disorders with various assessment tools, address each diagnosis in a comprehensive treatment approach, and assist them in developing skills to deliver supportive, appropriate treatment services for clients with more than one disorder.
ADA 6410 Addiction in Family Systems and Primary Relationships
This course will examine how substance use disorders affect family members, couples, and significant others as well as how they impact and influence the user. In addition, the models of diagnosis, assessment tools, and methods of intervention for these groups will be identified and discussed. Strategies and behaviors that family members, couples, and significant others must adopt in order to assist in sustaining recovery and healthy relationships will be outlined.
ADA 6700 Professional Field Practicum
The field practicum component of the graduate certificate is designed to be a capstone learning experience during which students, with the guidance and assistance of those persons who are currently working in the substance abuse field, can apply the knowledge and information obtained in the academic setting to further develop and refine his/her skills. Since skills are acquired by the application of information, knowledge and many hours of practice, field practicum is required of all students in order to complete the graduate certificate in substance abuse.
ADA 6710 Capstone
The capstone course provides the Clinical Addiction Certificate students with an opportunity to design and complete a final project or thesis that integrates the knowledge gained through their studies. Students will complete the project or thesis over one semester, typically the student's final semester of the program. The capstone project requires the student to create, plan, and implement a project or thesis in an area within the scope of addictions practice and provide a presentation related to their capstone experience.