M.A. in Chemical Dependency Counseling

The Masters Program in Agency Counseling/Chemical Dependency prepares students to work in a variety of counseling and social service settings focused on providing substance abuse services. Students are exposed to various theoretical models in counseling, including various group counseling and vocational counseling approaches. In addition, students are exposed to the issues of human development, testing and measurement in counseling, research methodology, and biological perspectives in mental health. In addition to the core curriculum, students take 3 specialized courses in substance abuse allowing them to gain more expertise in this area. Students also learn specific counseling skills through two clinical practicum courses. The two clinical practicum courses are "lecture courses" limited to 12 students. In these courses students practice counseling role plays, learn how to integrate theory and practice, and receive feedback about their counseling skills. The program emphasizes the reflective practitioner model and encourages students to remain open to ongoing learning experiences so as to increase their sensitivity to the evolving issues of diversity in counseling.

Upon concluding the program, students often find jobs in the substance abuse field or in related social service agencies. Some students pursue further specialized training in the substance abuse field through participating in a substance-abuse certification program. Sometimes with the masters degree students may submit an application to become certified as a principal mental health counselor. This may allow their services to be reimbursable under Medicaid billing. Students who are interested in becoming licensed mental health counselors are encouraged to apply to the CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) in Mental Health Counseling.

Admission Requirements

Admission to FSEHD Masters level programs is determined by the quality of the total application. Applicants must submit the following to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs as a measure of their potential for success in graduate level studies.

1. A completed application form accompanied by a fifty-dollar nonrefundable application fee. Forms may be obtained from the office of the academic dean responsible
   for the program to which the student is applying.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records. The dean’s office will obtain any Rhode Island College transcripts.
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate course work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs less than 3.00, may be admitted to degree candidacy upon the submission of other evidence of academic potential, for example, satisfactory performance in postbaccalaureate work, professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation, and/or high scores on the standardized tests.
4. A copy of candidate’s teaching certificate (when applicable).
5. An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for most programs. See specific programs for exceptions.
6. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s potential to do graduate work. Placement references are generally not applicable.
7. An interview may be required.
8. Some programs have additional admission requirements. Please review requirements for individual programs.
9. A minimum of 6 credit hours of course work in psychology or related field.
   
10. A Performance-Based Evaluation of professional work or volunteer experience.
    
11. A current résumé.

Retention Requirements

1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Grades below B are not considered of graduate quality and are of limited application to degree work.
2. A minimum grade of B- in Counseling and Educational Psychology 531 or 532. Students who receive a grade of B- or lower in either of these courses must consult with their advisor before registering for any subsequent course in the plan of study.
3. A minimum grade of B in Counseling and Educational Psychology 538, 539, or 540. Students who receive a grade below a B in any of these courses must retake the course. After retaking the course, a recommendation to continue from the student's advisor is also required.
4. Failure to meet any one of the above requirements is sufficient cause for dismissal from the program.

Course Requirements

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