Alcohol and Drug Studies (BS)

Summary

The Alcohol and Drug Studies major is an interdisciplinary program. The program prepares students to enter the addictions field or further their knowledge of addictions to strengthen their competency within other disciplines. The major provides students with the academic coursework necessary to pursue the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Students are responsible for verifying their eligibility for credentialing with their respective credentialing boards. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Credits

48

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Human Services

Accreditation

NASAC

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Overview of the structure and processes of social life; impact of social forces on individuals and groups; interdependence of society and the individual; social significance of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality; emphasis on critical analysis of social inequalities and injustice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Major Common Core

* Note: A total of 12 credit hours of HLTH 497 is required.

This course provides information on a variety of topics related to chemical use, abuse and dependency. Students will be exposed to chemical dependency counseling, assessment and intervention techniques. Different drug classifications will be discussed in detail. Counselor core functions and ethics will be discussed also.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

This course provides an understanding of the multicultural aspects of addiction and addiction treatment. Multiculturalism is a critical topic to examine in relation to addictions counseling as our clients¿ race, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, gender identity, or disability status can impact the course of their addiction and treatment. In this course, students will develop cultural self-awareness and sensitivity to their cultural background and experiences. They will examine cultural influences as they intersect with the substance use and mental health disorders. Developing cultural competence in addictions counseling knowledge and skills is emphasized.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

This course is designed to help students understand adolescent substance use disorders from a developmental perspective. The developing adolescent brain and the behavior associated with it will be examined as well as the risk and protective factors these present. The course will overview current drug trends and the social climate that contributes to these trends. Evidenced based treatment interventions and substance abuse prevention will also be examined.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

The focus of this course is to introduce students to basic counseling skills to be used with clients dealing with substance use disorders. It provides an overview of addiction counseling theory and practice, counseling ethics, documentation, as well as culturally appropriate models for counseling. It includes examination and practice of a variety of modalities and techniques central to helping others across a range of issues related to substance use disorders. Specific skills covered include developing rapport, building empathy and active listening, self-disclosure, immediacy, reflecting and paraphrasing, challenging, etc. Students will demonstrate skills in various exercises, role plays, video-recording, and self-assessment.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

The focus of this course is on effective facilitation of various types of groups relevant to treating individuals with substance use disorders. Topics include client orientation, group formation, functions of various group types, application of theoretical frameworks, and documentation. Students will apply core concepts from the course and demonstrate skills by participating in structured training group activities.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

The focus of this course is on the foundations of ethics and professionalism for addictions professionals. The course will cover professional and ethical codes as well as topics related to continued development as a professional.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

This course provides information on characteristic and classifying information, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, behavioral effects, and pharmacotherapy options for drugs of abuse. The course will focus on the application of topics in alcohol and drug professional settings.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

This course explores counseling theories and strategies and how they can be applied to clients in alcohol and drug treatment programs. The course also provides an overview of primary functions of addictions professionals and methods to deliver effective services.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

This course is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and application techniques in assessing an individual with a chemical use/dependency problem. Various assessment techniques will be presented and discussed as to appropriate utilization. This course meets the criteria or Rule 25 training in Chemical Dependency Assessment.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

The focus of this course is on assessment and treatment of persons with coexisting mental disorders as well as chemical dependency.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

A concentrated pre-professional experience for those preparing for a career in chemical dependency counseling. All course work must be completed prior to placement. Student must schedule placement one semester in advance. Prereq: Completion of all Alcohol and Drug Studies required core courses.

Prerequisites: Completion of all Alcohol and Drug Studies required core courses.

Major Restricted Electives

Choose 12 Credit(s).

A sociological perspective to examine the history of drug use and abuse in the United States. Multicultural issues in drug abuse, international drug distribution networks, prevention efforts, and legal issues will be discussed.

Prerequisites: none

Strategies for establishing a group. A review of concepts related to group membership, group member roles and group techniques, therapeutic factors and leadership roles. An experiential component is included in this course.

Prerequisites: none

Provides the developing helping professional with an introduction to basic helping skills: attending, listening, responding to content and affect, probing, and providing feedback. The course is experiential in nature and includes small group interaction, videotaping, and role-playing simulations.

Prerequisites: none

Understanding the impact of chemical dependency on the family. Family counseling skills and relapse prevention strategies will also be included.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to increase the student's awareness and understanding of abnormal psychology. Students will become familiar with clinical descriptions, course of onset, and treatment regimens specific to various disorders.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course is designed to provide upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate social work students with a comprehensive introduction to the epidemiology (scientific study of disease), etiology (cause of disease), history, policy, and treatment modalities of substance abuse from a person-in-environment and systems theory social work perspective.

Prerequisites: none

Health Elective Options - Choose 0 - 12 Credit(s).

Minor

A minor is required. Any minor accepted.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Overview of the structure and processes of social life; impact of social forces on individuals and groups; interdependence of society and the individual; social significance of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality; emphasis on critical analysis of social inequalities and injustice.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 16 Credits

This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to the broad spectrum of theories and applications that make up the field of psychology

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

This course provides information on a variety of topics related to chemical use, abuse and dependency. Students will be exposed to chemical dependency counseling, assessment and intervention techniques. Different drug classifications will be discussed in detail. Counselor core functions and ethics will be discussed also.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Provides the developing helping professional with an introduction to basic helping skills: attending, listening, responding to content and affect, probing, and providing feedback. The course is experiential in nature and includes small group interaction, videotaping, and role-playing simulations.

Prerequisites: none

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and application techniques in assessing an individual with a chemical use/dependency problem. Various assessment techniques will be presented and discussed as to appropriate utilization. This course meets the criteria or Rule 25 training in Chemical Dependency Assessment.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

Spring - 15 Credits

The focus of this course is on the foundations of ethics and professionalism for addictions professionals. The course will cover professional and ethical codes as well as topics related to continued development as a professional.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

Strategies for establishing a group. A review of concepts related to group membership, group member roles and group techniques, therapeutic factors and leadership roles. An experiential component is included in this course.

Prerequisites: none

Understanding the impact of chemical dependency on the family. Family counseling skills and relapse prevention strategies will also be included.

Prerequisites: none

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course provides information on characteristic and classifying information, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, behavioral effects, and pharmacotherapy options for drugs of abuse. The course will focus on the application of topics in alcohol and drug professional settings.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

This course explores counseling theories and strategies and how they can be applied to clients in alcohol and drug treatment programs. The course also provides an overview of primary functions of addictions professionals and methods to deliver effective services.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

The focus of this course is on assessment and treatment of persons with coexisting mental disorders as well as chemical dependency.

Prerequisites: HLTH 225

Spring - 12 Credits

A concentrated pre-professional experience for those preparing for a career in chemical dependency counseling. All course work must be completed prior to placement. Student must schedule placement one semester in advance. Prereq: Completion of all Alcohol and Drug Studies required core courses.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Admission Requirements:

  • Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours,
  • A "C-" or better in HLTH 225: Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Studies
  • A "C-" or better in two of the following required General Education courses:
  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychological Science
  • SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
  • HLTH 240: Drug Education
  • Meeting with an Alcohol and Drug Studies advisor to complete the Responsibilities and Required Action of Alcohol and Drug Studies (ADS) Students form.

Minimum Grade Requirement:

"C-" or better in all required general education, Major Common Core, and Major Restricted Electives courses for majors.

Internship Prerequisites:

  • A "C-" or better in all Major Common Core courses
  • Deadlines for internship applications for both the Alcohol and Drug Studies majors: October 15 for Spring Semester, March 15 for Summer Semester, and May 15 for Fall Semester
  • Successful completion of an internship meeting with the Alcohol and Drug Studies Internship Coordinator
  • Successful completion of a Department of Human Services background study; and
  • Submission of the internship Site Approval Form signed by an official designee of the approved internship site and the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program Internship Coordinator

Internship Requirements:

  • Completion of 880 clock hours at an approved internship site per the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy licensure requirements.
  • Successful completion of a current Department of Human Services background study prior to registering for HLTH 497 Internship: Alcohol and Drug Studies.
  • Completion of any internship site-specific requirements (e.g., submission of immunization records, vaccinations, etc.). Students are responsible for the fees associated with an internship site-specific requirements.
  • Students are responsible for the fees associated with the background check.
  • This information may be provided to internship sites selected by the student for their determination of suitability for placement.
  • The Department of Health Science coordinates the background check process.

Licensure and Certification. The Alcohol and Drug Studies Major provides students with the academic coursework necessary to pursue a number of credentialing options. Students are responsible for verifying their eligibility for credentialing with their respective credentialing boards.

Academic Integrity Policy: Academic Integrity Policy. The Department of Health Science values and supports an environment conducive to learning as well as academic integrity. Therefore, students are expected to comply with Minnesota State Mankato student responsibilities and policies for academic integrity. Academic integrity includes meeting one's responsibilities in an honest and forthright manner and avoiding acts of dishonesty, plagiarism, cheating, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct. An act of dishonesty, cheating, collusion, and/or any other form of academic misconduct will result in a 0 on the assessment and a full letter grade deduction from the final course grade (e.g., "A-" to "B-"). An act of plagiarism will result in a 0 on the assessment or assessments and the student will be encouraged to meet with the chair of the Department of Health Science and receive remediation related to plagiarism. Two acts of any form of academic misconduct will result in a final course grade of "F". Evidence related to any act of academic misconduct will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Department of Health Science. Two acts of academic misconduct in any Health Science course or courses will result in discontinuance from, or eligibility to enroll in, the academic programs offered by the Department of Health Science. Additionally, evidence related to academic misconduct will be submitted, as appropriate, to the Office of Academic Affairs and/or the College of Education. Please note: Policy reflects minimum departmental standards. Individual instructors may impose more severe sanctions for an act of academic dishonesty within their courses.