Addiction Studies Certificate
The Addictions Studies Certificate provides the educational and practical training hours required by NJ State Law for certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Students in the program complete:
- 270 hours of approved alcohol and drug education in certain domain areas
- 300 hours of supervised practical training in alcohol and drug counseling
- 30 alcohol and drug abuse self-help group meetings
This certificate offers students an opportunity to enter the field of addiction studies upon graduation and, after completing their supervised work experience, to apply for CADC certification. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge in addictions counseling as evidenced by discussing the key addictions theories, classic research studies, and recent trends in addiction.
- Apply foundational knowledge of addictions counseling in the clinical setting to people struggling with substance abuse.
- Evaluate the validity and ethics of addictions counseling research studies and psychological practices.
- Create written documents regarding addictions counseling using APA style that are clear, well-organized, and grammatically accurate.
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Code : PSY-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Addiction Studies
Course Code : PSY-151
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
This course focuses on the addiction process, familiarizing students with various substances and the impact of addiction on the individual, the family and society. Addiction is examined from social, psychological and biological perspectives. Students are required to attend 15 addiction meetings.
Co requisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Intercultural Communication
Course Code : COM-115
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description :
This course provides a general orientation to and overview of the communication between cultures. The emphasis will be upon offering insight into how cultural differences and similarities impact upon the relationship between culture and communication. The focus will deal with the challenges of communication in a culturally diverse society and offer techniques for improving communication between members of different cultures.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Diversity and Multiculturalism in U.S. Society
Course Code : SOC-205
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An examination of the historical and contemporary experiences of the U.S.'s diverse and multicultural population, including cultural values, lifestyles, and contributions of a cross-section of diverse identitites, which include categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and disability status. Students apply a sociological perspective to policy issues regarding diversity and multiculturalism, as well as discuss how a person's status in each group influences his or her social interactions, rights and life chances.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : Abnormal Psychology
Course Code : PSY-235
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
A multidisciplinary approach to the problems of, mental health and illness stressing the role of, physical, psychological, and sociological forces, as causative factors in personality disturbances.
Prerequisites :
PSY-123 or permission of department chair
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Substance Abuse: Pharmacology
Course Code : PSY-251
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An introduction to basic effects and neurophysiology of substance use, abuse and dependence. Socio-cultural and psychological perspectives are addressed, with additional emphases on the biomedical, socio-cultural and psychological perspectives.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Counseling Theories and Techniques
Course Code : PSY-257
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Students learn about the various theoretical approaches in counseling psychology. Counseling interventions grounded in theory and research are explored and applied to individuals, groups and families.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Community and Agency Counseling
Course Code : PSY-252
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
This course will familiarize students with the agencies and other resources available within the local community, particularly as they relate to addiction. The role of consultation and effective referral strategies is emphasized. Students are required to attend 15 addiction meetings.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Addiction Counseling
Course Code : PSY-264
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
This course focuses on counseling interventions intended to assist individuals involved with substances and their families. Ethical and legal aspects of counseling are discussed. The importance of educating clients and being familiar with community resources is emphasized. Students are required to complete 50 hours of fieldwork.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : Addiction Studies Practicum
Course Code : PSY-265
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Students will apply skills learned from prior addiction studies coursework through a supervised practicum experience of 250 hours throughout the semester.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge in addictions counseling as evidenced by discussing the key addictions theories, classic research studies, and recent trends in addictions.
- Apply their foundational knowledge of addictions counseling in the clinical setting to people struggling with substance abuse.
- Evaluate the validity and ethics of addictions counseling research studies and psychological practices.
- Create written documents regarding addictions counseling using APA style that are clear, well-organized, and grammatically accurate.
