Our Master of Science in Addiction Counseling Program
The MSAC Program is currently enrolling students. The program encourages applicants from diverse populations and backgrounds. The program was established and founded in Spring of 2017. The TTUHSC Addiction Counseling program is one of the first counselor education programs in the United States to train practitioners simultaneously in clinical counseling skills and distance service provision techniques.
Opportunities for employment and professional growth in the field of Addiction Counseling
are numerous and growing steadily. The demand for qualified addiction counselors is
especially high. A critical shortage of addiction counselors exists throughout the
State of Texas and is projected to worsen over the next 10 years. The behavioral healthcare
industry is growing rapidly, nationwide, due to recent changes in federal legislation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for addiction counselors to grow
by 22% from 2012 to 2024.
Using the latest in distance education approaches, the MSAC program is available to individuals throughout Texas, the United States, and the world. This program is particularly designed for students who are currently working full time or cannot undertake graduate studies in a traditional on-site, brick and mortar setting. The TTUHSC Master of Science in Addiction Counseling has as an integral part of the curricula an emphasis on telehealth. This model of distance based service provision is a cutting edge technique growing in practice and acceptance nationwide. Building upon the existing strengths of the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural Health at TTUHSC graduates will receive a certificate in telehealth. Students are NOT required to attend a physical classroom.
Program Accreditation
The MSAC program is applying for accreditation with the Council for Accreditation fo Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students entering the MSAC program will complete a 60 hour program of study. Graduates of the MSAC program will be eligible to pursue certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and be able to apply for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in many states.
State Authorization
For TTUHSC School of Health Professions to offer online courses in a state other than Texas, TTUHSC must first comply with that state's requirements. These requirements differ from state to state, with requirements being more rigorous and expensive in some states than others. TTUHSC SHP continually works to maintain authorization to offer online courses in all states. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (806-743-3220, health.professions@ttuhsc.edu) for additional information.
University and Program Accreditation
A member of the Texas Tech University System, TTUHSC has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) as a separate institution from Texas Tech University since 2004. TTUHSC received its reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC in 2009. The next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2019. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The commission should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement standard.