MSAC Curriculum and Outcomes
Catalog, Program Curriculum, and Academic Calendar
The catalog and listing of curricular content for each educational program in the Department of Clinical Counseling and Mental Health are available for download as a PDF file at the following website address: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/catalog.aspxAccreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), exists, in part, “to promote high standards of graduate preparation in counseling.” Effective through March 2029, CACREP has conferred accreditation on the following areas:Addiction Counseling (M.S. degree), Online delivery method;Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S. degree), Online delivery method;Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S. degree), Online delivery method;Endorsement for Credentials
In order to successfully complete the program and be endorsed for any relevant certifications or licensure, students must demonstrate academic performance and professional dispositions meeting or exceeding department standards. These standards are applicable across settings, including: classes, advising sessions, clinical sites, and all verbal and written communication.Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center forwards the mission of the University by providing a practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of diverse communities, especially in rural settings. We are committed to preparing entry-level addiction counselors to work competently and ethically through the mastery of evidence-based counseling practices. Our focus centers on understanding the unique needs of persons with substance use and behavioral health disorders across their lifespans in the community, workplace, personal relationships, and activities.Program Goals
The goal of the program is to prepare counselors with the counseling knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assist clients with substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, and/or addictions to use their own resources and opportunities to meet their developmental, educational, and interpersonal needs. To accomplish this goal, the program provides educational and practical experiences that allow students to meet the following knowledge and outcome expectations:The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:- Educational experiences facilitate the development of the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to practice as qualified addiction counselors with a diverse population in a wide variety of contexts.
- Learning opportunities to support the ability to implement culturally responsive and ethically sound counseling practices throughout their careers, and to advocate for individuals with addiction concerns and the profession.
- Clinical training experiences focused on translating acquired knowledge, attitudes, and skills into evidence-based practice in a wide range of real-world opportunities.
The MSAC program strives to accomplish our mission, goals, and objectives by:- Recruiting, educating, and graduating a diverse population of students who are prepared to provide addiction counseling services in a variety of employment settings.
- Providing a rigorous academic environment that provides a solid foundation to prepare entry-level addiction counselors who meet national certification standards.
- Working closely with the public and private counseling communities to ensure well-trained graduates are considered valued employees.
- Developing a faculty that is valued by our students and the counseling community for our teaching, research, and service.
- Achieving the highest quality program possible within the constraints of available financial, human, technological, and time resources.
- Developing commitment within students to empower individuals with substance use and/or behavioral disorders to identify and maximize their resources to meet their health-related, developmental, vocational, and educational goals.
Certification and Licensure
Upon completion of the MSAC program, graduates will possess the competencies and experiences necessary to pursue certification or licensure as a counselor. These certifications are important, and at times essential, in furthering the graduate's career. As with most professional certifications, these credentials are not automatically acquired by completion of the academic program. Rather, the completion of scholastic work and attainment of the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling makes the graduate eligible to apply for various certifications and licensure in many states. National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC):
The NCAC is considered the leading, addiction-specific, counseling certification. The certification is offered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) and a variety of levels of certification are available. Each credential has a different set of standards to reflect the counselor’s knowledge and experience level.Further information is available about the NCAC credential by contacting:
National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals
44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-741-7686
https://www.naadac.org/certificationNational Certified Counselor (NCC):
The NCC is the premier counseling certification and offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Board certification demonstrates to colleagues and the public that you have voluntarily met high national standards for the practice of counseling. NCCs may also hold specialty certifications such as the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC).Further information is available about the NCC by contacting:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Inc. and Affiliates
3 Terrace Way, Greensboro, NC 27403
336-547-0607
https://www.nbcc.org/Certification/NCCState Licensure:
Graduates of the MSAC program will also be eligible for licensure in many states. Various examples of professional counseling licenses that graduates may qualify for are: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), depending upon the state. For more information about specific requirements and qualifications, please contact your respective state counselor licensure board.The following website provides helpful resources and links: https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements
