Chemical Dependency Minor

A Chemical Dependency minor provides you greater understanding of this complex and vitally important area of health and how to help those in need of guidance and support. Substance abuse counselors:

  • Develop, recommend and review treatment goals and plans with clients and their families;
  • Assist clients in developing skills and behaviors necessary to recover from their addiction; and,
  • Work with clients to identify behaviors or situations that interfere with their recovery.

Twenty credits including the following:

  • PPT 410* - Drugs Subject to Abuse (2)
  • SOC 355 - Drugs and Society (3)
  • SWK 315* - Substance Use and Abuse (2)

Thirteen credits from the following:

  • COUN 529*^ - Dynamics of Addiction (3)
  • COUN 250* - Dialogue on Diversity in US Society (3)
  • IS 311 - Health and American Indian Cultures (3)
  • PPT 499* - Readings in Pharm and Toxicology (1-4)
  • PSYC 360* - Introduction to Personality (3)
  • PSYC 270* - Abnormal Psychology (3)
  • SOC 115 - Social Problems (3)
  • SOC 335* - The Family (3)
  • RHS 309 - Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disability (3)
  • T&L 350* - Development & Education of the Adolescent (3) OR CJ 430* - Developmental Perspectives on Adolescent Problem Behavior (3)

* Course required for licensing in addiction counseling.
^ Student must be senior status or graduate level to enroll in this course.

Addiction Counselor Training Program

The Department of Social Work is designated as an Addiction Counselor Training Program by the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners. Students who complete required courses within the minor meet the education requirements to apply for licensing in addiction counseling in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, following the completion of a practicum in a certified addiction facility.

Students must apply for admittance into a board approved Clinical Training Program. Applications are accepted once per year on February 1, and if admitted to this competitive program, the 960 hour practicum begins the following fall semester.

Students are admitted to this training on two levels. The first level includes social work majors who also complete the minor in Chemical Dependency (required courses for licensing in addiction counseling, or their equivalent) and the 25 week long practicum in the Clinical Training Program. Students must meet all requirements for a social work major in addition to the minor requirements and the addiction practicum requirement. This generally involves a five-year program of study. For more information regarding this program, please contact Bruce Reeves (bruce.reeves@UND.edu).

The second level relates to graduate students in Counseling who must meet the required graduate program of study, the required addiction courses, and 700 hours of practicum. For more complete details, please contact Bruce Reeves (bruce.reeves@UND.edu) or the Department of Counseling.