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2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin
Columbia Campus
   
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2018-2019 Graduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Drug and Addiction Studies, Certificate


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Introduction

There is an increasing demand from industry, education, social services, criminal justice, treatment centers, and research institutes for staff trained in drug and addiction studies. To meet this need for qualified personnel, the University of South Carolina offers the Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to recognize the impact of addiction as being based in biological, sociological, and psychological processes. 
  • Students will be able to identify important components of good practice for people with addictions. 
  • Students will be able to list the unique properties of different substances, including but not limited to:  alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and nicotine. 
  • Students will be able to describe the effects of chemical dependency on families
  • Students will be able to recognize the special needs of different groups affected by chemical addictions:  women, GLBT persons, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, older adults,  adolescents, people living in poverty, and the mentally ill chemical abuser (MICA). 

Admissions Criteria

In order to be admitted to the Graduate Certificate Program in Drug and Addiction Studies, the applicant must submit the following to The Graduate School:

  • graduate application form
  • two letters of reference from professors or employers
  • an official transcript from each college or university previously attended

If the student has already applied or been admitted to a graduate program at this University, previously submitted materials will be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that all required application materials have been received.

Admission to the Certificate program is on a selective basis and is determined by the academic preparation and personal qualifications of the applicant. The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below a 3.00 must submit official GRE scores. Successful applicants typically have a combined score of 800 on the GRE taken prior to August 2011 (286 on the current GRE), or a score of “4” on the analytical writing portion of the current general GRE. (The GRE is NOT required of applicants who have earned a master’s degree.)

How to Apply

All students must apply through the University of South Carolina Graduate School, including students already enrolled at the UofSC in a separate graduate course of study other than social work. Applications should list “Graduate Certificate Program in Drug and Addiction Studies” on the application form under degree pursued. NOTE: Students in the Social Work program may request “Concurrent Enrollment” by contacting the Program Director. The Program accepts applications on a rolling basis (students may begin the Program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters).

For Additional Information:
Nancy K. Brown, PhD, MSW, LISW-CP, CASAC, ICADC
Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies Program
College of Social Work
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Phone: (803) 622-2573 work cell
(803) 777-3511
nancyb@mailbox.sc.edu

Certificate Requirements (18 Hours)

The College of Social Work administers the Graduate Certificate Program in Drug and Addiction Studies. This is an 18-credit hour, interdisciplinary program. The goals of the program are to impart basic knowledge in prevention, education, treatment, and research and to offer the opportunity to develop competence in this subspecialty.

All students are required to take:


Note:


Students are also required to engage in a learning activity for 3 credits in order to complete their program of study. Students who have a practicum as part of their graduate education may transfer 3 practicum credits. Students who are independently enrolled will engage in a practicum independent study that is approved by the Program Director. The student will take two additional electives to complete the 18 credit certificate program.

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