GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN
DRUG AND ADDICTION STUDIES

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 meeting this need for qualified personnel, the University of South Carolina offers the Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies. This pamphlet provides a brief description of the program, the curriculum, and application and contact information.

The Program

The Graduate Certificate Program in Drug and Addiction Studies was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in 2003. The Program is administered by the College of Social Work. It provides post-baccalaureate students with opportunities to develop broad competencies in preparation for employment in a range of fields addressing alcohol and drug-related problems. Students may pursue the Certificate independently or in conjunction with another graduate course of study.

The Program is interdisciplinary, involving faculty and courses from several academic departments, including criminology and criminal justice, public health, medicine, social work, and psychology. The Program’s faculty is composed of professionals and researchers prepared to provide students with a range of knowledge in the areas of education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement, both in traditional classroom and experiential contexts. The Program is designed for completion in three to four academic semesters during which students gain a broad perspective on the alcohol and drug field through the core curriculum and then specialize in one of three areas of emphasis – counseling, research, or prevention.

The Curriculum

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.

Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addictions Studies (18 hours)

Fifty percent of all courses taken have to be at the 700 level or higher.

All students are required to take SOWK 758 Family Dynamics of Substance Abuse and two of the following:

• SOWK 752 Social Work Intervention in Substance Abuse

• HPEB 742 Alcohol, Drugs, and Public Health Policy

• HPEB 540 Drug Education

• HPEB 542 Tobacco Prevention & Control in Public Health

• PSYC 503 Psychology of Drug Use and Effects

Two additional electives are required.  Electives are approved by the student’s academic advisor and are chosen according to the student’s area of professional interest.

A 3 credit-hour internship or practicum is required for all students and may be arranged through any of the participating disciplines. Examples of internships include appointments with local agencies involved with drug issues or work on an active research project. Faculty mentors work closely with students to help them secure the practicum.

How to Apply

All students must apply through the University of South Carolina Graduate School, including students already enrolled at the USC in a separate graduate course of study. Applications should list “Graduate Certificate Program in Drug and Addiction Studies” on the application form under degree pursued. The Program accepts applications on a rolling basis (students may begin the Program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

All students are required to take either the MAT or the GRE and achieve an acceptable score.

For more information about the application process, consult the Graduate School’s website at http://www.gradschool.sc.edu.

For Additional Information:

Dr. Nancy K. Brown, Director
Graduate Certificate Program in
Drug and Addiction Studies
College of Social Work
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Phone: (803) 777-3511
Email: nancy.brown@sc.edu