For more information please contact Dr. Brooks Gump, 315-443-2208, bbgump@syr.edu

The 24 credit hour Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Addiction Studies provides an intensive concentration of coursework on the biology, psychology and cross-cultural sociology of addictions for students enrolled in the following Syracuse University graduate programs:

• M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (School of Education)
• Ph.D. Counseling and Counselor Education (School of Education)
• M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy (Falk College)
• M.S.W. Social Work (Falk College)

The CAS in Addiction Studies addresses one of society’s major problems and provides students with opportunities to develop competencies in preparation for employment in a number of fields dealing with substance abuse, gambling, and related behavioral addictions. Students are exposed to broad perspectives in the addictions field through the core curriculum, and may subsequently apply their courses toward their professional fields to expand employment and placement opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are one of the fastest-growing fields of practice today. Upon completion of the Addiction Studies Certificate of Advanced Studies, students will have met the educational training requirements for initial certification as a New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and CASAC in Training (CASAC-T).

Note that certification as a CASAC is a NY State credential managed by OASAS, not Syracuse University. In addition to the education requirements met by our Addiction Studies Program OASAS requires 2,000 hours (~ 1 year full time) supervised work experience for CASAC exam eligibility.