M.S. in Addiction Studies Graduate Program
Graduate Program Director, Shane Murphy, discusses the WCSU MS in Addiction Studies program on the Connecticut Certification Board Scope of Practice podcast

Applications for the M.S. in Addiction Studies Program for Fall, 2023, opened on October 15, 2022.
Applications can be completed online at https://www.wcsu.edu/graduate/application/. NOTE: Please email Dr. Shane Murphy at murphys@wcsu.edu if you are interested in more information about applying.
Selected candidates are invited for interviews. The program actively recruits students who represent a variety of cultures, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students accepted into the program are guaranteed a place for Fall 2023 if accepted before March 31, 2023. Applications are accepted after that date on a rolling basis until all places in the program are filled.
For information, call the Addiction Studies program at (203) 837-8459. Please allow some time for our response.
Advanced Standing Option
WCSU Psychology majors who complete three undergraduate courses in Substance Use Counseling (out of PSY 392, 393, 394, 395) and who complete an undergraduate internship can apply for Advanced Standing and complete the program in 30-31 credits rather than 37. Read about the Advanced Standing Program here.
This opportunity is also available to applicants to the MS program who have completed a Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) program at a Connecticut Community College, such as Manchester Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, or Gateway Community college.
HRSA Grant supports the WCSU MS in Addiction Studies Program
The M.S. in Addiction Studies was awarded a major HRSA Grant to support student placements at integrated care sites for opioid treatment and prevention from 2019 to 2023. For more information on the M.S graduate program in Psychology, listen to Graduate Coordinator Shane Murphy interviewed on WSCU’s 411 Podcast series here.


Program Overview
The WCSU M.S. in Addiction Studies gives students the skills to understand the development and maintenance of substance use disorders and related problems and the effective behavioral change interventions to treat them. Graduates will be able to develop and implement individual treatment plans, lead effective group counseling, counsel clients with substance use disorders and related problems, understand current research and practice in the psychopharmacology of addiction and medication assisted treatment, and work with families and community agencies to implement behavior change and develop effective prevention programs. Graduates will be given the preparation needed to be community leaders in substance use disorders treatment and prevention.
A copy of our program brochure is available: WCSU Program Brochure
Job Prospects
Clinical Faculty
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Licensure Requirements for alcohol and drug counselors
Internship Sites
Course Descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions