Metropolitan State College of Denver

What you'll study

The program mixes core counseling theory, specialty addiction content, clinical skills and research methods. Topics and courses listed in the program include:

• Ethics and professional practice: Advanced Ethical Practice (BHAM 5001).
• Foundations of counseling: Social & Cultural Foundations / Multicultural Counseling (BHAM 5002); Development Across the Lifespan (BHAM 5003); Theory & Techniques in Helping Relationships (BHAM 5005); Group Counseling Theory & Techniques (BHAM 5006); Career Counseling (BHAM 5004).
• Addictions-focused coursework: Addiction Counseling, Intervention, & Prevention I & II (BHAM 5009, BHAM 5010); Family Systems & Addictions (BHAM 5015); Trauma‑Informed Care (BHAM 5016).
• Clinical practice and supervision: Practicum I (BHAM 5020) plus Clinical Supervision & Advocacy (BHAM 5011).
• Assessment and treatment planning: Diagnosis & Treatment Planning (BHAM 5012); Psychopharmacology, Neurobiology, & Infectious Diseases (BHAM 5014).
• Research and measurement: Research & Evaluation (BHAM 5008); Statistical Analysis (BHAM 5013).

Entry requirements

The program posts application windows and deadlines on its site. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are closed; Fall 2027 applications open mid‑September and close March 30, 2027, with an early‑bird deadline listed (December 15, 2026). Specific academic prerequisites and admissions criteria are provided on the program application materials and should be consulted directly.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for clinical roles in addiction treatment, mental health settings, prevention and recovery services. The program explicitly aims to ready students for Colorado licensure pathways (LAC and LPC). Program goals include measured employment and licensure outcomes—targets cited are at least 50% of graduates meeting licensure or certification candidacy requirements within one year and 70% obtaining relevant employment within six months—alongside competency targets for clinical readiness.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The source material does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should explore institutional graduate funding, department awards, external scholarships for counseling/addictions studies, employer tuition benefits, and federal student aid options.