Addiction Counseling

When you major in Addiction Counseling at St. Cloud State you learn to help people at the toughest crossroads of their lives. Our classes and field work experiences introduce you to the best ways to help those with alcohol, tobacco, drug, gambling and other process addictions.

Your experiences in service learning, coursework and internship will teach you to develop individual treatment plans and a person-centered, individualized approach to recovery. You'll learn assessment, early intervention and prevention methods for individuals, families and groups that will prepare you for private and public work in addiction counseling. 

Program Highlights

  • Upon graduation, you will have completed the academic requirements for Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) licensure
  • Programming prepares you for graduate degrees in other counseling or psychology related programs
  • You will be prepared to work in hospitals, community mental health centers, treatment centers and schools
  • Option to intern at a number of distinctive treatment programs across Minnesota 

Program Distinctions

  • Promotes a person-centered and individualized approach to treating addiction, which includes both traditional abstinence-based treatment and harm reduction 
  • Curriculum incorporates cross-cultural competency throughout coursework and includes education and training opportunities to work with a variety of specialized populations
  • St. Cloud State's Alcohol Diversion Program earned the Association of Student Conduct Administrators' (ASCA) 2013 Innovative Program of the Year award

Student Organizations

Popular Careers

  • Chemical Dependency Counselor
  • Marriage/Family Counselor
  • School Counselor
  • Addictions Counselor
  • Behavior Analysis Specialist
  • Community Counselor

University Facts & Stats

  • 99% of Addiction Counseling graduates employed

  • $106 million in scholarships loans and grants

  • 39 Education Abroad programs offered

  • Among Forbes' "America's Top Colleges" 

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