Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling CTS

Certificate of Technical Studies

Contact: Dr Elfie Neber

Program Website

The Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling CTS degree is offered online and onsite.

This program is not a financial aid eligible program.  Please talk to your advisor about your options.

This program will allow individuals with a bachelor's or advanced degree in either Alcohol & Drug Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychiatric Rehabilitation or Community Health to complete the required course work to become licensed addictions counselor in the state of Montana without needing to enroll in the AA on Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling degree.

For more information on other degrees offered for Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling, visit the catalog pages for the Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling AA. 

Graduates are prepared to:

• Demonstrate entry level skill set needed to perform the duties of a licensed addictions counselor candidate and pass the licensing exam.
• Describe the interaction between mental health and addiction and the scope of practice for an addictions' counselor.
• Practice under the NAADAC code of ethics and understand the legal, ethical and professional issues facing addictions counselors.
• Incorporate knowledge about cultural and socioeconomic factors and how they impact the treatment and recovery process in their practice as addictions counselors.
• Identify treatment and recovery resources in the community and understand how to use these resources to support clients in their recovery.

Estimated Resident Program Cost*

Estimated Resident Program Cost

Item	Cost
Tuition and Fees	$4,028
Books/Supplies	$2,132
Total	$6,160

*

Fall 2025 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website and/or Student Central for confirmed premium rates.

Prerequisite:

Baccalaureate or advanced degree from an appropriately accredited college or university in one of the following areas: alcohol and drug studies; psychology; sociology, social work; counseling, human services; psychiatric rehabilitation; or community health.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
CAS 140	Addictions and Diversity +	3
CAS 242	Fundamentals of Substance Abuse and Addiction *,+	3
CAS 243	Substance Abuse Counseling I *,+	3
CAS 254	Co-Occurring Disorders-Assessment &Treatment Planning *,+	2
CAS 231	Pharmacology/Addictions *,+	3
	Credits	14
Spring
CAS 248	Substance Abuse Counseling II *,+	3
CAS 250	Assessment and Case Management Processes *,+	4
CAS 252	Gambling and Game Disorders in Substance Abuse Counseling *,+	2
CAS 260	Addiction Assessment/Documentation *,+	3
CAS 279	Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Substance Abuse Counseling *,+	2
	Credits	14
	Total Credits	28

+

A grade of C- or above is required for graduation.

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

**

Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment.