Addiction Studies (Vancouver only)

A minor in addiction studies requires  19 or 21 credits. Track 1 (professional certification, 21 credits): comprises coursework primarily in the Department of Psychology and is aimed at preparing students for certification as chemical substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) in Washington State. Track 2 (addictions research, 19 credits): geared toward students preparing for graduate study in research careers in clinical and health psychology, as well as public policy emphasizing the study of addictive behaviors.  The minor must include 9 credits of upper-division work taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses.

Track 1:
This track comprises coursework based primarily in the Department of Psychology. It aims to prepare students for certification as substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) in Washington State. The minor provides theoretical and practical training in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive behaviors. It is important to note that courses in Track 1, taken by themselves, address only a subset of these competencies. To obtain certification requires additional coursework and relevant practicum experience.
 

Track 1 requires a minimum of 21 semester credits, which must include the following:

Required Courses (15 credits):
• PSYCH 110
• PSYCH 265
• PSYCH 333
• PSYCH 342
• PSYCH 442

Elective Courses (choose two of the following; 6 credits):

• PSYCH 320
• PSYCH 390
• PSYCH 440
• PSYCH 444
• PSYCH 468
• CRM J 428
• SOC 368

Track 2:
This track prepares students for graduate training in research careers emphasizing the empirical study of addictive behaviors (e.g., clinical and health psychology, public health and policy). To ensure completion, students must commit to this track no later than the beginning of their junior year (i.e., with 4 semesters remaining at WSUV). Track 2 culminates in an independent research project under the supervision of a Psychology faculty member.

 
Track 2 requires a minimum of 19 semester credits, which must include the following:

Required Courses (16 credits)
• PSYCH 265
• PSYCH 312
• PSYCH 333
• PSYCH 498:  Must work in at least one research lab for a minimum of 2 semesters.
• PSYCH 499 (2 credits min.):  Student will produce a final independent product (e.g., grant application, review paper, research project) related to addiction or related topics. Student must identify a mentor willing to work with them no later than the end of their junior year.
 

Electives (3 credits)
• PSYCH 390
• PSYCH 342
• PSYCH 468
• CRM J 428
• SOC 368