The Substance Use and Addictions Specialist (SUAS) program at UNC School of Social Work follows a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework that is strengths-based, culturally competent, and gender sensitive across the life span. The curriculum focuses on prevention, intervention and treatment.
The LCAS credential requires 180 hours of education specific to substance abuse. To fulfill this requirement, students earn 12 credit hours in SUAS-approved coursework and complete required clinical hours through a field placement in the second year. Master’s students register for these courses as part of their degree program.
Required Courses
All SUAS students complete three required courses (10.5 credit hours total):
- SOWO 700, Treatment Foundations for Problematic Substance Use and Process Addictions (3 credit hours, summer or fall)
- SOWO 760, Clinical Practice with Addictive Disorders (3 credit hours)
- SOWO 761, Practice with Diverse Populations Affected by Addiction (3 credit hours)
- SOWO 831, Substance Use Policy (1.5 credit hours, March-May)
In addition, each SUAS student must complete one elective course totaling 1.5 credit hours. The student may choose the elective courses from these SUAS-approved options:
Elective Course Options, Fall Semester
- SOWO TBD, Psychedelics (1.5 credit hours)
Elective Course Options, Spring Semester
- SOWO 764, Motivational Interviewing for the Treatment of Addictive and Mental Health Disorders (1.5 credit hours, January-March or March-May)
Elective Course Options, Summer Term
- SOWO 764, Motivational Interviewing for the Treatment of Addictive and Mental Health Disorders (1.5 credit hours)
Field Placement
Each SUAS student must complete a field placement in mental health and addiction with an approved certified clinical supervisor during their second year of study.
Course availability may vary from year to year. Please consult the current course schedule to determine the exact time a course will be offered.
