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Program Overview
Our Addiction Studies technical diploma allows you to specialize in the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the field of addiction and recovery. The diploma is a sequence of courses within the Human Services Associate Degree Program.
This course sequence is approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services in the State of Wisconsin to fulfill the 360 educational hour requirement necessary for licensure as a substance abuse counselor (SAC) or clinical substance abuse counselor (CSAC). During the program you will be able to apply for SAC-IT (substance abuse counselor in training) certification.
The Addiction Studies courses introduce you to concepts in the field of substance use disorders and addiction counseling. It also emphasizes areas required by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
You will explore areas of assessment, case management, counseling, education and professional responsibility. You will also develop and apply the skills necessary to work in a variety of agency settings offering treatment and recovery services.
Completion of the Addiction Studies Technical Diploma prepares you to provide evidence-based, ethical and culturally competent treatment and recovery services to diverse populations.
Program Details
Students in the Addiction Studies program can attend full or part-time.
Addiction studies classes may be offered at the Madison South campus.
Careers
Completion of the technical diploma offers students the opportunity to apply for licensure in the State of Wisconsin as a substance abuse counselor (SAC) or clinical substance abuse counselor (CSAC). Diploma graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of addiction and recovery including:
- Case Manager
- Intake Worker
- Residential Treatment Attendant
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Required Courses10-520-117Interviewing
Students learn principles and techniques needed to conduct informational and supportive interviews. Students practice interviewing skills during class.3 credits10-520-135Issues in Addiction
Provides students with a basic understanding of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Emphasizes historical and social perspectives on drug use, trends of use and legal and social responses to illicit drug use. Additionally, this course provides an accurate description of the effects of psychoactive drugs, identifies methods of substance abuse treatment and introduces the student to local treatment services.3 credits10-520-106Orientation to Human Services Populations
Introduces social problems that contribute to the dysfunction of individuals, groups, families and communities. Addresses problems, needs, conditions and events that bring people to human service organizations.3 credits10-520-141Introduction to Community Mental Health
Introduces the major diagnostic categories of mental illness, with a focus on the psychiatric management of these mental illnesses. Examines the unique treatment needs of people who have a coexisting psychiatric-disorder and substance-abuse problem.3 credits10-520-142Psychopharmacology
This course uses a bio-psycho-social framework to explore the use and misuse of psychoactive drugs. We will learn about the interactions between chemicals and neurons, the psychological and physiological effects on the individual, the impact the individual has on society and the role culture may have on substance misuse and treatment. In addition,we will explore topics relating to biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, chemistry and further our understanding on history, law, sociology and the political climate. The intent of this course is to instill a better understanding of why people use drugs, what effects drugs have on people, the intersections of the individual within the larger systems and various treatment approaches.3 credits10-520-136Counseling Addiction
Trains students in basic listening and responding skills, familiarizes students with the 12 core functions performed by AODA counselors (screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports, record keeping and consultation) and provides a structured learning environment in which students can develop skills in these core functions.3 credits10-520-116Group Work Skills
Students learn principles and techniques needed to lead informational and supportive groups based on the solution- focused model. Students practice group work skills during class.3 credits10-520-157Human Services Counseling Skills
Introduces basic concepts of ego counseling, Rogerian counseling, transactional analysis, rational-emotive therapy, reality therapy, narrative therapy and solution focused therapy. Covers how counseling theories identify and define problems, explain personality development and treat problem situations.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Addiction Studies program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 50 spots each Fall. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Addiction Studies career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Reading and Writing (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
Additional Education
Submit official transcripts that demonstrate one of the following:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher in a human-service related field
- Active in an associate degree or higher in a human-service related field
- In rare circumstances, additional experience and education may be considered. Contact the School of Human and Protective Services for more information.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Addiction Studies program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Develop and maintain supportive, strengths-based helping relationships that foster growth and problem solving for clients seeking recovery services.
- Apply skills to the development of individualized care, treatment plans and interventions in individual, family and community settings.
- Demonstrate advocacy and professional and ethical standards.
- Provide services in a culturally competent manner.
- Develop respectful relationships with staff, clients, families and communities.
- Demonstrate effective oral communication with staff, clients and families.
- Communicate clearly in written reports and maintain clinical records per agency and state requirements.
- Demonstrate case management, referral and community educational skills in areas such as prevention, treatment and recovery information.
- Demonstrate assessment and treatment knowledge, skills and strategies for people with addiction and mental health issues.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 29 38 24 Number of Surveys Sent 29 38 24 Number of Surveys Returned 21 30 20 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 11 7 11 Percent Available for Employment 52.4% 23.3% 55.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 47.6% 76.7% 35.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 10 6 10 Percent of Graduates Employed 90.9% 85.7% 90.9% Employed in Related Occupation 7 3 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 70.0% 50.0% 50.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 3 3 5 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 30.0% 50.0% 50.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 1 1 Percent Seeking Employment 9.1% 14.3% 9.1% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.5 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 16 13 14 Very Satisfied (4) 10 9 10 Percent Very Satisfied 62.5% 69.2% 71.4% Satisfied (3) 6 3 3 Percent Satisfied 37.5% 23.1% 21.4% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 1 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 7.7% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 21 30 20 Preparation for Getting a Job 2 5 4 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 9.5% 16.7% 20.0% Career Change 6 4 5 Percent Career Change 28.6% 13.3% 25.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 2 1 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 9.5% 3.3% 5.0% Preparation for Further Education 10 18 9 Percent Preparation for Further Education 47.6% 60.0% 45.0% Personal Interest 0 2 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 6.7% 5.0% Other 1 0 0 Percent Other 4.8% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 10 6 10 Before Enrollment 5 3 1 Percent Before Enrollment 50.0% 50.0% 10.0% While Attending the College 4 0 4 Percent While Attending the College 40.0% 0.0% 40.0% After Training at the College 1 3 5 Percent After Training at the College 10.0% 50.0% 50.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 10 6 12 In College District 9 5 8 Percent In College District 90.0% 83.3% 66.7% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 2 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 16.7% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 2 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 16.7% 16.7% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 4 3 4 Average Monthly Wage $4,100 $3,576 $3,572 Average Hourly Wage $23.84 $20.79 $20.77 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 41.7 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 2 1 Average Hourly Wage $20.00 $20.00 Average Work Hours per Week 30.0 12.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions ASAP Addiction Services and Pharmacotherapy Substance Abuse Counselor Culver's Case Manager Milwaukee Jovie of Milwaukee Nanny Thiensville Madison Recovery Center Substance Abuse Counselor In Training Madison Recovery Center Substance Abuse Counselor * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
