Revised 7/08
Level II Regential Form
Attach to full proposal for level II changes.
I Summary of Proposed Changes
Applied Arts & Sciences, College of Technology, The University of
Department/program
Montana, Missoula
Summary
Proposed: Associate of Arts Degree Addiction Studies
per the MCA Title 37, Chapter 35, Licensure of Addiction
Counselors.
To comply with Montana Code Annotated, the University of
Montana College of Technology proposes the Associates of Arts
Degree Licensed Addictions Counseling Studies.
II Preliminary Approval
Requestor:
Type/Print Name Signature
Linda Eagleheart
Thomas, Ph.D.
Phone
Department/Program Chair:
406 243 7906
Cathy Corr, M.A.
Other affected programs:
None
Date
Initial Review in Provost’s Office
Dean
Barry Good
Dean of the Library
Library impact statement: Are the resources included in the proposal sufficient to
adequately support the new programs library needs?
III Type of Program Change (check X appropriate description)
Create new degree; add new major to existing degree
Create minor or certificate where major does not exist
Change name of degree
X
IV Proposal (See instructions at http://www.umt.edu/provost/curriculum.htm)
Attach the following:
 Full Proposal
 BOR Level II Program Change Request
 Item Template
 Cover/Signature Page
V Copies and Electronic Submission
Submit the complete Level II proposal to the Provost’s Office for preliminary approval.
After all signatures have been obtained submit original, one copy, and an electronic file to
the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt,.edu
DRAFT
LEVEL II BOARD OF REGENTS ITEMS
______________________________________
Curriculum Proposals
Revised 7/08
1. Overview
The department of Applied Arts & Sciences is proposing to offer an Associate of
Arts degree in Licensed Addiction Counselor Studies. This program will
prepare students for the workforce in response to the community's growing needs.
In order to respond to requests from the community in the Missoula and outlying
areas, UMCOT is proposing an Associate of Arts –Licensed Addiction Counselor
program that will partly address the growing need for counselors in this area. This
program will provide meaningful employment with livable wages and excellent
benefits for community residents.
The state of Montana Code Annotated (Title 37, and Chapter 35) which states
that:
(a) 37-35-101. Purpose. The legislature finds and declares that because
the profession of addiction counseling profoundly affects the lives of
people of this state, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the
common good by ensuring the ethical, qualified, and professional
practice of addiction counseling. This chapter and the rules
promulgated under 37-35-103 set standards of qualification, education,
training, and experience and establish professional ethics for those
who seek to engage in the practice of addiction counseling as licensed
addiction counselors.
(b) 37-35-202. Licensure requirements A person may apply for
licensure as a licensed addiction counselor if the person has:
(i) Received a baccalaureate or advanced degree in alcohol and drug
studies, psychology, sociology, social work, or counseling, or a
comparable degree from an accredited college or university;
(ii) OR received an associate of arts degree in alcohol and drug
studies, addiction, or substance abuse from an accredited
institution.
(iii)Prior to becoming eligible to begin the examination process, each
person shall complete supervised work experience in an addiction
treatment program as defined by the department, in an internship
approved by the department, or in a similar program recognized
under the laws of another state.
(iv) Each applicant shall successfully complete a competency
examination, in writing only, as defined by rules adopted by the
department.
(v) A person holding a license to practice as a licensed addiction
counselor in this state may use the title "licensed addiction
counselor"
Currently UMCOT Missoula has a general studies AA degree. We are requesting
approval of an exception to Regent Policy 301.12 allowing a designated Associate
of Arts degree in Licensed Addiction Counselor studies to be in compliance with
the Montana Code Annotated 37-35-202. Precedence for this request exists for
programs at Montana State University Billings.MSU Billings currently offers 4
areas of Associate of Arts degree, Applied Psychology, Education, General
Studies, and Rehabilitation and Related ServicesStudies (this includes substance
abuse and other addiction courses as well as tobacco prevention).
Revised 7/08
Students graduating from The University of Montana, COT, Missoula, with an
Associate of Arts in Licensed Addiction Counselor Studies will be considered
Licensed Addiction Counselor license eligible per the above MCA regulations.
2. Need
a. To what specific need is the institution responding in developing the
proposed program?
The purpose of the proposed AA degree in Licensed Addiction Counselor Studies
is to develop and strengthen the Montana Licensed Addiction Councilor
workforce which provides addiction treatments and recovery services to those
with chronic problems of addiction.
Addiction Counseling involves helping individuals addicted to drugs, alcohol,
food, gambling or other types of addictions. It endeavors to assist in the
identification of behaviors that led to the addiction. Counseling is done on an
individual basis, in a group setting and with the family members affected by the
addiction. In 70% of counseling situations conducted currently by marriage and
family counselors, social workers, and psychologists there are mental health
issues with addiction as contributing factor. Many mental health professionals do
not have training in addictions and may not treat the addictions that are presenting
during counseling. There are 23.6 million Americans nationally age 12 and older
who need treatment for alcohol or illicit drug problems, and yet only 10% who
receive treatment (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2007, NSDUH).
Two million people enter treatment each year, while twenty three million people
need treatment but do not get it.
Addiction is a chronic medical condition that requires continuing, comprehensive,
individualized care. The recent development of new programs to meet the needs
of individuals with methamphetamine addiction and the statewide initiative to
improve the state’s system of prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation of the
citizens of Montana who suffer from addiction and/or mental disorders is
evidence of the need for individuals trained in addictions to work with the evergrowing population in need of substance abuse counseling. Further, the
Department of Corrections is expanding community-based programs with an
identified need to provide substance abuse counseling and education. Finally,
there is a growing problem with veterans of the Iraqi war and a need for trained
counselors to work with the Veteran’s administration.
The current average age of a Licensed Addiction Councilor [LAC] work force is
47-54 years old. This mental health professional is an aging population who will
be leaving the workforce leaving a deficit in LACs for the growing addictions
problems nationwide (National Association Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council,
2009). In 2008 there were 18 approved licensed addiction treatment facilities
across Montana that provide both supervised work experience and employment
for graduates of the AA in Substance Abuse Counseling program.
b. How will students and any other affected constituencies be served by the
proposed program?
Revised 7/08
“Overall, the employment outlook of Addiction Counseling careers is good to
excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment outlook for
counselors in the field of Addiction Counseling that includes a 34% increase in
the number of jobs over the decade from 2006-2016. According to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of addiction counselors is anticipated to rise
from 83,000 in 2006 to 112,000 in 2016. The number of individuals seeking
treatment is expected to rise as society becomes more knowledgeable and
addiction therapy is more acceptable. Additionally, drug and alcohol offenders are
increasingly being sent to treatment centers in place of correctional
facilities.”(Retrieved from
http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_is_the_Employment_Outlook_for_Addic
tion_Counseling_Careers.html, 8/2009)



The Montana Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 80% of all jobs in
Montana can be filled with a two-year Associate's degree or less.
Studies estimate a shortage of approximately 21 million workers over the
next 15 years. Jobs that require two-year degrees are already in high
demand and offer great starting salaries.
Worldwide, the driving force for higher education has shifted to skilled
knowledge and its use. This trend strengthens the real-world value of twoyear programs.
This proposed program satisfies the requirement of lowering cost in education,
while providing a substantially high demand career with excellent starting
salaries. There is no program in the state of Montana that is training for Addiction
Counseling that includes the addictions of food, gambling and pornography. This
program will be unique in that it will be training students in addictions beyond
chemical dependency as do most programs in Montana.
c. What is the anticipated demand for the program? How was this
determined?
In addition to a demand nationally for an increased workforce in LAC, as well as
a growing population, a high demand for this program exists. According to the
Salary averages published by payscale.com, an LAC can expect to earn a median
income of $32000 from 1-4 years of experience [retrieved from
www.payscale.com/research/us/job=Licensed_Addiction_Counselor_(LAC)/Salar
y, 02/06/2009.]
The spring semester of 2009 there were informal discussions with students about
the potential for a new program at the University Of Montana College Of
Technology. There are currently 35 students who are taking the recommended
courses that would satisfy the requirements of the degree if the proposal is
approved by the BOR. Dr. Tim Conley of the Department of Social Work is
formally referring students, who are inquiring about his post baccalaureate online
program, to the Department of Applied Arts and Sciences. That 35 student
number is without formal advertising that there is a program proposed.
3. Institutional and System Fit
Revised 7/08
a. What is the connection between the proposed program and existing
programs at the institution? The University Of Montana College Of
Technology Missoula offers several health professions programs, including LPN,
RN, Radiology Technology and Respiratory Therapy. Many of those programs
have a limited acceptance and students who are not accepted into those programs
may pursue the AA in Addictions Studies as an alternative educative route. Many
of the required prerequisites for the Health Professions programs are also required
for the Addictions Studies program and as such students have more than one
avenue for future employment in the event their first choice of study is eliminated.
This proposed program gives those students who want to be in a “helping
profession” an opportunity to pursue a career without “starting over.” This
program will allow students to pursue a career shown to have a high potential of
providing future employment because of the expected growth rate of addiction
counselors nationwide 6 years from now to 116,000 (Bureau of Labor).
b. Will approval of the proposed program require changes to any existing
programs at the institution? If so, please describe.
NO, although there will be a need to develop 2 courses in Individual and
Group counseling for year 2 of the program. Montana Code requires the
following coursework for the LAC program, 37-35-202. 6 credit hours
must be in human behavior, sociology, psychology, or a similar emphasis.
These courses are already in place at UMCOT. They include Introductory
to Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Adolescent Psychology. 3
credit hours must be in psychopathology or course work exploring patterns
and courses of abnormal or deviant behavior. The first course offering of
Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology which satisfies this requirement is
fall, 2009. 9 credit hours must be in counseling. For the 9 credit hours in
counseling, 6 credit hours must be in group counseling and 3 credit hours
must be in the theory of counseling. These 9 credit hours will need to be
developed.
c. Describe what differentiates this program from other, closely related
programs at the institution (if appropriate).
NONE, There are no other Addictions Studies Programs at the University
of Montana. The department of Social Work has a BSW with some course
work in addictions, but it is not a formal program. The Social Work
department approached the UMCT Missoula to begin the Associate of
Arts Addictions Studies program. Additionally, the Department of Social
Work offers several online courses to compliment students with a
Baccalaureate degree but missing coursework, per the MCA (a) received a
baccalaureate or advanced degree in alcohol and drug studies,
psychology, sociology, social work, or counseling, or a comparable
degree from an accredited college or university (MCA, 37-35-202)
d. How does the proposed program serve to advance the strategic goals of
the institution?
The proposed program advances the strategic goals of the University of
Montana by the following:
Core Values
Revised 7/08
(i) Learning experiences of high quality designed to allow students to
realize their full potential with student success as the primary
objective;
(ii) Affordable access to higher education for Montanans
Strategic Goals
(i) To sustain and enhance the quality of student life through:
(ii) Continuous improvement of undergraduate education;
(iii)Improved advising and counseling services;
(iv) More effective recruitment and retention,
(v) To expand and strengthen two-year education offerings;
(vi) To contribute appropriately to the cultural and economic
development of the State.
General Goals
(i) Cultivate and project a service attitude and orientation,
emphasizing student success;
Academic Goals
(i) Restructure advising and related student success initiatives on
campus by 2010;
(ii) Identify new academic programs at all levels (certificate through
doctoral) and means of support in response to identified needs and
opportunities [specifically certificate and customized training
programs as needed by 2010 and continuing]
e. Describe the relationship between the proposed program and any
similar programs within the Montana University System. In cases of
substantial duplication, explain the need for the proposed program at
an additional institution. Describe any efforts that were made to
collaborate with these similar programs; and if no efforts were made,
explain why. If articulation or transfer agreements have been
developed for the substantially duplicated programs, please include
the agreement(s) as part of the documentation.
There is a chemical dependency program at Flathead Valley Community
college. The UMCOT proposed program includes addictions beyond
chemical and substance abuse. It would include gambling, food, and other
addictions that require professional treatment due to psychopathology. The
proposed program is not duplicating the program at FVCC. There is a
small BSW program with an addictions emphasis at the Salish Kootenai
Tribal College. Preliminary discussions with department chair of SKC
indicated that there would be a willingness to explore a collaborative
relationship with our students in a 2+2 arrangement. The FVCC program
is substantially different than the program proposed by UMCT and
therefore no conversation has been initiated with them. Due to the distance
of FVCC there is no apparent competition for student body as we will be
drawing from a different pool of students.
4. Program Details
Revised 7/08
a. Provide a detailed description of the proposed curriculum. Where
possible,
present the information in the form intended to appear in the catalog
or other publications. NOTE: In the case of two-year degree
programs and certificates of applied science, the curriculum should
include enough detail to determine if the characteristics set out in
Regents’ Policy 301.12 have been met.
Montana Code requires the following coursework for the LAC
program, 37-35-202. Licensure requirements (6) For the purposes of this
section, "comparable degree" means a degree with accredited college
course work, of which 6 credit hours must be in human behavior,
sociology, psychology, or a similar emphasis, 3 credit hours must be in
psychopathology or course work exploring patterns and courses of
abnormal or deviant behavior, and 9 credit hours must be in counseling.
For the 9 credit hours in counseling, 6 credit hours must be in group
counseling and 3 credit hours must be in the theory of counseling. The
credit hours specified in this subsection may be obtained in an associate or
master's degree program if the applicant does not have a qualifying
baccalaureate degree.
The proposed curriculum is as follows:
PROGRAM PLAN FOR [Name of Student]
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE
LICENSED ADDICTION COUNSELOR STUDIES
SUGGESTED COURSE OF STUDY ** [See Notes page 2]
Prerequisites: Placement Tests –Writing & Math. Take Developmental writing/math if not placed in Math
115 or Writ 101. Also complete CRT 100 – Computer Literacy
TERM
PERSPECTIVES/
COURSE
NAME
CREDITS
Competencies
NUMBER
1ST
Semester
Writing [W]
WRIT 101
College Comp
3
Symbolic Systems
[SS]-Math & Stats
Social Science [S]
AA Elective
Addiction Studies
AA Elective
Addiction Studies
M 115
Probability & Linear Math
3
Psyx 100S
REQUIRED
ADST195
Required
ADST295-1
REQUIRED
Introduction to Psychology
4
Problems of Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse Prevention
Addiction Treatment Counseling
Theory
Prerequisite 295-1
3
3
16 Credits
2nd
Semester
Science w/lab [N]
AA Elective
AA Elective
BIO[N]/SCN295
N
COM 150S
SW100S
SOC 110 [S]
PSYX 230S
REQUIRED
Biology or Physiology of Behavior
3
Interpersonal Communication or
Introduction to Social Welfare or
Principles of Sociology
3
Human Development
Prerequisite-PSYX100S
3
Revised 7/08
Ethics [E]
Writing 2nd lower
TERM
MED 280E/
WRIT 240E
PSYX 285
REQUIRED
Medical Ethics or
Ethics & Rhetoric
Fundamentals Abnormal Psychology
Prerequisite PSYX100S
TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS
3
3
15 Credits
PERSPECTIVES/
Competencies
COURSE
NUMBER
NAME
CREDITS
Symbolic Systems
[SS]
M216
{PSY 220 or
SOC 202}
REQUIRED
Statistics
3
Science –No Lab
PSYX 270N or
SCN175 N or
SCN 100N
BioPsychology OR
Integrated sciences
OR
Issues in Biology
Adolescent Psychology
Prerequisite PSYX230S
Introduction to Critical Interpretation
3
Individual / Group Treatment
Prerequisite 295-1
TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS
3
NAME
CREDITS
Oral Communication
3
3rd
Semester
AA Elective
Literature [L]
Also 2nd Writing
course above 100
AA Elective
Addiction Studies
PSYX268
REQUIRED
LIT 120
ADST295-2
REQUIRED
3
3
15
4th
Semester
PERSPECTIVES/
Competencies
Artistic Expression
[A]
Historical / NonWestern [H]
COURSE
NUMBER
COM 160
NAS100H or
ANTH101h
Native American Studies Or
3
AA Elective
Addiction Studies
AA Elective
Addiction Studies
ADST 295-3
REQUIRED
ADST 295-4
REQUIRED
Addiction Treatment Two
Prerequisite 295-3
Supervised Internship
3
TOTAL SEMESTER CREDITS
ADVISOR FOR ADDICTIONS COUNCILOR PROGRAM
Dr. Linda EagleHeart Thomas, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology
The University of Montana-Missoula
Department of Applied Arts & Sciences
32 Campus Drive,Missoula, MT 59812
(406)243-7906
linda.eagleheart@umontana.edu
**Please note that substitutions to the suggested course of study must be approved by the AA
Program Concentration Advisor. Upon completion this AA Degree + concentration in LAC, there is a
requirement of 1000 supervised internship hours with an approved Addictions Counciling program &
Successful completion of the State Liscensure Examination before you will be licensed to practice as
a Licensed Addictions Counselor.
b. Describe the planned implementation of the proposed program,
including
6
15
Revised 7/08
estimates of numbers of students at each stage.
It is estimated that about 35 students will apply to the UMCOT Licensed
Addiction Counselor Program and that by year 2, 2010-2011, 18 will
graduate. Fall 2009 will include program announcement and
advertisement with formal advising to begin in the Fall semester. Students
would formally declare their intent to graduate with the AA LAC option.
Courses are either developed or in developmental stage for the program.
Currently, courses from a collaborative arrangement with the University of
Reno Nevada will be used to provide the required group/individual and
theory courses. That collaborative arrangement was negotiated by the UM
School of Social Work and is scheduled to end in Spring 2010. The School
of SW will evaluate and renew the arrangement for ensuing semesters as
part of an online offering for Post-Baccalaureate students wishing to earn
the LAC.
5. Resources
a. Will additional faculty resources be required to implement this
program? If yes, please describe the need and indicate the plan for
meeting this need.
YES. There is a need for faculty 1.5 FTE to teach the addiction counseling
courses and one faculty at .30 FTE to supervise the students and site
internships in the program. The program utilizes existing courses and
instructors. Additionally, faculty will develop and maintain close contact
with site internship supervisors. One faculty member will supervise the
program as advisor, as part of institutional faculty responsibilities. The
needed resources will be met by increased enrollment tuition and program
fees.
b. Are other, additional resources required to ensure the success of the
proposed program? If yes, please describe the need and indicate the
plan for meeting this need.
No additional resources are anticipated currently.
6. Assessment. How will the success of the program be measured?
To determine the success of the program, student retention, graduation rates, and
pass rates of state licensure will be used. Additionally, graduates of the program
will be requested to submit follow-up questionnaires about the training, including
suggestions for improvement. Course content is modified dependent upon
feedback from graduates who are licensed addiction counselors and recent interns.
An advisory board will be formed including LACs, mental health providers, and
others who will also instrumental in assessing the program. Additionally, faculty
will develop and maintain close contact with site internship supervisors. Site
supervisors provide assessment of curricular preparedness of students and faculty
oversight of student internship experiences. The information is used to inform
curriculum and review processes. In addition, students provide official and
informal feedback for each class.
Revised 7/08
Additionally, the program will be affiliated with the Addiction Technology
Transfer Center Network, a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administrations’ Center (SAMHSA) for Substance Abuse
Treatment (CSAT) which was established in 1993. The Network consists of 14
Regional Centers and a National Office, which serves all 50 states. The ATTC
Network assesses the training and development needs of the addictions treatment
and recovery services workforce. The Network develops and conducts training
and other technology transfer activities. They focus on improving treatment and
services by using evidence-based practices. Finally, they support Addiction
educators through semi-annual meetings providing the latest research and best
practices.
7. Process Leading to Submission
Describe the process of developing and approving the proposed program.
Indicate, where appropriate, involvement by faculty, students, community
members, potential employers, accrediting agencies, etc.
The University of Montana COT Missoula was approached by faculty of the UM
School of Social Work about the provision of an AA degree in Addiction
Counseling. Students enrolled were informally approached about the potential
program and their interest. A proposed curriculum was developed and presented
to the School of Social Work. Present at the interdepartmental meeting were the
respective chairs of the UM School Social Work and the UMCOT Applied Arts
and Sciences Department as well as 1 additional faculty member from each
department. The proposed program was discussed and was given approval.
Interdepartmental agreement has been verbally reached and a written document
will follow. Additional conversation included an Associate of Arts Degree with an
emphasis in Pre-Social Work to become a 2+2 program. Preliminary agreement
was also reached to provide a 2+2 program with an AA in Licensed Addiction
Counselor and Pre Social Work. Matriculation would then occur with the student
applying to School of Social Work professional program, graduation with a BSW
with a LSW [Licensed Social Worker] and an LAC [Licensed Addiction
Counselor].
An advisory board will be formed when the UMCOT program has gained formal
approval from the University Board of Regents.