Master of Arts in
Counseling, emphasis: Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
2.5 YEARS | 40 CREDITS [UNITS]
A Pathway to Transformative Healing
Answer the call to bring healing and restoration to those battling addiction through the transformative Master of Arts in Counseling program with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder (MAC/SUD) at Kairos Pacific University, Campus of AEU. At the intersection of clinical excellence, addiction science, and deep Christian conviction, this program is designed for those compelled to make a redemptive impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Becoming a student in this program means more than academic training—it means joining a Spirit-filled, mission-driven community that nurtures your calling, equips your clinical competency, and celebrates your heart to serve.
Kairos Pacific University understands that the journey to becoming an effective addiction counselor is both a professional pursuit and a spiritual formation process. That’s why the MAC/SUD program is intentionally crafted to blend evidence-based approaches with a whole-person, biblically rooted framework. You’ll be prepared not only for licensure pathways and certification (CAADC/LAADC), but for Kingdom-minded leadership in some of the most urgent spaces of need—addiction recovery, trauma restoration, and community transformation.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder (MAC/SUD) is a rigorous, two-year graduate program (40 units) that equips students for effective, ethical, and Spirit-led counseling practice in addiction treatment and recovery contexts. This program is designed for those called to serve individuals, families, and communities navigating the complexities of substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Rooted in a biblically integrated framework and aligned with professional addiction counseling standards, the MAC/SUD offers specialized training in trauma-informed care, diagnostics, treatment planning, and culturally responsive interventions. Students graduate with both theological depth and clinical readiness, prepared to step into various addiction-related roles or pursue CAADC/LAADC certification pathways in California.
Why Enroll in MA COUNSELING with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder at Kairos Pacific University?
Faith-Integrated Learning: Our unique educational approach seamlessly integrates rigorous academic and clinical training with Christian values, encouraging a therapeutic practice informed by spirituality. This prepares you to compassionately meet the diverse needs of your clients.
Experiential Training: Step beyond theoretical learning into extensive, hands-on clinical experiences. Practicums and internships across various settings allow you to apply what you've learned under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, enhancing your confidence and skills as a therapist.
Community and Mentorship: You're more than a student at Kairos University; you're an integral part of a nurturing community. Engage in enriching interactions with faculty and peers through small classes, group discussions, and personalized mentorship, supporting both your professional journey and spiritual well-being.
Flexibility for Working Professionals: Acknowledging the varied schedules of our students, we offer flexible class timings, including evening courses and part-time study options, ensuring that your educational ambitions can be balanced with personal and professional commitments.
Career Readiness: Designed with your professional future in mind, our program meets the licensure standards of California, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and network to excel in diverse environments such as private practices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and beyond.
Prepare for Licensure with Confidence: meticulously aligned with the licensure requirements set by the state of California. We are committed to preparing our students not only to meet but to exceed the professional standards required for licensure within California. Understanding that some of our graduates may choose to practice outside of California, we also offer comprehensive support for those pursuing licensure in other states.
Transform Lives, Including Your Own:
Choosing the MAC/SUD Program at Kairos Pacific University is more than earning a degree—it’s answering a Kingdom call to bring healing where it’s needed most.
At the Kairos Pacific University, Campus of AEU, the Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder prepares you to serve on the frontlines of addiction recovery with both clinical excellence and Spirit-led compassion. This journey is not just about acquiring credentials; it’s about stepping into your God-given purpose to restore lives and bring hope to the broken.
As you integrate your faith with professional substance use disorder counseling, you won’t just impact those you serve—you’ll experience profound personal and spiritual transformation.
Join a Christ-centered community where your passion for helping others meets high-level training, and where you’ll be equipped to become a skilled, ethical, and deeply compassionate counselor. Together, let’s build a future where healing flows through both clinical tools and eternal truths.
Start your journey of redemptive impact today.
Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), Emphasis: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Requirements:
Degree Components:
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Core Courses and Electives: Students complete 66 total units through core coursework and electives that cover theoretical foundations, clinical practice, ethics, multicultural counseling, and spiritual integration.
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Professional Development Hours: Fifty hours of structured professional development strengthen ethical leadership, personal growth, and reflective counseling practice rooted in Christian values.
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Clinical Training Hours: Students must complete 400 supervised clinical hours, including 300 direct client hours and 100 relational hours focused on families, couples, or group work.
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Capstone Project: The program concludes with a comprehensive case presentation, demonstrating each student’s clinical competence, ethical reasoning, and integration of faith-based principles.
Electives
In addition to core coursework, students may choose from a range of elective courses to deepen their expertise and align their training with personal interests. Options include:
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Holistic Healing: Mind, Body, and Spirit
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Emotional Intelligence and Neuro-Linguistic Psychology
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Communion with God
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Inner Healing and Integrative Theology
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Creative Therapies and Transformational Counseling
Electives offer the flexibility to enrich your counseling approach with biblically grounded, whole-person perspectives.
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Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), Emphasis: Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Total Program Units: 40
The MAC/SUD program offers specialized training in substance use disorder counseling, integrating clinical excellence with Christian faith. The curriculum prepares students for roles in addiction recovery, mental health counseling, and co-occurring disorder treatment, aligned with TAP 21 competencies and California certification pathways (CAADC/LAADC).​
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Additional Requirements
Professional Development
All MAC/SUD students participate in a 50-hour professional development sequence focused on integrating ethical practice with Christian values. This training emphasizes personal maturity, counselor identity, and spiritual leadership in clinical settings.
Clinical Training
Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours, including 300 direct client hours and 100 relational hours focused on couples, family, or group counseling. Practicum placements are conducted at approved field sites and are aligned with California certification requirements.
Licensure Preparation
The MAC/SUD program is aligned with the educational standards for certification as a Certified or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC/LAADC) in California. Upon completion of all coursework and clinical requirements, graduates are eligible to pursue licensure through their designated certification board and sit for the applicable examinations.
