Program eligibility requirements
Enrolling
Â鶹ֱ²¥ offers an accelerated pathway that allows qualified students to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and a Master of Science (MS) in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling. Admission is based on a review of each applicant’s application materials and an interview.
This pathway requires two separate applications at different points in a student’s academic progression.
Step 1: Apply to the Bachelor’s Program (New Students)
If you are new to Â鶹ֱ²¥, you must first apply to the Alcohol and Drug Counseling BS program through the . (Apply to Metro State)
After enrolling and meeting eligibility requirements, students may apply to the combined BS+ MS pathway.
Step 2: Apply to the Combined BS + MS Pathway (Current Metro Students)
If you are a current Metro State undergraduate student majoring in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and meet the eligibility requirements below, you may apply to the BS + MS Pathway through GradCAS.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. Enrollment is limited, and admission is competitive. Applicants must:
- Be a currently admitted Metro State undergraduate student
- Have a declared major in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (BS)
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (includes transfer GPA)
- Have completed at least 45 credits
- Have (MNTC) goal areas 1-10 completed. Courses can be in progress at time of application but must be completed prior to the fall program start.
- Be able to pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study
- Prior to practicum, demonstrate a minimum of two years free from mental health, physical health, or substance use concerns that would impair professional objectivity or effectiveness.
GPA Review Option
- Students whose cumulative GPA is affected by older coursework but who demonstrate strong academic performance in more recent coursework may submit a GPA review petition as part of the application process. Petition review is conducted on a case-by-case basis and does not guarantee admission.
- The BS+MS accelerated pathway is intended for students pursuing their initial academic preparation in alcohol and drug counseling. Individuals who already hold an ADC-T credential or who are enrolled in the undergraduate certificate program should consult with an advisor to identify appropriate academic options, such as direct admission to the MS program.
Program Structure and Progression
Students accepted into the combined BS+MS accelerated pathway will be conditionally admitted allowing students to complete up to 14 graduate-level credits while enrolled as an undergraduate student.
Full Admission to the Graduate Program
Official acceptance into the MS in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling is contingent upon:
- Successful completion of the BS ADC bachelor’s degree, and
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation
- Earn a grade of B- or higher in all graduate-level courses.
Students who do not meet these requirements upon graduation will not be formally admitted to the graduate portion of the combined program.
Application Instructions (BS + MS Pathway)
Â鶹ֱ²¥ participates in GradCAS, the common application for graduate programs.
Please note that the BS + MS Pathway applications are only accepted for Fall semesters.
Program Structure and Progression
Students accepted into the combined BS+MS accelerated pathway will be conditionally admitted allowing students to complete up to 14 graduate-level credits while enrolled as an undergraduate student.
Full Admission to the Graduate Program
Official acceptance into the MS in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling is contingent upon:
- Successful completion of the BS ADC bachelor’s degree, and
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation
- Earn a grade of B- or higher in all graduate-level courses.
Students who do not meet these requirements upon graduation will not be formally admitted to the graduate portion of the combined program.
Application Instructions (BS + MS Pathway)
Â鶹ֱ²¥ participates in GradCAS, the common application for graduate programs.
Please note that the BS + MS Pathway applications are only accepted for Fall semesters.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application instructions
Â鶹ֱ²¥ is participating in the common application for graduate programs (GradCAS). Applications are only accepted via the CAS website.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the upcoming fall cohort. Completed applications will be evaluated as they are received, pending seat availability.
CAS steps
- Select the term for which you are seeking admission (below), and navigate to the CAS website. Open applications include:
- Create or log in to your account and select the Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling (Combined BS + MS) Accelerated Pathway program.
- Carefully review all instructions and complete all four sections of the application.
Specific application requirements for individual programs can be found on each program page in CAS. Carefully read the instructions that appear throughout the application pages. You can only submit your application once. If you need to update information you have submitted, please notify graduate.studies@metrostate.edu
Application fee
A nonrefundable $38 fee is required for each application. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received.
Active-duty military, veterans, and Metro State alumni are eligible for an application fee waiver. Once your application is complete and ready for submission, please contact graduate.studies@metrostate.edu.
Please note: only one application fee waiver code is provided per applicant.