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Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling (Combined BS + MS) Accelerated Pathway frequently asked questions

Does being accepted into the 4+2 pathway guarantee admission to the MS program?

No. Participation in the 4+2 pathway does not guarantee admission to the Master of Science in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling. Final admission occurs only after completion of the bachelor’s degree and meeting all graduate admission criteria.

When am I officially considered a graduate student?

You are considered a graduate student only after:

  • You have completed the bachelor’s degree, and
  • You have been formally admitted into the MS program.

Graduate-level courses taken while you are still an undergraduate do not change your undergraduate status.

Can I receive graduate financial aid while I am still completing my bachelor’s degree?

No. Students cannot access graduate financial aid until the bachelor’s degree has been completed. While enrolled as an undergraduate, all financial aid is governed by undergraduate aid policies.

What happens if I do not successfully complete a graduate-level course taken during my undergraduate enrollment?

Upon admission to the MS program, students must repeat any graduate-level course in which a grade below B- was earned and achieve a grade higher than B-.

Courses paid for using undergraduate financial aid that are not successfully completed cannot later be paid for again using graduate financial aid. This may have financial consequences.

Do graduate-level courses taken during my undergraduate enrollment count toward my graduate GPA?

No. Graduate-level courses taken while you are enrolled as an undergraduate do not count toward your graduate GPA, even if they later apply to the MS degree.

What GPA do I need to be admitted into the MS program?

To be formally admitted into the MS program, you must:

  • Successfully complete the bachelor’s degree, and
  • Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation.

Students who do not meet this requirement will not be admitted into the graduate portion of the combined program.

What if my GPA is lower due to older coursework?

Students with lower cumulative GPAs due to older coursework may petition the program to consider stronger performance in more recent coursework. Approval of such petitions is not guaranteed and is reviewed at the program’s discretion.

Are there professional or licensure-related expectations I should be aware of?

Applicants considered for this program must:

  • Be able to pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study, and
  • Prior to practicum, demonstrate a minimum of two years of stability from mental health, physical health, or substance use concerns that would impair professional functioning.

Failure to meet these expectations may delay or prevent progression in the program.

Who is the BS + MS accelerated pathway designed for?

The BS + MS accelerated pathway is designed for students completing their initial academic preparation in alcohol and drug counseling.

I already hold an ADC-T credential. Is this pathway a good fit for me?

Students who already hold an ADC-T credential may find that the BS + MS accelerated pathway is not the best fit for their academic background. These students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to explore alternative graduate program options that may better align with their prior training and experience.

Who should I talk to if I have questions before signing this form?

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with:

  • Program advising for academic and progression questions, and
  • Financial Aid for tuition and aid-related questions

before signing the Informed Consent.