Learning Outcomes
- Identify the neurobiological effects of psychoactive substances on individuals.
- Understand addictive behaviors in the context of public health and harm reduction.
- Describe how policies, global contexts and culture affect substance use and mental health.
For complete CAS requirements, please visit the Course Catalog.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Alcohol, Other Drugs, Sex and Gambling: Dynamics of Addiction (3 credits)
The biological, psychological, and social factors of substance use and related addictions that exist across cultures and species.
Substance Use and Mental Health: Global Contexts (3 credits)
The role of global contexts in the classification, development and prevention of substance use and mental health disorders, with a focus on social determinants, health equity and social justice.
Two Electives (6 credits)
Science and Practice of Mindfulness (3 credits)
This course explores the neuroscience, psychology and physiology of mindfulness and its application to mental and physical health across various public health contexts. Students engage in direct practice of evidence-based mindfulness practices.
The Impact of Addictions on Families and Relationships (3 credits)
Knowledge of effects of chemical dependency on family and significant others. Importance of family support in recovery. Knowledge of basic family support approaches.
Introduction to Prevention Science Public Health (3 credits)
Students examine risk and protective factors and design effective programs that promote well-being across the lifespan for diverse cultures. This course emphasizes theories, principles and strategies of evidence-based prevention designed to meet identified community needs.
Ethics in Addiction Services (3 credits)
Application of professional codes of ethics and ethical standards using case studies of ethical dilemmas within the addiction services.
Application Information
Students currently enrolled in a Syracuse University graduate program apply to the program using the internal admission process. Applicants who are not currently Syracuse University graduate students, submit a formal application to Syracuse University.
Admissions requirements for this program independent of a Syracuse University graduate program include:
- bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA,
- undergraduate transcripts,
- one letter of recommendation,
- a résumé and;
- personal statement.
Contact
Dessa Bergen-Cico
Professor, Public Health Department
Research Affiliate, Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health
444C White Hall
315.443.0250 | dkbergen@syr.edu