The Development of a Substance Abuse Curriculum in a Master\u27s of Social Work Program

Substance abuse has been identified as a significant social problem. Social work is uniquely positioned to affect this problem. Kennesaw State University has established a substance abuse concentration as part of its master\u27s of social work program. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of this curriculum. The curriculum is based on a biopsychosocial view of human functioning and consists of 6 advanced courses: 2 practice, 2 behavior, 1 policy, and 1 seminar. Because of its proximity to the consequences, its ability to work at multiple societal levels, and its value base, it is imperative that the social work profession continues to embrace and enhance its role as a leader in treating and researching substance abuse issues