We are pleased to announce that the graduate counseling program at Waynesburg University was awarded the University Workforce Development grant. The University Workforce Development program is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) as part of an award totaling $1,000,000 over a 30-month period effective April 2025.
The purpose of the University Workforce Development Program is to address workforce shortages in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling by strengthening the workforce with qualified professionals. Subsequently, the project will reduce the financial burden for aspiring and diverse SUD counselors while providing them with a unique opportunity to obtain a specialized advanced degree in higher education. Subsequently, the partnership between DDAP and WU aims to reduce the financial burden for aspiring SUD counselors, enhance the recruitment of diverse SUD counselors, provide formal training in SUD counseling, and strategically in the sustainability of the SUD behavioral health workforce.
Students enrolled in the University Workforce Development program (UWDP) may receive up to $32,000 in stipends and tuition. To apply to the University Workforce Development Program, students must be enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling at Waynesburg University. Preference will be given to students in the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) addiction counseling track and to students that reside in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in the University Workforce Development Program shall agree to complete their practicum and/or internship experiences at Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) licensed drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Pennsylvania. Students shall also agree to a three-year service commitment as a SUD counselor in a DDAP licensed drug and alcohol treatment facility.
Waynesburg University encourages all eligible students to take full advantage of this specialized training program. Scholars enrolled in this program will have a unique concentration in substance use disorder counseling which will prepare them to be champions in the behavioral health field. The program will support advancement of counselors working from a trauma-informed lens. Scholars will gain essential skills to effectively address the needs of individuals presenting with SUD and/or co-occurring conditions as well as their families, loved ones and concerned community members. Upon completion of the program, students will be well positioned to become Nationally Certified Counselors, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, as well as Licensed Professional Counselors.
How to Apply
Current Waynesburg University Master of Arts in Counseling students participating in substance use disorder counseling can apply to the UWDP. To apply, students must submit the following:
- UWDP Application
- Student Commitment Letter
Application Deadlines
- Applications for the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters will be determined on a rolling admission basis.
- You will be notified as to whether or not your application to the program was accepted or denied no sooner than one month prior to the start of the semester.