Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the webpage of the Graduate Addiction Studies Program (GASP) at UAPB! The GASP is the ONLY graduate program in addiction studies in Arkansas. Upon completion of the GASP, students earn the Master of Science degree in Addiction Studiaes.

The GASP began in 2002 with the first class graduating in 2004. The GASP now has over 150 graduates. The GASP is funded by the Arkansas Master Tobacco Settlement.

The GASP focuses on the prevention, treatment, and research of Substance Use Disorders. Problem Gambling is also addressed in the GASP.

Meet our Director

Want to know more about what GASP does? Hear it straight from our director:

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Cynthia Troutman, Ph.D, CRC.
Program Director, Assistant Professor.
Phone: (870)-575-8716
Email: troutmanc@uapb.edu

Meet our team

Dr. Cheryl D. Jackson-Golden

Dr. Cheryl D. Jackson-Golden is an Associate Professor in the Addiction Studies Department at UAPB with over 19 years of higher education experience. A Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADAC) holding a Ph.D. in Human Services and a master’s in Addiction Studies, her expertise spans substance use prevention, behavioral health, and community education.
email address: jacksongoldenc@uapb.edu
office phone number: 870-575-8073

Dr. Antimoore Jackson

Dr. Antimoore Jackson, PhD, LCSW, is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Addiction Studies program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. He brings clinical practice, professional supervision, and licensing board service to the classroom, emphasizing accessible, evidence-informed addiction education. His teaching and scholarly interests focus on substance use prevention, recovery, and the social and environmental factors influencing addiction, with a commitment to preparing students for effective and compassionate practice.
email address: jacksonah@uapb.edu

Abel Phiri

Abel Phiri is a junior Computer Science major at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He works with the Tobacco Prevention and Education Center, supporting digital content, website updates, social media, and outreach initiatives. He is passionate about technology, problem-solving, and using digital tools to support education, research, and community engagement.

email address: phiria8510@uapb.edu

Features

The GASP is a 100% online program that does not require that students complete any requirements on-campus.

The GASP faculty consists of three full-time professors, each with specializations in the prevention, treatment, or research of substance use disorders.

GASP students gain classroom, internship, and research experience in substance use disorders. GASP faculty are available to guide students in these areas.

The GASP coursework meets educational requirements for becoming certified and licensed as a substance use counselor in Arkansas and certified as a substance use prevention professional in Arkansas.

OUR IMPACT

Preparing

The GASP is preparing substance use professionals who make a difference in their chosen communities.

Education

People who see the destruction caused by substance use disorders and have a desire to help, will gain the needed education.

Treatment

GASP provides state-of-the-art treatment and prevention to individuals, families, and communities.

Degree Options

Master of Science Degree in Addiction Studies
The purpose of the Graduate Addiction Studies Program (GASP) at The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is to increase the number and diversity of substance use prevention and treatment professionals in the Arkansas Delta. Four goals support the GASP purpose:
1) To prepare competent GASP students with skills and knowledge to utilize and conduct current alcohol, tobacco, other drug (ATOD) research;
2) To provide GASP students with ATOD theoretical constructs and applicable skills required to link theory to practice;
3) To incorporate the Addiction Counseling Competencies of The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Technical Assistance Publication 21 (TAP 21) entitled, “Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice” (2014) throughout the GASP curriculum; and
4) To incorporate The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) throughout the GASP curriculum.
View more program information and requirements here.
Licensure & Certification
Earning the Master of Science in Addiction Studies meets the educational requirements for state licensure and certification. For specific, up-to-date guidelines on professional credentials and certification boards, review the resources below or visit the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board | Training & Recertification across the Natural State.
Why Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Arkansas?
A quick overview of the career outlook, job settings, and growth opportunities for licensed addiction counselors in Arkansas.learn more
Licensure Submission Checklist
A step-by-step list of everything you need to submit to the ARBEADAC Credentialing Committee to apply for licensure, including education, supervised experience, references, and fees.learn more
Board of Examiners Members and Information
Meet the Arkansas Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, and see what the Board does, when it meets, and how to contact it.learn more

Master of Science in Addiction Studies (GASP)