Bypassing the Bachelor’s Degree

Alyssa Pecholt, finishing her associate degree in human services at Minneapolis College in 2023, discovered Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School’s Alternative Admissions Pathways program at a university event. The program, launched that year, lets students skip a bachelor’s degree and enroll directly in a master’s, saving time and money. Pecholt, inspired by her work with a re-entry program for formerly incarcerated individuals, applied on the spot and became one of eight students in the first cohort. She graduated last year and is now a licensed drug and alcohol counselor in Minnesota. The program targets passionate students with non-traditional backgrounds, many of whom have personal or professional ties to substance use counseling. Hazelden Betty Ford President Kevin Doyle said the school created the pathway after hearing from prospective students who lacked a bachelor’s but had relevant experience. ‘We’re trading work experience for the traditional academic program,’ Doyle explained, noting that applicants must demonstrate eligibility through credentials, volunteering, or professional activities. As of now, 67 students are enrolled in the Alternative Admissions Pathway. Doyle emphasized that not every applicant qualifies, as the program requires proof of readiness, such as addiction counseling certificates or treatment program involvement. The initiative was inspired by Higher Learning Commission leader Barbara Gellman-Danley, who encouraged institutions to innovate in admissions. The program aims to fill gaps in the counseling workforce by fast-tracking qualified candidates into clinical roles. Pecholt’s journey highlights its impact: she avoided years of additional study and entered the field sooner, driven by her low-income upbringing and exposure to substance use and mental health challenges. Hazelden Betty Ford’s model challenges conventional higher education barriers, offering a direct route for experienced professionals.