Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science – Substance Abuse and Addictions
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological science with a concentration in substance abuse and addictions is the first of its kind at a major research university. In this program, you’ll learn the principles of substance abuse and addiction counseling practices, including diagnosis, assessment and treatment plans. This applied psychology program equips you with knowledge of researched patterns of addiction styles in addition to an understanding of counseling techniques.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Take your first step toward a career in substance abuse and addiction counseling
Applied psychological science connects theory to hands-on counseling practice. In this substance abuse and addictions degree concentration, you'll focus on learning how to counsel clients experiencing forms of addiction.
As an ideal candidate, you’ll be interested in learning a combination of psychological theory and practice related to addiction. This concentration is an especially good fit if you have an associate degree in psychology and are looking to focus your upper-division studies on substance abuse and addiction counseling.
The skills you’ll develop in this program
In this program, you’ll acquire skills in screening, assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for patients afflicted with substance abuse or related addictions. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with a range of skills that can apply to many career paths in behavioral health, including:
- Applying counseling theory to practice.
- Counseling microskills.
- Cultural sensitivity.
- Foundational knowledge of substance abuse and addiction patterns.
- Research methods.
- Understanding group dynamics relevant to substance use and addictions.
Does this lead to substance abuse counseling licensure?
Although earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step towards licensure, this degree won’t qualify you to become a licensed professional counselor. However, this program provides preparation for the master’s degree that leads to the licensed professional counselor credential.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Will my diploma say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Substance abuse and addiction counseling courses
Your concentration courses focus on counseling practices related to treating those suffering from substance abuse and related addictions. In addition to your coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to build hands-on experience in a 135-hour required internship supervised by a licensed counselor.
Prepare for jobs in substance abuse counseling and more
Completing this substance abuse and addictions degree concentration can lead to a variety of roles in behavioral health care delivery settings. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to pursue positions in community agencies, mental health clinics and addiction treatment centers. You’ll also be well-prepared to pursue graduate studies that lead to state counseling licensure. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Addictions Counselor
Advocate
Community Health Worker
Counselor (General)
Health Technician (General)
Mental Health Counselor
Substance Abuse Social Worker
Learn from licensed psychologists with rich clinical experiences
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
Learn from licensed psychologists with rich clinical experiences
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Earn your applied psychology degree from an accredited, leading institution
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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