Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences – Substance Abuse and Addictions

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological sciences 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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences – Substance Abuse and Addictions (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Take your first step toward a career in substance abuse and addiction counseling

Applied psychological sciences 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.

Additionally, the coursework in this program does meet the requirements for the Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT) credential in the state of Arizona. Note: Licensure requirements differ in every state, so it’s important to determine your career goals and the educational requirements needed to achieve them.

State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.

Professional licensure and certification

ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.

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


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Advocate


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $38,520

Community Health Worker


Growth: 14.1 %
Salary: $46,190

Counselor (General)


Growth: 17.2 %
Salary: $43,390

Health Technician (General)


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $44,990

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Substance Abuse Social Worker


Growth: 10.6 %
Salary: $51,240

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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 5


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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