Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences — Substance Abuse and Addictions
Embrace your passion for serving members of your community with Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in psychological sciences with a concentration in addiction counseling. In this psychological sciences program, you’ll learn the principles of substance use and addiction, including diagnoses, assessment and treatment. This applied psychology program prepares for careers in a variety of fields, such as behavioral health, education, nonprofit organizations and social services.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/16/2023
Total classes: 30
Weeks per class: 7.5
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!
Why earn a degree in counseling and applied psychological sciences?
Applied psychological sciences connects theory to hands-on counseling practice. Different from the applied psychology program, courses in ASU Online's substance abuse counseling concentration are tailored to counseling clients experiencing addiction. You’ll learn how to screen, assess, diagnose, create a treatment plan and provide interventions and treatment for those with substance abuse, behavioral addictions or other related conditions.
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.
What skills will I learn in this substance abuse counseling degree concentration?
The first of its kind at a public research institution, the substance abuse counseling degree concentration provides you with a wide range of skills transferable to a variety of behavioral and mental health setting, including:
- Counseling microskills.
- Understanding group dynamics relevant to substance use and addictions.
- Foundational principles of substance use and addictions.
- Applying counseling theory to practice.
- Cultural sensitivity.
- Research methods.
After completing this psychological sciences degree, you’ll be well prepared to take on a variety of roles within the behavioral health field or continue your education.
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 bachelor’s degree in counseling and applied psychological sciences 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Your concentration in substance abuse and addictions will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.
Counseling and applied psychological sciences courses
Your concentration courses focus on counseling practice related to substance abuse and addiction. In addition to passing your courses, you’re required to complete a 135-hour internship supervised by a licensed counselor. Core courses include:
CAP 120: Introduction to Counseling (SB)
CAP 220: Self in a Multicultural Society (C)
CAP 240: Counseling Skills
CAP 310: Addictions I: Foundations and Basic Principles
CAP 320: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
PSY 366: Psychological Disorders (SB)
CAP 325: Professional Practice and Ethics in Counseling
CAP 335: Addiction Group Counseling
What jobs can I get with a degree in applied psychological sciences?
A substance abuse counseling degree concentration can lead to a variety of roles in behavioral health care delivery settings. Program graduates often go on to pursue roles 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 are not 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 deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.
- American Educational Research Association fellows.
- American Psychological Association fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
- Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.
Learn from licensed psychologists with rich clinical experiences
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are deeply committed to exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized both nationally and internationally for their achievements.
- American Educational Research Association fellows.
- American Psychological Association fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
- Numerous achievement awards in fields from psychology to writing.
Admission requirements
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
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 has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 8 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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