Group of young adults meeting together and talking
  • Program Type
    Minor
  • School
    Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

The minor in addiction counseling prepares students to succeed in a challenging, in-demand field as servant leaders and values-based professionals. The minor can be coupled with any degree but can be of special interest to students in criminal justice, psychology, and social work.

Additional Opportunites

You can earn your addiction counseling bachelor’s degree entirely online.

Online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling

What You’ll Learn

You’ll explore the dynamics and pharmacology of addiction, the intersection of addiction and the justice system, and successful intervention practices for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
 

Understand the Dynamics of Addiction

Learn the importance of continuity of care for the prevention of relapse, enhancement of quality of life, and more satisfactory life adjustment.

Explore the Motivations and Social Implications of Drug Use

Learn the principles and terminology of pharmacology and the psychology and physiology of drug use.

Examine the History of Drugs and the Correctional System

Understand how politics influences drug sentencing and impacts the size of the prison population. 

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032 — much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for these professionals will increase as more people seek addiction and mental health counseling.

 

Career Paths

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Health Educator
  • Social Worker
  • School Counselor
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Community Service Manager
  • Residential Care Manager

Featured Faculty

Kristi Bitz, PhD

Director of Psychology , Professor

I have spent most of my life working in or attending educational settings. I consider myself a lifelong learner and try to never take for granted the gift of education I have received and been able to be a part of giving to others. In my free time I enjoy going for walks with my husband and our dog, spending time with my children and extended family, and reading.

Heidi J. Nieuwsma, MSW, LCSW

Chair of Behavioral Sciences, Director of Social Work, Assistant Professor of Behavorial Sciences

I am the Chair of Behavioral Sciences which includes the undergraduate programs of Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Social Work. I work closely with programs directors, faculty, and students within all of these programs. I am also the Social Work Program Director and work collaboratively with the social work faculty, students, the Council of Social Work Examiners, and our local and national community partners. These relationships contribute to successful learning outcomes for our students and our community partners.

Take Your Next Step in Addiction Counseling