Program Overview

Program Overview

The Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science with a concentration in Substance Abuse and Addictions is a unique program offered by Arizona State University. This program focuses on the principles of substance abuse and addiction counseling practices, including diagnosis, assessment, and treatment plans. It equips students with knowledge of researched patterns of addiction styles and understanding of counseling techniques.

Program Details

• Total classes: 40
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 120
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

Degree Questions

The program is designed for individuals interested in learning a combination of psychological theory and practice related to addiction. It is an ideal fit for those with an associate degree in psychology looking to focus their upper-division studies on substance abuse and addiction counseling.

Skills Developed

In this program, students acquire skills in:

• Screening, assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for patients afflicted with substance abuse or related addictions.
• 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.

Career Paths

Upon graduation, students can pursue positions in:

• Community agencies
• Mental health clinics
• Addiction treatment centers
• Graduate studies leading to state counseling licensure
• Career examples include:
  • Addictions Counselor
  • Advocate
  • Community Health Worker
  • Counselor (General)
  • Health Technician (General)
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker

Faculty and Accreditation

The faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements. ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and high-quality academic programs.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ASU, applicants must:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have completed at least 14 of the specified courses
• Meet at least one of the following:
  • Top 25% in their high school graduating class
  • 3.00 GPA in competency courses
  • ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents)
• Additional admission requirements may apply for certain programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

ASU offers a tuition calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Related Programs

• Family and Human Development (BS)
• Health Sciences – Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science (BS)
• Psychology (BS)
• Counseling and Applied Psychological Science (BS)

Conclusion

The Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science with a concentration in Substance Abuse and Addictions at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in substance abuse counseling and related fields. With its focus on both theoretical foundations and practical application, this program prepares students for a variety of roles in behavioral health care delivery settings.