Human Services - Addiction Studies

Addiction universally impacts communities, families, and the spirit. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, more than an estimated 21.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with addiction disorders.

The BS in Human Services: Addiction Studies assists students in becoming effective addictions professionals (counselor or peer or certified prevention specialist) by increasing relevant and critical skills, knowledge, and competencies in addiction-focused health care organizations, which specialize in addiction, prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery support, and education. The concentration provides a multidisciplinary approach to addictions and its related areas of focus (mental health, counseling, prevention, and community engagement). The concentration is designed to align with national and local certifications and licensure organizations.

The addiction studies area can provide a sense of clarity amongst those who are addiction and prevention professionals. It can further offer treatment and recovery services into the larger health care system, which will increase access to care, improve quality of services, and produce improved outcomes for those who suffer from addiction.

As an addiction and prevention professional, you’ll be engaged in meaningful work in a demanding field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor is predicting that careers in substance abuse counseling requiring bachelor’s degrees will increase by 22% by 2031. Demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors may also increase as states seek treatment and counseling services for drug offenders rather than jail time.

Program graduates work in outpatient and inpatient addiction centers, nursing and residential care facilities, individual and family service agencies, state and local government offices, and other state, local, and private hospitals and centers.