Psychology Degree

Substance Abuse Counseling Psychology Concentration

Students completing the Substance Abuse Counselor Concentration will complete all coursework necessary to be certified as a level 1 Alcohol and Drug Addiction counselor. Upon graduation, students will be ready to take the licensure exam for their and will only need to complete additional practicum hours.

A degree in Substance Abuse Counseling can launch students into entry level career paths such as:

Create and implement treatment plans for individuals with addiction
Provide group therapy in a rehabilitation center
Educate families about how to support someone with substance use problems
Advocate for laws and policies that impact people with addiction, such as the use of drug courts that promote treatment over imprisonment
Lead research on the causes and treatment of substance use
Develop prevention programs that target youth in the community

Salary for graduates with a degree in substance abuse counseling ranges from: $45,000 – $58,000.

Substance Abuse Counseling Psychology Major Concentration Requirements:

Complete:

HLTH 200 Substance Abuse
PSYC 326 Introduction to Counseling
PSYC 327 Group Counseling
PSYC 365 Psychology of Addiction
PSYC 367 Cognitive Psychology
SOC 243 Social Problems
SOC 310 Race and Ethnicity

Group A – Choose one of the following:

PSYC 324 Child Psychopathology
PSYC 361 Abnormal Psychology

Recommended Courses

BIO 241 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 242 Anatomy and Physiology II

counselor trying to talk to patient

For more information about substance abuse counseling check out this website: https://careersinpsychology.org/start-your-substance-abuse-counseling-career/

Meet The Professors

Nathan Hough

Nathan Hough, M.S., M.F.T.

Science Division Chair and Assistant Professor of Psychology
Science Hall; Room 108
319-385-6339

Cyndi Walljasper

Cyndi Walljasper ’92, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology
Science Hall; Room 107
319-385-6338