Online Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling: Substance Use Disorder Emphasis
Work Toward Becoming an Addiction and Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Addiction is a disease that can tear apart families, ruin lives and adversely affect whole communities.1 As an aspiring drug addiction counseling professional, you can help make a difference. Enroll in Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this program offers you the opportunity to serve individuals, families and communities with competence and compassion.
Throughout your substance use disorder counseling emphasis, you will be taught the underlying causes and contributing factors of addiction and substance use, and the principles of evidence-based drug addiction counseling. Applying a strength-based perspective can help you approach the whole person and family.
Benefits of Earning Your Drug Addiction Counseling Emphasis From GCU
A career in substance use disorder counseling can enable you to help others in need throughout your community. When someone is in need of counseling, addiction can make it all but impossible to see the light in the darkness. As a future counseling professional, you could be in a position to offer that person a lifeline when they need it most.
At GCU, meeting some of the substance use disorder education requirements can provide both flexibility and convenience, as you could choose to attend as an online student, or you could take each addiction counselor course on GCU’s campus.
At GCU, meeting some of the substance use disorder education requirements can provide both flexibility and convenience as an online student. This online bachelor’s degree in counseling may qualify you to pursue further mental health credentials. Each state establishes their own licensure requirements for mental health counselors. To gain a better understanding of what you will need, please speak with your university counselor. In addition to an undergraduate degree in counseling, some states may require a master’s degree, clinical experience hours and a licensure exam.2
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Substance Use Disorder Counseling Concepts
You will be taught to develop customized treatment plans for each individual that addresses their various needs — physical, emotional, cognitive and social. Each addiction counselor course is faith-integrated with the Christian worldview and key concepts in spirituality designed to enhance comprehension of and treatment for substance use disorders.
Topics You Can Expect From This Counseling Addiction Emphasis
A blend of theoretical knowledge and applied skills, including hands-on learning experiences, will be taught in this program. Some of the topics covered in your substance use disorder counselor program include the following:
- The biological and psychological components of substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, and their application to individuals with co-occurring disorders like anxiety
- Cultural competence and cultural sensitivity for clients from diverse populations
- Relapse prevention, including the potential triggers for a relapse and the development of relapse prevention plans
- The legal and ethical obligations of mental health counselors regarding child abuse, elder abuse and any type of domestic violence
You will have the opportunity to gain skills in screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning and case management. You will explore special issues in substance use disorder counseling, including considerations when working with children and adolescents and encouraging family involvement in the treatment process.
The role of spirituality in counseling is emphasized. Additionally, as an addiction and substance use disorder counseling student, you will have the chance to gain foundational knowledge in matters pertaining to legal standards, professional guidelines and ethical issues.
Career Paths With a Counseling Degree for Substance Use Disorder and Addiction
Earning your bachelor’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in addiction is the first step toward pursuing a career in addiction and substance use disorder counseling. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2022, an estimated 11% of eighth-graders had used an illicit drug within the past year.4
The need for substance use disorder counselors is expected to grow as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services.5 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors to increase by about 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated 84,500 jobs in the field.3
Addiction and substance use disorder counselors can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Private practices
- Hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Rehabilitation facilities
Some jobs may require professional licensure or certification. The bachelor’s degree in counseling for substance use disorder and addiction at GCU may qualify you to become eligible to pursue professional credentials, such as the Licensed Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT). It may also provide a foundation for enrollment in a graduate degree program in substance abuse counseling. The graduate program can also lead to a pathway to licensure. You should research the substance use disorder counselor requirements for licensure for the state in which you would like to work.
GCU Offers Institutionally Accredited Counseling Degree Programs
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The bachelor’s in counseling with an addiction emphasis program is covered under this accreditation and meets high standards in key educational areas, such as teaching and learning effectiveness, academic achievement, integrity, resources, support and financial stewardship.
Bachelor’s in Counseling: Addiction Emphasis FAQs
Before you decide to pursue this counseling degree, it’s a good idea to inform yourself of the career pathway and what you might expect from a career in the field. You can use the following frequently asked questions and answers to begin your research.
The first step in becoming a certified or licensed counselor is to earn a baccalaureate counseling degree with an addiction emphasis from an institutionally accredited school. If you wish to work in private practice, you will also need to earn a master’s degree before you can pursue licensure.2 During your master’s degree program, you will be required to complete supervised practicum hours in a counseling-related and direct-contact capacity. Graduates with an MS in Addiction Counseling from GCU are given the tools to meet the Arizona licensure requirements and may also be prepared to seek licensure or additional certification in other states. It is your responsibility to understand the licensing requirements for your state. You must pass a national or state licensing or certification exam in order to be a certified or licensed substance addiction counselor.2
According to the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors have a median annual wage of $53,710 as of May 2023.6 Of course, salary ranges can vary across workplace settings and from one employer to the next. A counselor’s earning potential may also be affected by individual factors, such as their years of experience, job performance record and any additional qualifications they may choose to pursue.
Be taught how to serve and empower those fighting addiction and substance use disorders as you work to fulfill your goal of becoming an addiction counselor. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s substance use disorder counseling emphasis online.
1 American Psychiatric Association. (2020, December). What is a Substance Use Disorder? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2023.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. retrieved on Oct. 23, 2023.
4 National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, Dec. 15). Most Reported Substance Use Among Adolescents Held Steady in 2022. Retrieved on July 6, 2023.
5 U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors Job Outlook. Retrieved on July 6, 2023.
6 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, retrieved on Oct. 23, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge regarding addiction and substance use disorders. Topics studied include biopsychosocial dynamics; stages, processes, and impact of addiction and substance use; and the role of the addiction professional in prevention, intervention, relapse prevention, and aftercare. In addition, the course provides overviews of the substance abuse counselor's code of ethics, HIPAA, and legal issues involved in counseling.
Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge in theoretical approaches to counseling. Theoretical models studied include psychodynamic, existential, Gestalt, person-centered, cognitive and behavioral therapy, family systems, and narrative- and solution-focused therapies.
Course Description
This course provides a foundational understanding of the biological and psychological components of substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, and application to the client with co-occurring disorders. Students gain foundational knowledge in the principles of pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology as they apply to the major classes of medications. The course also focuses on current drugs used in the treatment of addiction and substance use disorders. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge regarding the treatment of addiction/substance use disorders and a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Students learn about origins of, methods of transmission for, and myths regarding HIV/AIDS, and treatment issues and prevention strategies for the HIV-positive or AIDS client. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses on cultural sensitivity and cultural competence as they relate to the development and use of treatment plans designed for clients from diverse populations. Students learn the importance of being knowledgeable of the values and belief systems of diverse populations as well as issues of social justice when examining incidences of drug use among these groups and implementing individual treatment plans. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge in the study of group dynamics, stages, and processes. Students learn the importance of screening, intervention, and leadership styles in effective group interventions. Self-help groups and community resources are explored. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course provides foundational knowledge on stages of change, interviewing techniques, screening and assessment, report writing, record keeping, treatment planning, and case management. In addition, students develop knowledge and skill in crisis intervention in preparation for working with clients and families with addiction or substance use disorders. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses on relapse prevention. Identifying potential triggers for relapse and developing relapse prevention plans are explored. Students are provided with strategies for connecting their clients with community resources. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses on understanding the family dynamics of addiction. In addition, students learn the importance of working with community and prevention programs in addressing addiction and substance use disorders on a broader level. Skill in presenting educational topics pertaining to addiction and substance use disorders are developed. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses on the legal and ethical responsibilities involved when child abuse, abuse of the elderly, and domestic or family violence has been reported. Understanding the dynamics of working with cases of family violence and domestic partner abuse are explored.
Course Description
This course provides advanced study in the application of cognitive and behavioral theory, rational emotive behavioral theory, family systems theory, solution-focused therapy, and postmodern theories. Newly developed research-based theories are also discussed. In addition, this course provides advanced application of motivational interviewing techniques. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course focuses on substance use disorders, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment as they apply to mental health disorders and special populations. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses on the relationship between spirituality and the development and treatment of addictions. It also covers legal, ethical, and spiritual aspects of death, dying, and end of life issues. The course addresses grief and loss as it relates to addiction, death, and dying. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This writing intensive course provides an advanced study in the application of ethical guidelines, legal standards, HIPAA, and professional responsibilities in the treatment of addiction and substance use disorders. Topics include attitudes, skills, and behaviors of addiction and substance use disorder counselors; prevention of burnout and compassion fatigue; the importance of obtaining supervision and consultation; and licensure and certification. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course focuses specifically on the special issues involved in treating children and adolescents struggling with addiction or substance use disorders and how that treatment compares to treatment of adults. Students demonstrate and apply assessment, diagnosis, and treatment methods, as well as understanding of risk factors, social influences, prevention strategies, intervention, treatment planning, and relapse prevention. The importance of family involvement, family education, and legal issues involved in treating children is also discussed. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course provides advanced study in the treatment of process addictions, such as compulsive gambling, sexual addiction, work addiction, spending addiction, and eating disorders. Students learn the special issues involved in screening, assessment, prevention, treatment, and relapse prevention related to process addictions. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
Course Description
This course provides advanced study in case management. Students examine case studies on addiction and substance use disorders to develop knowledge and skill in screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, record keeping, report writing, referral, and case management. Prerequisite: PCN-255.
Course Description
This course provides clinical knowledge of the effects of trauma on clients struggling with addiction and substance use disorders. Students develop knowledge and skill in assessing for anxiety disorders, including trauma, and learn to facilitate a critical incident stress management debriefing. Prerequisites: PCN-100 and PCN-107.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.