BS in Behavioral Health Science: Substance Use Disorders Emphasis

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Overview

Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders introduces you to behavioral health, substance abuse and addiction. In the U.S., half of all people ages 12 and older have used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime, and over 25% of them have a substance use disorder.1 Substance abuse counseling services are intended to help these individuals recover from substance use. 

This program’s curriculum can offer a strong foundation for those who want to go on to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, mental health, criminal justice, clinical psychology, forensic psychology or social work. 

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Why GCU

Benefits of GCU's Substance Use Disorders Emphasis

This bachelor’s program teaches you about the foundations of substance abuse and its effects on individuals and communities. You will have the opportunity to practice rapport-building and interviewing skills, identify various assessment tools and implement documentation strategies for treatment plans. You will also examine ethical codes and organizational policies.

Coursework

Behavioral Health Science and Substance Use Course Topics

As a BS in Behavioral Health Science student specializing in substance use disorders, you will be exposed to a broad range of content areas, including:

  • Behavioral health, with an emphasis on the ethics, legal standards and responsibilities in the field
  • Counseling theories and techniques
  • Substance abuse disorders, including prevention, intervention and relapse prevention
  • The biopsychosocial dynamics and impact of addiction and substance abuse
  • Working with multicultural populations
  • Human development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive and socioemotional development
  • The relationship between spirituality and addiction development and treatment
  • Report writing and researching in behavioral health
  • Understanding trauma, abuse, domestic violence and family dynamics within the context of the behavioral health field

This program also includes a capstone project that is a culmination of the program’s curricular focus, in which you will prepare a written proposal community-based behavioral health organization.  

A behavioral health specialist consoling a gentleman in a group substance use meeting.

Core Competencies and Domains

The substance abuse courses are designed to emphasize GCU’s five critical competencies: effective communication, innovative thinking, Christian worldview, transformative leadership and global contribution. 

Additionally, this emphasis in substance use disorders covers these core domains: 

  • Concepts of behavioral health
  • Behavioral health skills
  • Cultural competency
  • Behavioral health information technology
  • Professional network 

All Behavioral Health Science Emphases

Discover additional behavioral health science emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a BS in Behavioral Health Science

Throughout the substance abuse courses in this program, you will be taught the skills that can help make a positive impact on the lives of others in the community you serve. 

With a firm foundation of behavioral health science and substance use disorder competencies, graduates may pursue a career as a: 

Behavioral health technician, specialist or paraprofessional

Psychiatric or mental health technician

Social or community service manager

Case manager

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Substance Use Disorders Specializations

A professional who understands how to address substance use may find work across a variety of settings and specializations. 

These may include: 

  • Behavioral health
  • Health services management
  • Health services agencies
  • Governmental agencies
  • Private and public entities

In addition, you may decide to further your education and expand your career opportunities by pursuing a graduate-level degree that leads to licensure as a mental health or substance abuse counselor, or as a clinical psychologist. Licensure requirements vary by state and occupation.

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University

Working with individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders is a significant responsibility. It’s important to ensure that the school and program you choose for your substance abuse courses offer quality education that can allow you to prepare to enter the field ready to make a positive difference. GCU is pleased to have institutional accreditation. Our accreditation is a reflection of the priority we place on the quality of education.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Before making any decisions regarding your future career path and higher education, it’s recommended that you take some time to research your options. The following FAQs and answers can help you get started.

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Start Your Journey Today

Prepare to make a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with substance abuse disorders. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about GCU’s behavioral health science learning community online or on campus.

Apply Now

Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.

  1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (n.d.). Drug Abuse Statistics. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Retrieved Oct. 3, 2023. 
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2020, December). What Is A Substance Use Disorder? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved Oct. 3, 2023.   
  3. Indeed. (2022, June 2024). What Does A Behavioral Scientist Do? Role and Job Duties. Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 3, 2023.

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