BS in Behavioral Health Science: Substance Use Disorders Emphasis
BS in Behavioral Health Science: Substance Use Disorders Emphasis
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journey today.
journey today.
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
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.
A professional who understands how to address substance use may find work across a variety of settings and specializations.
These may include:
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.
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:
Discover additional behavioral health science emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
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.
Take Substance Abuse Courses Online
Attend Courses on Campus
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.
What are substance use disorders?
What’s the difference between substance use disorders compared to counseling programs?
How many years of college do you need to be a behavioral health scientist?
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.(See disclaimer 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.
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:
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.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
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.
