Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration Requirements

The Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration is designed to educate students in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse problems utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction.

I. FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION

• ENG 110 College Writing
• MATH 101, 111, 112, 122 or 231 (caution: some majors have specific math requirements)
• COMMS 101 Speech
• PHIL 101 Logic: Critical Thinking
• Computer Competency (determined by major)
• Foreign Language (a two semester sequence is required)

For a B.S., at least 6 credits in one language; for a B.A., 16 credits in one language, or 14 credits in one and 8 in a second. High school coursework may fulfill the requirement, but credit is not given unless the student wishes to earn retroactive credit; see the college catalogue for policies.

II. FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN LEARNING

• An F1 course in literature (Pre-req is ENG 110 College Writing)
• An F2 course in history and appreciation of one of the fine arts
• An F3 studio experience course in one of the fine arts
• An F4 course in social science: economics, political science, psychology, sociology - PSY 101
• An F5 sequence of two courses in one of the natural sciences, including experimental lab
• An F6 course in history
• An F7 course in philosophy other than PHIL 101 (Pre-req is PHIL 101 Logic)
• An F8 course in religious studies

III. HUMAN ISSUES STUDY

• Human Issues Seminar (3-4 credits) or
• Independent study on a Human Issues topic of the student’s choosing (min. 3 credits)

IV. MAJOR DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for the concentration are a minimum of 55 credits as follows:

1. Required core courses:
   • PSY 101F4 General Psychology
   • PSY 369 Statistics for Social Science or MATH 121 Statistics
   • PSY 375 Research Methods in Psychology
   • PSY 445 Biological Psychology
   • PSY 496G and 496H Professional Seminars and Internships in Substance Abuse Counseling
   • PSY 498 Evaluating Psychological Research
      
2. At least one Human Development course:
   • PSY 210 Child Psychology
   • PSY 220 Adolescent Psychology
   • PSY 345 Lifespan Development
   • PSY 384 Youth Development and Culture
   • PSY 440 Adulthood and Aging
      
3. All of the following Substance Abuse Counseling Core courses:
   • PSY 301 Case Management
   • PSY 340 Abnormal Psychology
   • PSY 350 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence
   • PSY 360 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
   • PSY 386 Psychological Assessment
   • PSY 380 Introduction to Psychotherapies
      

Also Required: A minimum of 120 credits & a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0. Some majors may require more credits and a higher GPA for completion of the degree.