- AcademicsDegree TypeLocations
- Admissions
- Tuition & Aid
- Student Life
- About UNT
- Research
- Athletics
- Giving
Addiction Studies Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Help those in need. The Addiction Studies program at The University of North Texas
prepares you to become an ally. Work with people with addiction — those at risk and
those in recovery.
Opportunities in the substance use disorders and process addictions recovery professions
exist in hospitals, community agencies, schools, within the justice system, state
and federal government organizations, recovery supports, recovery homes, detoxification
programs, and private and public treatment programs. Our program provides the required
courses for licensure as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas.
Want more info?
We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.
Request More InfoWhy Earn an Addiction Studies Degree?
An addiction studies major prepares students to work directly with individuals with substance use disorders and process addictions (e.g., gambling, disordered eating, etc.) in order to facilitate long-term recovery, autonomy and improved quality of life. Graduates of this major are prepared to become interdisciplinary professionals who will advance equity and optimize quality-of-life outcomes in diverse communities with substance use disorders. Your training will provide exposure to addiction diagnoses, all levels of care and competencies for working effectively with adults and adolescents.
Our department is composed of community-engaged academics providing an education that reaches beyond the classroom. Faculty with expertise in applied gerontology, health services, rehabilitation counseling, substance use and behavioral health concerns prepare students for a career in making a positive change in the lives of others.
Alumni of our programs become researchers, educators, administrators and clinicians. If you are looking for a rewarding career that empowers individuals in community-based, public or private settings, we have the program for you!
Marketable Skills
- Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competence
- Critical Thinking Skills and Treatment Planning
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
- Interpersonal Communication
- Professional Readiness (Addiction Competencies)
Addiction Studies Degree Highlights
The program’s curriculum meets the criteria for credential as a Licensed Chemical
Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the State of Texas and serves as a robust foundation
for graduate study.
The program provides rigorous courses taught by clinically trained, licensed and experienced
faculty who have a rich history in their areas of expertise. The program offers an
integrated model of addictions, mental health and co-occurring disorders.
This major provides exposure to addiction diagnoses, all levels of care and competencies
for working with adults and adolescents.
UNT's Wellness and Employment Learning Lab (UNTWELL) was created in 2016 to provide
services for students to assist them with their personal/academic goals and provide
hands-on learning opportunities.
This program supports students and professionals who wish to continue career development
in the addictions field. It addresses numerous aspects of the treatment process, including
prevention, intervention, residential treatment and outpatient substance use treatment.
Rehabilitation & Health Services students are eligible to apply for scholarships offered
by the college and department.
What Can You Do With an Addiction Studies Degree?
The demand for Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDCs) in treatment centers, criminal justice agencies, schools, medical facilities, social welfare programs and private practice is urgent.
The B.S. in Addiction Studies prepares students and professionals to work directly with individuals with substance use disorders and process addictions (e.g. gambling, disordered eating, etc.) in order to facilitate long-term recovery, autonomy and improved quality of life.
Alumni of our programs become researchers, educators, administrators and clinicians.
Addiction Studies Degree Courses You Could Take
Drugs and Alcohol (3 hrs)
Covers the psychological, biological and behavioral effects of substance use and addiction
with particular focus on the impact of alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, opiates, stimulants,
depressants and hallucinogens on mind, body and behavior.
Addiction Treatment Models (3 hrs)
Provides an overview of treatment strategies used in the treatment of alcohol/drug
use and dependence. Examines basic chemical dependency treatment service delivery
systems within the context of alcohol and other drug use counseling theory.
Alcohol, Drugs and Disability (3 hrs)
Examines the biological, psychological and systemic nature of substance use and addiction,
their overlap with other mental and physical disabilities, and their relationship
to the process of rehabilitation.
Addiction Counseling and Groups (3 hrs)
Principles and practice for the most common forms of addiction treatment offered today.
Explores methods of dealing with substance use disorder issues in a group and offers
opportunities to apply skills in class settings.
Current Issues in Substance Use Disorders (3 hrs)
Current issues in substance use disorders are explored using various types of research
reports and other professional literature. These sources are used to help students
understand the role of research in developing programs, formulating policies and evaluating
one’s practice. Students become critical consumers of professional literature as they
develop specialized expertise on specific problems, groups or practices used in treating
addictions and substance use disorders.
Addictions (3 hrs)
Examines the biological, social-developmental and psychological impact of substance
use and behavioral-process addiction as well as its relationship to individual and
family functioning. Investigates the relationship between substance use and chronic
stress, trauma, and psychological health. Reviews current treatment methods and settings
for substance use disorders in addition to current and historical social-political
issues related to substance use and legislation.
Learn More About UNT
Watch this video to learn more about what makes UNT great!
