Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Psychology

Substance abuse is an umbrella that encompasses drug addiction and alcoholism, and it’s long been a central concern among the behavioral disorders that psychology majors learn about as undergraduates, and psychologists study and treat in professional settings. But, as the science surrounding addiction and treatment has become more nuanced, and the treatments for substance abuse more varied and sophisticated, this branch of behavioral and clinical psychology has come into its own as a growing subspecialty. The so-called war on drugs, along with the move toward legalizing marijuana and a greater awareness surrounding prescription drug abuse and addiction, have helped propel substance abuse psychology to a prominent position in the discipline, both professional and academically.

Given the convincing proportion of those numbers, it’s probably not surprising that more and more colleges and universities have been developing and implementing on-campus and online bachelor’s degree programs in substance abuse psychology. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at these programs and the various options for earning an undergraduate degree in psychology tailored toward the growing field of substance abuse and addiction counseling, treatment, and prevention. We’ll also survey the kinds of jobs that are open to bachelor’s degree graduates and the salary outlook for those positions.

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Psychology?

Actually, a better question might be, how does a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse psychology differ from a regular bachelor’s degree in psychology? The answer lies in the details. A bachelor’s degree in substance abuse psychology includes much of the foundational coursework that’s typically found in most undergraduate psychology programs, including classes in the general principles of psychology, the history of psychology, psychological theories of development, and psychological research methodologies and statistical analysis. It should also introduce students to the concepts surrounding social psychology, or the dynamics of individual behavior in group settings, and cognitive psychology, although these classes may also be tailored to the unique demands of substance abuse treatment, prevention, assessment, and counseling.

Bachelor’s degrees in substance abuse psychology sometimes fall under the heading of substance abuse counseling, addition treatment, or other related terms. In other cases, colleges and universities may offer a substance abuse studies minor through their psychology department. And, bachelor’s degrees in substance abuse psychology can be bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees. The former may include more general education requirement, while the latter could include more in the way of scientific study. But, these things tend to vary from program to program, and school to school, much more so than, say, any standard deviation between a typical BA and a typical BS in psychology or substance abuse psychology.

Substance Abuse Psychology Coursework

Below is a chart that illustrates what a well-rounded, four-year course of study in substance abuse psychology or addiction studies and treatment might look like in terms of core areas of concentration.

Most bachelor’s degree programs in substance abuse psychology will also include a full complement of general education courses, particularly in the area of writing and communications skills, critical thinking and analysis, and computer literacy. As the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook points out, in addition to compassion and patience, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors need to have finely honed listening, speaking, and interpersonal skills. The American Job Center Network’s ONet Online goes on to emphasize that substance abuse counseling requires meticulous record keeping and a familiarity with medical and social service database software. It’s particularly important when exploring online degree programs to make sure that they address these kinds of needs.

Career Options, Salaries, and Job Outlook

The educational requirements and licensing procedures for addiction and substance abuse counselors vary from state to state and there really is no well-defined industry standard. There are a number of professional groups that offer state-by-state guidance in this regard, as well as independent certifications, including the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC.org), the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP.org), and the American Counseling Association (ACA). But, according to the latest reports from the BLS, “Educational requirements range from a high school diploma to a master’s degree, depending on the setting, type of work, state regulations, and level of responsibility.”

The BLS statistics reveal that 44 percent of substance abuse professionals employed in 2012 worked either in mental health and substance abuse centers or residential care facilities, followed by individual and family services (13 percent); state and local government agencies (11 percent); and hospitals (10 percent). And, these are just some of the growing number of areas in which substance abuse specialists with bachelor’s degrees are finding employment.

A bachelor’s degree in substance abuse psychology also presents a solid foundation for further study, which could include a master’s degree in addiction treatment and counseling followed by a doctorate in the same specialization or a related area of psychological study. Let’s look at projected growth in the field of substance abuse counseling in a comparative fashion, and how working in the field of substance abuse psychology stacks up against similar professions in terms of average annual salary.

The latest data form the BLS’s Occupational Employment Statistics, dated May 2014, put the average annual salary of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors at $41,870. But, for those aiming to enter the job market directly from a bachelor’s degree program, without the added benefit of a master’s or PhD, it’s worth taking a closer look at that number. In fact, the median annual income for substance abuse counselor was slightly lower, at $39,270, and those in the lowest 10 and 25 percent earned $25,310 and $31,400, respectively. Those latter numbers may be more indicative of what a substance abuse counselor with a bachelor’s degree might earn in a job market in which there is competition from master’s and doctoral degree holders.