Coming Soon! This program is in the final stages of approval. Be one of the first participants in this new program!

The BS in Substance Use and Abuse Studies is a flexible, fully online program designed to prepare students for a career in addiction studies and counseling. With an urgent national and statewide need for a competent workforce in professional addictions counseling, this new and in-demand profession is expected to grow by 17% from 2024 through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). 

The degree is on track for accreditation with the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE), making graduates eligible to become Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors with the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California (ACCBC), increasing employment opportunities in licensed and certified inpatient and outpatient facilities. The proposed degree also provides a direct pathway to Sacramento State’s Master of Science in Counseling graduate degree with four concentrations for expanded professional employment opportunities across the counseling field, including private clinical practice.

Complete the Bachelor of Science in Substance Use and Abuse Studies departmental application.

Benefits

• Fully online asynchronous and synchronous learning
• Accelerated 8-week course sessions
• Flexible year-round programming 
• Finish in as little as 2 years
• High-quality, expert-led instruction by University faculty 
• Financial aid is eligible based on student need

Audience

This program is designed for students who: 

• Need a fully online modality to complete their BS in Substance Use and Abuse Studies to accommodate work schedules, family obligations, or geographic barriers to traditional on-campus study
• Have already completed lower-division coursework at a community college or university 
• Are interested in pursuing a career in addiction counseling
• May already be working in the field of addictions or counseling and are seeking career advancement

Admission Requirements 

• Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Minimum 45 CSU-transferable units
• Completion of two or more of the following General Education Subject Areas:
  • Subject Area 1A: English Composition
  • Subject Area 1B: Critical Thinking
  • Subject Area 1C: Oral Communication
  • Subject Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

Structure

Students take 8-week asynchronous and synchronous online courses. There are two sessions per semester, allowing students flexibility while they finish their degree in a timely manner. This format is designed to accommodate the needs of working adults with multiple responsibilities, providing the opportunity for students to advance their education while maintaining employment and personal commitments.