Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions
Description and Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions provides you with content knowledge of the major concepts, values, theories, psychological studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to the many aspects of addiction science, assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and case management. Courses are designed to help you understand the nature of addiction and clinical disorders to help in your professional work with clients. Courses focus on using the scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavior and mental processes while applying psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
If you have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you may be eligible for degree requirements to be waived and replaced with advanced start credit. Refer to Advanced Start Credit in Bachelor’s Degrees for details.
Concentration and Practicum Track
You can personalize your degree by electing to pursue a concentration in business foundations or the practicum track.
The business foundations concentration will allow you to gain competencies in the fundamental concepts of business administration. You will develop an understanding of the four functions of management, the components of a marketing strategy, and the financial performance of an organization.
The practicum track will allow you to incorporate a practicum experience in your program. The practicum track is required for residents of certain states. See the Policies section below.
Graduate Program Pathways
If you are interested in earning both a bachelor's and master's degree, consider a graduate program pathway.
Program Length
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.
Program Outcomes
Discipline-Specific Outcomes
- Knowledge Base: Discuss the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, enduring conflicts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- Research Methods: Explore basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Assess problems related to behavior and mental processes using analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and/or the scientific approach.
- Application: Apply the appropriate psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.
- Values in Psychology: Examine the underlying ethical standards, values, and considerations in theory and practice in the disciplines of psychology.
- Information and Technological Skills: Use contemporary tools and technologies to screen, assess, treat, and evaluate client progress in real world situations.
- Global Awareness: Explain how academic and applied psychology can improve interpersonal relationships across cultural boundaries in a variety of treatment settings.
General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies
In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.
Program Availability
For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information.
Policies
Admissions Requirements
If you are a resident of Indiana, Nebraska, or Wyoming, you are required to take additional practicum hours in order to meet state-specific education requirements; you must enroll in the practicum track and may not pursue a concentration.
Prior to enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Addictions program’s practicum track, you must pass a criminal background check.
Progression Requirements
You may not use credit for prior learning to fulfill the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PS215 | Neuroscience | 5 |
| PS311 | Ethical Practice in a Diverse World | 6 |
| PS370 | Health Psychology | 6 |
| PS375 | Psychology of Addiction | 6 |
| PS377 | Models of Peer Recovery | 6 |
| PS380 | Clinical Psychology | 6 |
| PS450 | Case Management in Clinical Settings | 6 |
| PS452 | Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs | 6 |
| PS455 | Addictions Practicum I | 6 |
| PS456 | Addictions Practicum II | 6 |
| PS497 | Bachelor's Capstone in Addiction | 6 |
You must complete these courses at Purdue Global.
Practicum Requirements
If you are enrolled in the practicum track, you must provide notice of intent to enroll in practicum courses at least 3 months prior to the beginning of the term in which you wish to enroll. Notification must be submitted to the Clinical Placement Team using the appropriate application form. Applications that are not complete will not be accepted.
You are responsible for locating a site in which to complete practicum hours. You are also required to complete a practicum placement orientation. You must complete all prepracticum placement requirements and have permission of the Clinical Placement Team in order to enroll in a course that includes completion of practicum or field placement hours. A list of requirements is available from the Clinical Placement Team.
You should be aware that health care organizations may have specific requirements regarding vaccination against communicable diseases including COVID and Influenza. Failure to comply with requirements could interfere with the opportunity to complete a required practicum, may delay graduation or lead to an inability to complete your program, and could impact future employment opportunities.
While completing your practicum courses,
- If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS455 Addictions Practicum I prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to receive an extension in the course. If an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS455A Addictions Practicum I Extension which will allow you up to 10 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS455 Addictions Practicum I. Enrollment in these courses will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
- If you feel that you may not be able to complete the PS456 Addictions Practicum II prescribed requirements in 10 weeks, you must contact the Clinical Placement Team in order to gain an extension in the course. If an extension is granted, you will enroll in PS456A Addictions Practicum II Extension which will allow you up to 10 extra weeks to complete the requirements of PS456 Addictions Practicum II. Enrollment in these courses will only be granted at the discretion of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams
Certification and licensure boards have state-specific educational requirements for programs that lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.
Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility. If you are a resident of Indiana, Nebraska, or Wyoming, you are required to take additional practicum hours to meet state-specific education requirements; you must enroll in the practicum track and may not pursue a concentration.
Optional certifications may be available, such as the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Certification. You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). The NASAC can be contacted at:
44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-562-0211
Website: http://nasacaccreditation.org
The NAADAC (Association for Addiction Professionals) has designated Purdue Global as an Approved Education Provider for meeting nationally approved standards of education for the addiction counseling profession. Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions will meet the coursework requirements to take the optional National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) Level I and II and NCPRSS certification exams.
Note that additional requirements must also be completed to take the optional NCAC Level I and II and NCPRSS examinations, including degree, field experience, and licensure requirements. Refer to http://www.naadac.org/types-eligibility for full eligibility requirements.
The NAADAC can be contacted at:
44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-741-7686
Website: http://naadac.org
Upon completion of the following courses in your program, and if you meet the organization’s additional requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the optional National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Certification.
- PS124 🌐 Introduction to Psychology
- PS311 Ethical Practice in a Diverse World
- PS375 Psychology of Addiction
- PS377 Models of Peer Recovery
- PS450 Case Management in Clinical Settings
- PS452 Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs
Please visit https://www.naadac.org/ncprss for full eligibility requirements.