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.

Upon completion of specific program requirements, and if you meet the organization’s additional requirements, you may be eligible to obtain the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Certification. See the Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams section for additional information.

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

You can personalize your degree with a concentration in business foundations. 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.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning a master's degree, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.
 

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

  1. Knowledge Base: Discuss the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, enduring conflicts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
  2. Research Methods: Explore basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
  3. Critical Thinking Skills: Assess problems related to behavior and mental processes using analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and/or the scientific approach.
  4. Application: Apply the appropriate psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.
  5. Values in Psychology: Examine the underlying ethical standards, values, and considerations in theory and practice in the disciplines of psychology.
  6. Information and Technological Skills: Use contemporary tools and technologies to screen, assess, treat, and evaluate client progress in real world situations.
  7. 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

Progression Requirements

You may not use credit for prior learning to fulfill the following courses:

Code Title Credits
PS215Neuroscience5
PS311Ethical Practice in a Diverse World6
PS370Health Psychology6
PS375Psychology of Addiction6
PS377Models of Peer Recovery6
PS380Clinical Psychology6
PS450Case Management in Clinical Settings6
PS452Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs6
PS497Bachelor's Capstone in Addiction6

You must complete these courses at Purdue Global.

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information to determine enrollment eligibility.

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 professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements in Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions program do not guarantee or prepare you for state licensure in any state upon graduation.

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 NCAC Level I and II certification exams.

Note that additional requirements must also be completed to take the NCAC Level I and II examinations, including degree, field experience, and licensure requirements. Refer to http://www.naadac.org/ncc-ap 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 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.